Anuxka's Experience in Florence, Italy

What is Florence like to live in? Would you recommend it?

To live the Erasmus experience, Florence is a great city, especially for Fine Arts or Architecture students. In this city you can enjoy interesting museums, as well as admiring it's monuments. Overall it is a beautiful city, and walking through the streets is wonderful, especially at night.

How is the student atmosphere in Florence?

There is a great student atmosphere with Erasmus based parties, as well as different ones, however I come from Pamplona and I find the parties there are much gentler than here. In Florence, as with many other places in Italy, people go out in a more relaxed way. I loved that it was different to home, as I got to experience another style of going out at night.

How much are the living costs in Florence?

Florence is an expensive city. Each month I would spend around 600/700 euros (including all kinds of bills). So much so that I recommend that you don't buy anything from 'Il Centro' as you will spend triple what you would in other supermarkets.

Was it hard finding accommodation in Florence? Do you have any advice?

It's not hard to find somewhere to live. I arrived towards the end of September and I was able to find a shared flat with other students within a week. I found the advert for the flat on the notice board in the Fine Arts building, but aside from looking round the University, it's also worth looking at the following websites:

• http://www.kijiji.it
• http://www.subito.it

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

Italian food is very good. You can always find places that have good food but also places with bad food, like anywhere, but in general, Italian is pretty good. I wouldn't know what my favourite dish is, but the truth is that Italian pizzas are usually really good. A good pizza absolutely has to be cooked in a wood-fired stove and with fresh ingredients.

Which places would you recommend to visit in Florence?

For me, I really liked the views from the 'Piazalle Michelangelo'. I climbed to the top many times just to take in the wonderful views of the city and if I were to go back, I would go back up there again. Also I enjoyed wandering around the banks of the river Arno and looking at the reflections on the water from the Vecchio Bridge.

What about places to eat in Florence? Do you have any favourite places?

When eating in Florence, I recommend looking for 'aperitivos'. This is an open buffet which usually starts at 7pm, and usually comes with a cocktail, a glass of wine or a beer (depending on where you go). From the Biblioteca Delle Oblate (Library), you can enjoy an 'aperitivo' with fantastic views of the dome of the Domo (cathedral).

Where would you recommend for nights out in Florence?

When going out, I recommend the 'Santo Spirito' area. In this square you will always find someone playing guitar and people singing along. If the weather is nice, the square is usually full of people, especially Italians more than Erasmus. You can eat a 'panini', along with a beer or glass of wine calmly, whilst enjoying the friendly atmosphere which surrounds it.

Any advice for future students in Florence?

You should try and mix well with other Italians, and practice the language because if you stick with other Spaniards, in the end you'll regret it. I think that the experience is much more intense and beneficial if you get to know the locals.