Erasmus Experience in Bologna, Italy by Shaneeda

Why did you choose to go to Bologna, Italy?

I have always wanted to go to Italy, because of its serene beauty.
Therefore, Bologna was a good choice, it has the World's oldest and prestigious university, besides this they have amazing architecture.

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

I an on Erasmus Plus i.e. 2 years program but my first year was supposed to be here in Bologna; for one complete year that means for two semesters for my masters program. The monthly stipend I receive is one thousand Euros after every two months, and living is quiet expensive here, especially accommodation is costly, for students who solely depend on their stipend. Since it is covid and we are not going out, and we are not partying or travelling and we are able to manage with that money otherwise it will be hard to manage in normal days.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

To be honest, I had experienced being a normal student going to university and attending class happened for only one month in these two semesters, they were beautiful yet we were supposed to follow SOPs and we could not see all our fellows. I have heard from seniors that it was amazing and very lively during the normal days, unfortunately, I could not experience it in these two semesters for which I am very sad.

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

Definitely, I have already recommended it so many people who ask me about studying in Italy or apply for foreign universities, I immediately suggest them UniBo without a second thought,

What is the food like?

The food is awesome, even tough I got to dine out very few times due to obviously Covid-19. The food that I have tasted for the first time I did not like it much but now I am liking it.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bologna?

Accommodation can be a thing that will exhaust you the most in the beginning. Personally I had to stay at a hostel for almost a month. Finding good accommodation costs a lot, even if it not very good it still costs pretty good. I

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

Luckily, I have got a single room (Out of the center obviously) and that is comparatively cheaper than the rest I know. Overall per month it costs me more than 600, which does not include any partying, any dine out or any sort of outing or travelling, as I am totally following the changing orange and red zones since then and not going out and there is even no option for partying or clubbing, etc.

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

Language is important! Yes, the university offers one semester free language course and if you're a beginner you will be supposed to learn it yourself and that is very hard. A1 is a level and that is very very hard and that is supposed to be done by yourself and it is pretty hard, so I would suggest learn it from someone who already knows the language or the basics of the language. For everyday interactions and living you should be knowing some Italian otherwise the first three months will be very hard for you to manage. Therefore, if you are planning to go to Italy, learn Italian from the time you plan your study plan in your head, it will make your life easier.

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

Well, I came from Pakistan and that was pretty long one. I had to take several different sources to reach as I did not know much. However, no direct flight comes to Bologna, we have to take connecting flight to reach.

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

I would recommend to go to San Luca, just sit on the side and look down at the beautiful city. You will feel the sky is near and there are stars above your head and beneath your feet. Go there when there is full moon and the sky is clear, I go there when I don't feel good, and that helps me feel better or you can say it is just my personal spot away from the city in the nature close to the sky yet feet on the ground, it feels amazing.

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

Nothing specific, I enjoy all food everywhere.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are seven secrets in Bologna, come and explore them by yourself ;) and overall the city, the university and every corner is a historical site and have their own story.

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

My simple advice will be live your best life here, enjoy your moments with your friends, study hard, Bologna is astonishingly beautiful and you will definitely love it. The initial days might feel bit hard and boring but trust me it will all worth it and you gonna have a wonderful time.