Erasmus Experience in Catania, Italy by Georgia

Why did you choose to go to Catania, Italy?

I had never visited Sicily, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to see a new country.

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

I'm here for 6 months and I receive €1600 from Erasmus and my maintenance loan from the UK.

What is the student lifestyle like in Catania?

Not great; the university provides great classes but the online system is very hard to navigate, I've been here 3 months and still haven't figured out the email system - neither have any of my friends. ESN doesn't do a great deal here, everything is based around beer pong which honestly isn't my thing simply because I hate beer. There were a few nights out and trips at the beginning but they ended very suddenly and they don't organise very much now.

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

No, I would not recommend Catania as a city, as a university it is fine but I would not recommend anybody to come and live in Catania.

What is the food like?

The food is very reasonably priced for typical Italian food - the arancini are amazing. But there isn't a great range or variety, so after a while pizza and pasta gets a little tiring.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Catania?

No, I found my accomodation before and it was very easy to find reasonably priced accomodation.

How much does it cost to live in Catania?

I pay €250 a month for my room which I'm told is about the general price for flats here. That is a central flat in a relatively good location with a very modern interior.

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

The University took a grand total of a month and a half from the initial language test to sorting out the language courses. This is a fabulous example of the Sicilian culture, it will happen when it happens. I had studied Italian before coming to Catania so for me it was relatively easy but others of my friends with no knowledge have learnt nothing.

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

Flights.

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

The Piazza Teatro is very popular and it is busy most nights of the week.

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

Raxmataz and Panecaldo.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is an amphitheatre from the Roman era and Bellini's house has been made into a museum. There are ballets and operas being shown at the Theatre and the Art Gallery always has something interesting.

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

Don't come here expecting it to be like Italy. The people are completely different and will treat you like Aliens if you are a foreigner. Girls - don't show any leg as you will be stared at and in some of the worst scenarios you will be followed home or indeed groped. Just be aware.