Experience in Genova, Italy by Stefano

What is it like to live in Genoa? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Genova is a very nice city. It's a historical city and the old city center with all its little streets and avenues is a wonderful place to see and visit. Another beautiful part of the city is the port, which is huge and quite similar to Barcelona's port. Basically, in Genova you have everything. There are the sea, beaches and mountains too. The landscape is actually something special. It's situated in the north of Italy, where in fact the weather is characterized by very nice and hot summers, but with quite cold autumns and winters (sometimes it snows in December-January).

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What is the student lifestyle like in Genoa?

The student lifestyle in Genova is very active. Every day students have to go to class and all the Universities and faculties are situated in the same part of the city: the center. The faculties in Genoa are not new campus. They are old and historical buildings, which is something strange, but very interesting at the same time for foreign students. Then during the night there are a lot of activities organized by the Erasmus group and a lot of pubs and discos. Fun is guaranteed.

How much does it cost to live in Genoa?

This is actually one of the few negative aspects of the city. Life in Genova is a little bit expensive, but not more than the rest of Italy. Personally, I live in Spain and I find it rather cheaper than Italy, even though for many students from England, France or Germany, for example, the cost of life would seem something absolutely normal, or even cheaper than their own countries. At last, I have to admit that compared to Spain is a little bit more expensive, but I have to say that Erasmus students always find a way to do things and activities saving money.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Genoa? Is there any advice you can give?

No it's not; the university itself will help students who are looking for an accommodation.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

In Genova the food is incredible. Actually you will have the opportunity of trying different dishes and try the Italian food in general, which is one of the things that I miss the most back in my country. There are also some dishes which are typical of Genova and you will try them only there and not in the rest of the country, for example "pasta con pesto" (pesto is an incredibly tasty sauce) and "focaccia al formaggio" (similar to pizza, but with different ingredients like a delicious italian cheese upon it).

Is it good to eat out in Genoa? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Food is good everywhere. Students can find some interesting restaurants that make pasta, pizza and a lot more which are quite cheap in the city center. One of my favourite spot is "Pasta away", a take away pasta place.

What places would you recommend visiting in Genoa?

As I told before, the touristic parts of the city are the old city center and the port's zone, but in general each part of the city is worthy to be visited.

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Is the nightlife good in Genoa? Where is good to go?

Yes it is. Nightlife for students is very good. The city center during the night is quite similar to spanish "tascas", with a lot of bars selling beer and any kind of drink. Then, for the ones who like dancing, there are a lot of discos in the port.

What advice would you give future students heading to Genoa?

Just be calm and be sure you will enjoy yourselves. Before departing, it is normal to be a little bit nervous and anxious, but once you arrive there you will discover a beautiful city with a lot of things to offer and much fun.