Erasmus Experience in Genoa, Italy. By Filipa

Why did you choose to go to Genoa, Italy?

I really wanted to go to Italy and the options at my university for Italy were Genoa or Turin. Since Genoa is on the coast and is relatively small I felt that it suited me better.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

My grant lasted 3 months and I got around 1000 euros which only covered accommodation and journeys.

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What's the student environment like in Genoa?

Very good! There is a great spirit of mutual help between students. These students were our main hosts and advisors when we arrived. Don't expect nights-out that last until 6am, but you can expect to make great friends.

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

The University of Genoa doesn't help much foreign students with accommodation, especially if they don't speak the language. We had problems finding the places we needed to get to to resolve some issues. The most help we got came from other students. I can't say that I would recommend the university itself but I would definitely recommend the experience that Genoa offers.

How easily did you find accommodation in Genoa?

As I was only there for 3 months I had a bit of difficulty finding accommodation because the majority of houses have 6 month or 1 year contracts. If you're coming for a long period you won't have a problem in sorting out good accommodation.

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

In Genoa it's rare to find people who speak English (even the teachers! ) so initially I had some difficulties in communicating. But I quickly learnt how to speak the basics so that I could get myself understood even without having attended a course. The course must help but you also learn well just by talking.

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

Flights to Milan are the cheapest although there is an airport in Genoa. In my case I went to Milan Malpensa and from here there's the option of taking the Malpensa Express train to central Milan (12 euros) and after taking a train to Genoa (here the prices vary depending on the times). The most comfortable option is the Volpi Bus which does two direct trips per day from Malpensa to Genoa and costs 25 euros. Tickets can be reserved online at the Volpi site or bought with the driver (this option had an extra fee of about 3 euros).

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Genoa?

The meeting point for any night out is the Piazza Ferrari and from here you go to Vicoli where there are loads of bars, and it's very lively.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Genoa?

If possible find accommodation in the centre of the city since here you can experience everything that the city has to offer.