My Experience in Bologna, Italy - by Ana

What's it like living in Bologna? Would you recommend it?

For an Erasmus exchange, I think it's the perfect city. I spent ten months living in Bologna and I couldn't have made a better choice. In fact, I've been back there six or seven times since I finished my Erasmus.

It's got everything you need. It has a great university, is well-connected to other universities and its cuisine is incredible.

What's the student life like in Bologna?

Bologna is considered the Italian Salamanca. There are students everywhere, loads of cultural activities, and it's almost impossible to find yourself with nothing to do there.

How expensive is living in Bologna?

Bologna isn't known for being very cheap. It's quite expensive and a one person flat in the centre especially. It's all a question of organising yourself and looking hard. In terms of food shopping, I recommend going to Esselunga.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Bologna? Do you have any flat-huntings tips?

It wasn't that hard, but what I did was a bit risky. I found the flat over the internet, the girl renting it talked to me and therefore when I arrived in Bologna, I already had somewhere to live. Though I was really lucky and everything turned out fine, I would recommend searching for a flat when you're actually there, and in the city centre (university area), since it's full of accommodation adverts.

What's Italian food like?

If you like eating pasta then it's the perfect place for you. Bologna is the home of fresh pasta and of the wonderful bolognese sauce. I always ate tagliatelle al ragú, tortelloni pana and prosciutto.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bologna?

The city centre (Piazza Maggiore, Piazza Santo Stefano, Due Torri, Via Zamboni... ), I Giardini Marguerita, the different museums... I'd recommend everything.

What about eating out in Bologna? What are your favourite places?

My favourite restaurant was 'L'osteria dell'orsa'. I recommend Tiramisu for dessert. Go to a place near 'Due Torri' for pizza.

What are the best places for parting in Bologna?

Hmmm... there are loads! You'll keep finding more places. :) In any case, a must is the Café Paris. A club in the centre is the VIP Disco Club.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Bologna?

Your Erasmus will fly by and probably be the best year of your lives. Enjoy it to the full and make the most of the cultural and personal enrichment you'll gain from it.