Experience in Cosenza, Italy by Danilo

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

Cosenza is a small city near the University of Calabria, but I suggest that Erasmus student find an accommodation in Rende (if the University itself doesn't furnish one), that is actually closer to the University and more crowded with students.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cosenza?

Most of the parties for students are held in Rende and in several days of the week. According to one's preferences, it's possible to go dancing at discotheques, clubs or house parties (since most of the Erasmus students live in the Residential Centre, and it is pretty far and not very well connected to Rende).

How much does it cost to live in Cosenza?

Cosenza and Rende aren't expensive cities if compared to other italian cities, especially for Erasmus students who receive an accommodation and meals. A dinner out (hamburger+fries+beer/pizza+fries+beer/appetizer+pizza+beer) can cost from 10€ to 20€.

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

It's not very difficult to find accommodation, especially in Rende there are a lot of rooms to rent. As I said, Erasmus students can also receive a free accommodation in the Residential Centre of the University.

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

The food is very good, but having a meal in restaurants can be very expensive. Furthermore the best restaurants are hard to get (unless you have a car) since they are in the villages nearby. Actually there are a lot of very good and different dishes of pasta, meat, fish and, obviously, pizza, but certainly the home-made are the best.

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

Eating out for lunch can be expensive, while for dinner not too much. For a good hamburger in Rende I suggest Stube Paulaner and Red Scorpion, while for a good pizza I suggest Capricciosa (actually there are better pizza restaurants but are far and hard to get by walking).