Erasmus Experience in Catania, Italy by Peter

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Why did you choose to go to Catania, Italy?

Because I wanted to go to city, where is warm and good weather, sea, lots of young people (because of night life) and good and old university.

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

I am here for four months. I get 1600 € from Erasmus program through my faculty.

What is the student lifestyle like in Catania?

It depends what you study. But during the day you have time to study and in the night you have opportunity to enjoy parties.

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

Yes, of course. It is my first and even last Erasmus, I can´t compare it good with another cities, but I like it here a lot.

What is the food like?

I am in Italy, I like italian kitchen, so for me it is very good and I really enjoy it.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Catania?

No. Students from AEGEE and ESN really help me first days, I had my own tutor and she helped my with finding good accommodation and with everything, what I needed.

How much does it cost to live in Catania?

I am here only first month, but for my room in flat I pay 220€ + electricity monthly. I usually go every day to school canteen for lunch, it costs 2, 50€ and for dinner I usually make spaghetti with some cheap vegetables.

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

Yes, courses are here in the beginning of Erasmus and if you want, you can continued with them.

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

From Slovakia by plane, it is the cheapest way how you can travel to Italy, or somewhere else, I think.

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

There is a lot of good parties. We have often action with AEGEE or ESN people, we usually dance and drink with them, because it is the cheapest way. And if you want to go to city and sit somewhere with your friends, piazza teatro Massimo is the best place for it (cheap and good bars and a lot of young people).

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

Gastronomia in via Pardo 14

La Putia "da Santa"

Pane caldo in piazza Vincenzo Bellini

Pizzeria Cariddi, via Perrotta 29

or you just ask guys from AEGEE/ESN and they will tell you.

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

Enjoy it here. Join group AEGEE and ESN and you will have a lot of activities and trip here.