Erasmus Experience in Firenze, Italy by Emmanuel

Why did you choose to go to Firenze, Italy?

I was studying history of art in Paris, and wanted very much to know more about modern art (1400-1850), particularly the Italian Renaissance. Erasmus projects were going on, I decided to start my own Erasmus project. Accordingly to what I wanted to explore and the choices of agreements with other universities that mine offered, I chose the Università degli Studi of Florence.

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

My scholarship is a year long. I received 160€ from the Erasmus program and 300€ from my region in France.

What is the student lifestyle like in Firenze?

It is quite enjoyable I guess. Given the financial resources I don't have to work (my parents help me), so I have more time to study, discover the city, the Italian culture, and of course have fun. An Erasmus student's life as I am still living it is divided between meeting new people and trying to get along by speaking Italian or English, going to the lessons and try hard to understand everything -which can reveal itself to be quite a challenge, and administration issues - that's the less fun part of Erasmus.

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

The question is a bit too general in my opinion. The easiest answer would be yes, of course. Florence is a nice city, with a great culture, a lot to do. But it can revel itself quite empty when you come from a fairly big city. Again, it is a subjective view, and given that I love all big cities, Florence seems small, old and slow in comparison. That with the italian culture of going slowly and traditionally, it gives back an image of an ancient city with modern people in it. All of this with a drop of the current economic crisis and you have Florence. As for the university, it is a pretty good university, good professors (in history of art at least), and comfortable premises.

What is the food like?

Pizzas, pasta, prosciutto, gnocchi, mozzarella, ice cream, tiramisu, all this is of course very good. Tiny point although: the Italian food is quite limited. One month and you have discovered everything. Still, quite good and refined.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Firenze?

Yes it did, three nights at the hotel, before finding a place. About 100€.

How much does it cost to live in Firenze?

Monthly, the rent is between 200-250€ (bed in a two beds room) and 350-400€ depending on the distance from the center and the apartment's overall quality. For the food, I have a budget of 12€ a day approximately. 185€ a year or 23€/month for the bus, for students. The life in Florence is quite affordable, except for museums if you're not a student History of art: 10€ a ticket for most museums. If you are, it's most of the time free or reduced.

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

The university offers a free course for students, 6 hours a week for a month. After that month you can continue but the cost is around 30€ a month. The language can be easier for Latin languages like French and Spanish, seems more difficult for others. But obviously with the practice you get to speak a better Italian every day.

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

The most economical way is without any doubt the train. It might also be the easiest, although I am not quite sure in comparison with the plane.

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

There are many restaurants where you can spend a little (between 5 and 8€) for a normal meal. You just have to find them. One good place: La Prosciutteria. Nightclubs, I can't say that I know them, but there are several. Otherwise, in my point of view there is nothing better than a night at some friend's place!

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

The first one is shown in the last question. A second one: Trattoria Palle d'Oro Firenze. Reasonable prices, good overall quality.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Good one: The Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Church of San Lorenzo, Bargello museum, church of Santa Maria Novella, Villa Bardini, and of course the village of Fiesole where you can have a magnificent view of Florence.

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

Live it, enjoy the country, the culture, and have fun!