Erasmus Experience in Lugano, Switzerland by Maria

Why did you choose to go to Lugano, Switzerland?

It was a different place with a new culture, and the language wqs easy

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

I recieved money from my university(750€) and from the swiss government(1200ch) for 5 months of stage

What is the student lifestyle like in Lugano?

Living 5 minutes away from university in Usihome(a students house) is great, everybody is really nive and open. Being with people from all arround the world, creating a small family, is part of the experience there

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

Yes, they make you work, but they have really good teachers. The quality of the university is really high

What is the food like?

You have to get used to high prices, and accept that you can't go out to have dinner. But otherwise, food is from really good quality always, and if you find it too expensive, you can always make a short trip to Ponte Santa Teresa to do your groceries

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lugano?

No, university offered their student housing option, Usihome, which is way cheaper than finding a room. But you have to ask for it at least 5 months before

How much does it cost to live in Lugano?

Usually accept that you will spend about 800/1000 francs per month, it's not a cheap destination

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

There are language courses in all the levels at uni for free if you are a student, and even if you decide not to learn italian, everybody speaks english

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

Fly to Milan, and from there take a bus (malpensa express, flixbus) until Lugano

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

Seven is really famous, but the music is shit. I like going to Living Room, Oops, underground, auberge...

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

Pizza Di franco, takeaway pizza for 9 francs, saves your life on a lazy sunday

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

LAC always has lots of cool things,and almost every weekend the tawn hall organizes something in the city

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

It's not the typical place to party everyday(even though you can do it if you want). Bit it's morr apropiate to live a different erasmus, surrounded by nature, you can go hiking every weekend, go watch a hockey game, meet lots of cool people...once you visit Lugano, you never want to leave