Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Natalia

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Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I chose Bologna, because I wanted a beautiful, historical and crazy student city in a small version! Bologna is all this and even more!

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I stayed 6 months (now I would choose one year for sure) and I received 3. 000 Euro, namely 500 per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

You can find literally everything! There is party every night organised by the Erasmus organisations in clubs. Then there are other no-Erasmus bars /club for those who want an Italian entertainment. For those who are not interested in that kind of having fun, the city is full of nice places where you can eat and drink in a beautiful environment. Or even stay out in the piazzas, as students usually do! Bologna fits those who like playing music as well, because the main streets are usually occupied by musicians!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Bologna to other students?

You must go to Bologna. The 80 % of its population is students! The Erasmus organisations so helpful, the location of the city perfect to travel to other famous cities nearby. I loved the university as well. High level, full of international students, good professors.

What is the food like?

For those who like pasta and pizza is perfect. Many stores and different kinds of these products! Undoubtedly you should Taste ice cream! Every day there is an open market that sell fishes (low price) and vegetables (high prices comparable to Greek prices).

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

Yes, it is very difficult. Search many months ago and find one before you go!

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

• 400 Euro per month the room in a shared apartment.
• 400 Euro for trips and everything.

So it costed me about 800 Euro per month.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

There are languages course available but I don't know details about that. I knew Italian before I go so for me it was easy. For those who don't know anything they should learn because it will make their life easier. Many Italian don't talk English. But the Italian language is so nice, so grab the chance and learn it anyway!

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Bologna from your city?

From Thessaloniki to Bologna Aziende Airplane. Or Thessaloniki - Milan by air plane and then train to Bologna.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Bologna?

Millennium, soda pops, kinky, Challet: Erasmus party hard places!

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Bologna?

• Lab16: to eat everything with 7 euros! when I say everything I mean it. You order your drink with seven euros and then you have free buffet where you can refill as many times as you want.
• Spacca Napoli: best pizza in the city. The most enormous that I have ever seen in my life!
• Pizza casa: a whole pizza with 3 or 4 euros!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

So many museums, so many parks. Every Sunday there is a cultural event in the city and in spring-summer there is an open cinema in the main square every night! The mayor is doing an amazing job!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Bologna in the future?

Take care your things in the clubs and I'm general have your eyes open because they steal sometimes!

And guys : find a room before you go!

When you leave the city you will cry, so take tissues.

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