My Erasmus Experience in Genoa, Italy - by María

Why did you choose to go to Genoa, Italy?

On my course, Erasmus exchanges were offered with Genoa and Naples, so my classmate and I chose Genoa.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid>?

My exchange lasted for nine months, from September to June, though we stayed until the first of August. Four years ago when I went, the grants available in my region were 450 euros per month.

What's the student life like in Genoa?

The faculties are all located in different places around the city - that is to say, there's no university campus, so it depends on which faculty you go to whether you'll see a lot of students around or not. Out clubbing, you definitely see a lot. :P There are loads of Erasmus students, above all Spaniards. Although they say that the Genoese are quite closed-off, there are students from all over Italy and from all over the world, so that isn't a problem.

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

Yes, of course. It's a 'small' city where you can easily get to know people. Before going on my Erasmus exchange, I was told that it was better to do it in smaller cities than in capital cities (like Rome, Paris, etc. ), and they were right.

What's the food like in Italy?

Pasta, pasta, and more pasta. :)

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Genoa?

Yes, I really did. My friend and I found somewhere to live after around a month of searching. be careful with agencies who try to scam you, they take you for real idiots sometimes...

The University of Genoa pays for you to stay in a youth hostel for three days while you're looking for somewhere to live (or at least they did four years ago). During these few days, you can get to know other Erasmus students who feel just as lost and confused as you do.

How expensive is living in Genoa?

Pretty expensive. It's not as expensive as somewhere like Rome, but still pretty expensive in itself. Rent for a single room would be around 300 euros. It depends on where you're living in the city, too.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

The language is similar to Spanish, so even if you can't speak Italian at first, people will more or less understand what you're on about. At my university, it was obligatory to take an Italian course and sit an exam after having accepted the exchange. The University of Genoa organises courses for all different levels.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Genoa from your home city?

By plane and then by train. From Bergamo airport, there are two options.

1. When you leave the airport, catch a bus which will take you to Milano Centrale main train station, and then from there a train to Genoa (if you're going to Ostello, better to get the Genova-P. Principe one).
2. Four years later, if I have to go to Milan airport, I prefer doing it this way: get a city bus from Bergamo airport to Bergamo train station, and get a direct train from there to Genoa.

Another option, and a more comfortable one, is to fly to Pisa airport instead. There's a train there which will take you to Pisa Central, where you can change trains to get to Genoa.

What are the best places for partying in Genoa?

The most popular places to go to change every year. Four years ago it was these ones, then two years ago (I spent another year here) it was other ones... the ones which stand the test of time though are Piazza dell Erbe and Moretti.

What about eating out in Genoa? What are your favourite places?

There's a pizzeria called Ravecca near Christopher Columbus' House.

What does Genoa have to offer in terms of culture?

They say that Genoa's only sights worth seeing are the aquarium and the cemetery, but this isn't the case. The aquarium is the second largest in Europe after the one in Valencia, and the cemetery is monumental, definitely a must-see. There's also the Castelletto lookout point, from which you can see the city from above, the Nervi maritime parade and its park, Piazza de Ferrari, Via Garibaldi, Cairoli and Balbi, the Genoa Old Town... the latter is one of the most beautiful in my opinion, and getting lost in its streets is wonderful. The surrounding towns are also really beautiful.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Genoa?

Don't be overwhelmed by your classes, since you're on your Erasmus exchange and there's time for everything! Travel lots, don't just stick with people from your country since this is a great opportunity to get to know people from other cultures. Enjoy every single day - this is an unforgettable experience which will change your life!