Erasmus experience in Florence, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Florence, Italy?

Beautiful city, clearly excellent for a sweet life for a year!

How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive to help

10 months. 500€ a month study grant.

What is the student atmosphere like in Florence?

A lot of foreigners (Erasmus + American students). Even though it's not a big city, there is always something to do and people to meet.

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

The city is excellent, but the University clearly is not the best in Italy.

What is the food like?

Excellent, simple food but so many delicious flavours...

How did you find accommodation?

On the University message boards (especially at the literature faculty, at the Brunelleschi roundabout)

On the Internet: http://www.bakeca.it, http://www.easystanza.it.

How much is the rent? What is the cost in general?

From 400€ a month, all inclusive.

Try to have a contract with the owner of the apartment, and have the costs included in the rent (the bills (electricity + gas + water) they cost a lot).

Get an apartment in the Oltrarno quarter (Ponte Vecchio, Santo Spirito), which is the nicest quarter and with less tourists than the centre (Duomo, Santa Croce).

There are many apartments in campo di, but it's far from the centre, when you go out, if you go to Santa Croce, San Ambrigio, Santo Spirito.

How do you find the language? Did you attend a course at the University?

I spoke Italian before going, I didn't attend any courses.

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

Plane to Pisa with Ryanair or Easyjet.

What places would you advise to go out to at night in Florence?

The Santa Croce quarter (the Piazza, via de Benci, via Verdi), Piazza Sant' Ambrogio, Piazza Santo Spirito, and so many other places...!

And to eat in Florence? Can you tell us your favourite places?

• Gusta Pizza, next to Santo Spirito.
• Il pizzaiuolo (close to Sant'Ambrogio market) for the best pizza in the city.
• Il Coquinarius, a small restaurant behind the Duomo.

And which cultural places to see?

Churches, palaces, gardens, museums...

What advise do you want to give to future students in Florence?

Enjoy!