Erasmus Experience in Ferrara, Italy by Aidana

Why did you choose to go to Ferrara, Italy?

It was suitable for me as I wanted to complete my degree in law. The city seemed to be good place.

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

I'm just an exchange student, so I have to pay everything by myself.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ferrara?

The city itself is quiet boring, int the sense that you will not probably find a lot of places to hang out. But at the same time, there are a lot of students from all over the world. So if you find the company, you will definitely find what to do.

Generally here, you have 2 night clubs. They are pretty good, but not when it comes to the music though. You will find some bars for aperetivo, which is so typically Italian. There are gatherings of students on the main square on Wednesdays and Fridays. Ferrara is known for not being be the "party place". For instance, on Thursdays it is very boring because everything got closed earlier and youngsters normally don't go out on these days.

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

I don't know. It really depends on the person. Every city in Italy is really unique. So you should find somethihng closer to you. As for me, I would say that Ferrara is too small and too calm. You don't have much of shopping areas here (important note for me as I am a girl), not so much clubs or bars. I liked Bologna more, which is really a student city.

What is the food like?

Food is delicious. It's almost impossible to find something bad here, because Italian food is something special; )

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ferrara?

Yes, definitely. I found a flat only couple of days before my arrival. It was really disappointing because I started looking 4 months beforehand. Only few people answered my emails. In any case, I was totally satisfied with my apartment.

How much does it cost to live in Ferrara?

mmm...

so here you go.

I paid 200 euros for my room living with 3 other people. The price included bills (water, electr, etc. but I was really lucky, because prices here are a little bit higher 250-300 sometimes even without extra charges. I spent about 25 euros every week for the food (I would say that it is a bit more expensive here, than in other cities of Italy). But relatively speaking life in Italy is cheaper than in any other EU cities (except for Spain probably).

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

There are Italian courses, that's for sure. Normally, students come here to practise their Italian. I was unprepared, because I don't know Italian and few Italians know english. This circumstance, really encourages to learn a new language.

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

Plane definitely.

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

Bar for aperetivo with friends and then straight to club. Or you can still have a good time eating at a really good restaurant.

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

"Pippo" for sure, the restaurant is close to the main building of the university on Savonarola street. "4 Angeli", good bar with delicious desserts and "drinks". Near duomo, you can find a lot of gelaterias.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I don't know. When I compared Ferrara with the other Italian cities, it turned out that Ferrara is quite conservative when it comes to the architectural sights.

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

I think that Ferrara is nicer in spring time, when the weather is warmer, as the autumn is a little bit foggy and misty.

Plan everything ahead. Get used to Italian relaxed manner and drink cappuccino, it is so good.