Experience in Bologna, Italy by Dina

What is it like to live in Bologna? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Bologna is an amazing city. Atmosphere is vibrant and vivid all the time. It is full of cultural events, exhibitions, underground movements, squats, concerts, students from all around the world. The city is not huge but it is lovely and everybody feels at home there. People are very kind and gentle and will help you with anything. Even though they don't usually speak a lot of English, they will try their best to make a conversation.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bologna?

University is very good, especially with humanities, professors are nice and friendly, easy going, chatty and direct. There are also a lot of other extracurricular activities and it was truly a great experience being a student of alma mater in Bologna.

How much does it cost to live in Bologna?

Prices are unfortunately rather high. Accommodation is really expensive (for a single room you would need around 350-450e) and the going outs during the weekend are also quite expensive. Restaurants are not quite affordable, so the best solution is to buy your own food at the supermarkets.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bologna? Is there any advice you can give?

It is rather hard because there are a lot of students every year coming from both Italy and all around the world. The best solution is to search for the rooms on Facebook pages of the university, or at the Facebook pages particularly made for the publicities for flats. Also, one should start looking for the room at least couple of months before coming just to avoid the stress.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Italian food is amazing. Pasta in all sorts of ways is definitely the best. Bologna's "thing" is also the famous aperitivo, something not to miss. Wine is excellent and every other italian dishes, both with famous italian ice creams is delicious.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bologna?

San Luca, Giardini Margarita, climbing the 2 towers, Museum of Modern Art, Bologna's Cemetery, Casalecchio region, etc.

Is it good to eat out in Bologna? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I did not often do that because it is not very cheap but the food is amazing everywhere and there will be no mistake if one chooses either place to dine out. There are also a lot of other restaurants (chinese, japanese, thai, greek, lebanese, indian) and they are all really good.

Is the nightlife good in Bologna? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is awesome. There are many clubs and bars in the very center of the town but the best of them are a little bit outside. There are also good squats where they organize good music concerts with nice food and events, exhibitions, etc. Tpo, Laboratorio Crash, Link, Cassero, Arteria, Xm 24, Labas, Modo, Buco, Via Del Pratello (bar street), Mambo and many, many, many more.

What advice would you give future students heading to Bologna?

Be open for everything that comes, meet as much people as possible and it is good to know some Italian before going. I did not know any Italian, but I soon started speaking, reading and passed all the exams in italian, so just stay open for everything. And don't lose your temper with the terrible administration.