Erasmus Experience in Florence, Italy by Cem

Why did you choose to go to Florence, Italy?

My daughter's school was there.

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

Zero Scholarship. Living cost depends on you. Reasonable one bedroom shared apartment cost you between 450 and 650 Euro per month. Food expense runs between 15 and 25 Euro day. (Student budget it can be little less or more).

What is the student lifestyle like in Florence?

Lots of international students all around Europe and USA and other countries. It is the student city. Streets are full of students. Museums, clubs, restaurants are full of students. It is a very safe city. You can walk 3:00 AM in the morning very safe.

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

Yes. It is a great experience every student must see and live in Florence in their life time.

What is the food like?

Classic italian food. Very delicious. Ingredients are mostly natural Not conventional. It gives better taste. You can not compare food in US. In US we eat garbage compare to Italy. After I drink 2 weeks every day 3 or 4 cappuccinos in Florence I couldn't drink any cappuccino in Starbucks. The best Cappuccino in the world.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Florence?

I found it from AIRBNB. There are also agencies. It is really difficult to find apartment in Florence.

How much does it cost to live in Florence?

If you are a student you can survive less than 1. 000 Euro a month including rent, food, and other expenses.

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

Yes. I strongly recommend University Language school. It is very much cheap compare to other places and it is very good.

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

From US there is no most economical way. You have to fly. Unfortunately when you buy ticket from US to Europe it is very much expensive. Summer season is the most expensive time to travel. In Europe Train is very much convenient.

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

I have to ask my daughter.

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

Around Duomo and river there are restaurants everywhere. They are all good. (Service is slow but food is delicious).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Everywhere is cultural site in Florence.

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

I recommend University of Florence. It is cheap and it is very good. You can gather all information from google. Just Keep this in mind public transportation is headache in the city of Florence. It is difficult to find taxi. If you try to get on a bus without ticket you definitely pay 50 Euro fine. Inspectors are very much Rude on the buses. Buses do not run after certain hours. Walking is the best in Florence.