Adrián's Erasmus Experience in Farrara, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Ferrara, Italy?

At first I wanted to go to an Eastern European country, but a failed grade in English left me with Italy as the only viable option. I was also looking to travel, so the best option was Bologna with its airport with thousands of offers and its close location to Europe. However, my application was unsuccessful, so my second option was the closest city to it, Ferrara.

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How long does the scholarship last? How much money do you receive to help?

The scholarship lasts about 9 months. I have to say that I feel privileged in terms of aid - I receive almost 5, 800 euros, including state and regional aid (from the Andalusian government) and bonuses for being a MEC scholarship last year. Out of all those who I've spoken to about this, I'm the one who receives the most - I just hope I don't have to pay anything back hahaha.

What is the student life like in Ferrara?

It is a student city, similar to what you can find in Granada. There are plenty of student flats and the university is divided into several campuses.

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

If you're looking for a party, don't go. I come from Almeria and I don't know what you know about it, but the party there is 4 times better! It's like nowhere else in Spain.

On the other hand if you want a city with a good university for Law and Pharmacy, you should choose Ferrera. The classes are small, with good teachers, so academically it is very good. There is also the option to travel as Bologna is very close, so take that into account.

What is the food like?

Very good, you will miss your mother's meals, but more for the laziness of cooking you than for the quality of Italian products. Pasta, pizza, cheese, vegetables and all kinds of other high quality food.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Ferrara?

A little yes, because I insisted on living with Italians to practice the language and I was looking for something not too expensive. A week and a half, after arriving I still had nothing.

PS: I am eternally grateful to Elisa and Estefania who hosted me in their flat during that first week.

How much does it cost to live in Ferrara?

Rent is on average 200-300 euros, plus about 50 euros for electricity, gas, water and community charges. I spend about 120 euros a month on food which is sufficient. Look for offers at Eurospin or Lidl.

What about the language? Did you go to any courses at the University?

My Italian level was like that of Super Mario. In other words, mamma mia and little more. The university offers a course but it's not cheap and those who have gone don't seem to have learned much - they give you 4 credits. Talk to Italians and if you live with them, you'll get a free accelerated course. Having an Italian boyfriend or girlfriend is the best course you can take hahaha. In a month and bit I could communicate well enough. Reading and studying in another language is another thing, but with patience and a little effort it is easy - it's Italian, not German!

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What is the cheapest way to get to Ferrara from your city?

I am from Almeria but the best direct flights to Bologna are with Ryanair or Vueling from cities like Malaga and Alicante, or if you are in the north of Spain, Madrid or Barcelona. (Book your flights two months in advance). Once you arrive in Bologna, there is a bus that takes you directly to the centre of Ferrara for about 15 euros and passes every 1h or 2h. You can get it if you exit the airport on the right hand side and it is called Bus&Fly. If you are more adventurous you can take the airport bus to the central station of Bologna and there is train to Ferrara - this option is cheaper (10 euros) but is more tedious. Both of these options will take about 40 min-1 hour to get to Ferrara.

Where would you recommend to go to party in Ferrara?

The discos in Ferrara can be summed up as two places that are 2 km away from each other:

1. Renfe: if you pay €10 you can enter the whole area for free. It is a crappy disco but with reggaeton music, it is in general better than its competitor. It's a very informal nightclub, you can go as you want, even pyjamas are accepted I think...

2. College: This disco is located in Arinouva next to the Faculty of Law and is a cool place. It has two floors and a central track with a piece of screen. The problem is the music which is bad bad bad, and when they play reggaeton, there are only two songs per hour. The people who go to this disco dress more formally. The entrance costs €10 without a drink, but some Fridays it is €5 if you are an Erasmus student.

Both nightclubs close at 4:30am, which is rubbish!

If you want to drink before going to the nightclub, I'd recommend Extrabar - the shots are less than one euro, which is great!

As I said before, there aren't really any parties in Ferrara, but you can have some parties with your friends in someone's flat.

PS: It costs €5 each way to Bologna where you can find real parties.

What about eating in Ferrara? Can you name your favourite places?

I haven't been to many restaurants, but for appetisers, which is what you get in Italy, the Duellanti is the best, is filled with people on Sunday afternoons. Sebastian is also a good restaurant which is by the river.

Which cultural sites would you recommend visiting?

In the heart of the city there is a Duomo (cathedral) and a spectacular castle, along with the piazza Aristotea and the Massari park, which are great. Visit nearby cities too, such as Verona, Modena, Padua, Bologna...

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Any advice you want to give to future students in Ferrara?

1. Live with Italians.

2. Find a good house to live in, as you'll be there for 6 or 9 months and if you don't you'll be complaining!

3. Buy a bicycle, it is the best means of transport in the city, but do not spend more than €40 - I'm just saying that in Ferrara you say "the first bike you buy, the second you steal".

4. Ferrara's ESN is bullshit

5. Do sport, the city offers many options (running, swimming, football, cross-fit, etc).

6. Travel lots, its is very good year to do it.

7. Bring warm clothes. The city is very cold in winter - there is fog almost all the time and temperatures are between -2 and 8 degrees.

8. (FOR MEN) Do not think that this is 'eramusorgasmus', unless you are truly seductive you will have a hard time with the Italians - they are cold and sometimes it'll be necessary to see someone several times before having a kiss.

9. (FOR WOMEN) If you are Spanish the Italians will think that is equal to easy, play with that, you will get years of advantage in seduction compared to the Italians.

10. Enjoy Erasmus and grow in every possible way.