Erasmus experience in Florence, Italy

Why did you decide to go to Florence, Italy?

The language, the culture, the geographical location in Italy and the history.

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How long was your scholarship? How much grant money did you receive?

My scholarship is for 9 months. The Junta de Andalucia covers the whole 9 months and the EU 5 months. It's the 1st December and I haven't received a cent.

How was student life in Florence?

There is a flourishing atmosphere here, especially on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This year there are more than 400 Spanish Erasmus students.

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

Yes, I would totally recommend Florence. Bologna is also a good option.

What’s the food like in Italy?

Expensive. . There are many "touristy" places to eat. For day-to-day, it's better to shopping in supermarkets. You can go to Esselunga, Conad, Coop, Carrefour Express and Lidl (in Nóvoli). Avoid Conad city and Margarita. I recommend getting a codice fiscale (tax code), which allows you to get Conad and Esselunga membership cards. You can benefit from massive discounts at the checkout.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Florence?

I was lucky as I found a double room with my girlfriend the day after arriving.

What's the cost of living in Florence?

For me, I spent around €400 a month - the flat was €310 with bills and €80 on general spending.

How was the language? Did you attend any courses at the university?

Nothing, no courses in Spain nor anywhere else. I registered for the free course at the Università degli Studi di Firenze but I didn't attend the classes, and I haven't done the free OLS course, even so I believe I left Florence with B2 level Italian. We signed up for particular classes at a secondary school which costed €30 for the whole year, and an additional €17. 50 for the textbook. We liked the class, it was 3 hours a week and it ran until May. The school was located in Santa Croce; on Vía Ghibellina 77. The Italian classes are organised by the Liceo Lingüístico which is where you should go if you want more information.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Florence from your city?

I'm from Sevilla; I travelled with Ryanair to Pisa, then I took a bus for €5 to Santa Maria Novella in Florence.

Where are the best places to go out in Florence?

• Clubs and pubs: Space, in Santa Maria Novella; Bamboo, Yab, Downstairs and Dolce Zuchero in Santa Croce
• For drinks: Escaleras in Santa Croce, El Porcellino, Piazza Santa Maria Novella and Santo Spirito.
• Also there are usually concerts in Campo di Marte, in the Nelson Mandela auditorium.

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And eating in Florence? What are your favourite places?

You have to try authentic Florentine gelato, from La Carraia, and also the cheapest in Florence are in Santa Croce and Ponte della Carraia. Don't eat gelato in places that also serve pizza, crepes and other things, these are more to attract tourists. Go somewhere that focuses solely on gelato or pizza or coffee. Also, you must try the sandwiches from Antico Vinaio, near Palazzo Vecchio (I suggest "porchetta con salsa al tartufo" - pork with truffle sauce), and kebabs from I Re d'Egitto near Santa Maria Novella. Get pizza at Il Cucciolo near the Duomo, for €3 it's definitely worth it. Finally I'll mention that they have now opened a 100 Montaditos in Nóvoli above the Coop.

And for a cultural visit?

Countless places: Click here - this website is very useful.

Any advice you want to give to future students going to Florence?

If you're sneaky you can get on the bus and tram without buying a ticket, the same with the city bikes. But do not try this with Trenitalia trains, they always check tickets. Be patient with anything administrative and all the paperwork that comes with it, and the Wi-Fi can also be quite slow. Don't take out money from ATMs on the street, such as those of Tutto 99, they will steal from your bank account. Always use ATMs inside banks. Take many trips, you can get 2for1 tickets on Saturday train journeys if you buy them at least a week in advance.

And have a great time, it will take some time to get used to the Tuscans, but you'll be glad you did.