Erasmus in Genoa

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Why did you choose to go to Genoa?

Because it is a city in the North and I didn't want to go to the South. For the proximity of the sea.

How long was the scholarship? How much money financial support did you receive?

Nine months. At the moment I have received two instalments of more or less 3000 euros altogether.

What is student life like in Genoa?

There a lot of Erasmus students, lots of Spanish as well as from different countries. Europeans, Africans...it is fantastic. You leave your country thinking that you know a lot about everything and when you return and you have met people from so many different cultures who show you that you don't know anything about life and the world.

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

Without a doubt...it can seem as though the first impression of Genoa is horrible, deceivingly. With the ascent to 'Ostello della gioventù' in 40-degree heat, fighting with the aggressive old ladies for a place to breathe. The Ostello is the closest thing to the monster family house but the owners are less friendly. The first week is horrible with the paperwork, the lack of a house to live in and, if you are unlucky, the rain that attacks you at every moment. The vision of the port with that 'sopraelevata' (flyover) that shatters the spectacularity of the ancient port and the old houses with facades with hardly any paint provokes a horrible feeling that vanishes as soon as you enter the city. Discovering the coast, discovering the millions of possibilities that it offers you: Nervi, il porto antico, the trip by boat to Pegli, walking inside the port, the ascent in the funicular of Righi, not forgetting the elevator to the spianata of Castelleto, the little train to Casella... Camogli, Portofino...

How is the food in Italy?

Well, it is Italian food. Pasta, pizza and coffee. Basic foods.

How did you find accommodation?

With God's help, the internet and a lot of patience. It took me eight days but it was worth it. I found a house with two girls, one Italian and one Czech. The Czech left after three months and the Italian after four. Spent five months living alone for 300 euros in Marassi, just a stones throw away from the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

What are the accommodation prices like? And the prices in general?

The price of my apartment was very good, but to find something like this you have to look a lot and certainly away from the centre. Auque Marassi is five minutes away by bus and you can find about 6 buses that will take you to the area.

The prices, in general, seem very high, especially if you want to eat meat... it's all very expensive in terms of food. You can only buy cheap pasta and pizza.

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How's the language? Did you go to any university course?

Very good. I attended a course, but it was well above my level. Then I started to work and interact with Italians and I learned a little.

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

Well, I'm from Murcia and I went with Iberia from Madrid. I bought a Renfe rail fare web ticket for 17. 50 and the plane cost me 169 euros round trip. The good part of going with Iberia is that you are allowed more weight and I came to Genova. The airport there is about 7 km from the city and there is a bus, called volabus, which drops you off at the two stations of the city (Principe and Brignole). Also, it leaves every 40 minutes from the airport (I am not very sure about this but can be checked on the page http://www.amt.genova.it/ where it is very clear).

Once there, if you want to go back for Christmas or anything, I recommend Ryanair from Milan Bergamo or Malpensa with Easyjet. Going to Milan from Genoa costs 8 euros in regional and the bus to the airports goes from the door of Milan's stazione centrale. Sometimes Ryanair offers scandal deals like round trip to Alicante for 14 euros... it is good to visit the page from time to time.

Which places would you recommend for a party in Genoa?

I did not go out much...

And to eat in Genoa? Can you name your favourite places?

Well, any place is good... but I definitely recommend the creperie that is there 'Corso of Stefanis'! And a very cheap place is the mazzini that is near Via Bensa, but I do not remember the name of the street. I do not know if it's Via Caroli or something or Cia Comellini, it's one of those two.

And how about cultural visits?

Yep, I recommend all those who are going to get the museum card for students. It is very well priced. No one who goes should stop entering the Aquarium, the sea Museum, and of course the submarine...

Any advice you would like to give to future students in Genoa?

Have patience, let be well informed, that things in Italy are not like in Spain, that everything is taken very calmly and that they do not believe in not paying on the bus. There are monthly tickets that cost 36 euros (I think) and they work for the metro, the bus and the regional train, which are all very good.

Do not forget that the first obligatory visit to begin to sort out documents is on Via Bensa, they take the yellow number and from there they will indicate the steps to follow one by one and in writing.

I also recommend buying a street map of the city, it costs about five euros but it's worth it.