Erasmus Experience in Firenze, Italy by Jacek-traveler

Why did you choose to go to Firenze, Italy?

My principal aim was to go to Italy, exactly to Rome, but my university didn't have active agreement with La Sapienza (Rome) and I could choose Florence, Bologna. The choice was easy - the most beautiful city in sunny Tuscany, and now I think that even in all Italy.

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

I was whole academic year, I received 300 € per month. It was almost enough to rent a room...

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What is the student lifestyle like in Firenze?

Student lifestyle is spread very good, owing to the fact that exist several student's organization like AEGEE Firenze or ESN Firenze, which organise meeting, common dinners, trips around Italy and parties.

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

Of course. If you hesitate whether to go for one or two semester, answer is easy - go for as long as possible, so one academic year.

What is the food like?

Pizza, pizza and tortellini.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Firenze?

I was searching 3 days my room, in the Internet, local newspaper and advertisements in campus. More information you can find in my blog (this one is in English).

How much does it cost to live in Firenze?

Firenze is a really expensive city, particularly in the city centre. We have to remember that prices are adjusted mostly for tourists.

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

Yes, system of studying languages is really good. You can start course of italian, english, french, chinese, spanish... in language depatment which is connected with UniFi (Università degli Studi di Firenze) and there are special, cheap prices for it's students.

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

The best way is to find cheap flights to Pisa. If you can't find cheap airplane ticket you can try with bus (Eurolines, etc. ).

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

The best pizza in Italy - Gusta Pizza.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Ohh... Florence is one big open museum, so if you don't want spend to much money is enough to go out and admire these architecture. Other way is compulsory to visit Fiesole (hill close to Florence, bus number 7 from Piazza San Marco) and most of the museums which are well known to everybody.

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

You can visit: my blog in which I describe all my adventures in Florence and in Italy during my Erasmus time. There is a lot of practical tips and you can see how it looks in reality, which are the best place to see around Florence, how to get there, how to travel really low cost.

Enjoy Erasmus life!