Erasmus Experience in Milan, Italy by Betty

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

Because my art teacher at The Complutense University of Madrid has been a professor in Brera Academy and he recommended Milan to me.

How long was the placement? How much grant did you receive as help?

It lasted 9 months and i received 1500 euros, 300 per month for 5 months. That's why for the other 4 months, I had to depend on mum and dad!

Are there lots of students in Milan? What were your professors like?

Quite a few, but there is a mix of young people and older people in the city. For me, I prefer Bolognia which is an excellent city for student life and it has a young ambiance.

In the academy, the tutors are okay. They help you if you have a problem, they're very nice.

Would you recommend the city and the university to other students?

I wouldn't recommend Brera Academy to people who are studying restoration or conservation since the department is incredibly unorganised.

In fact, I wouldn't recommend people to study art or design in general. I have never studied anywhere where the classes and hours change so often. I would recommend it to people who don't want to learn, or not do well since it is not challenging at all.

What is the food like there?

Basically, the only 3 words you need are 'Pasta', 'Piadine' and 'Pizza'. Although the latter is not eaten as much as it is believed. The best pizza is the Napolitana!

I think I have eaten too much pasta because at the moment I cannot even think about it... I hate it! I tried the dish 'Pasta with lentils', a speciality from Naples, that they cook with so much passion, but it was horrible. No stock, no chorizo, no potato, no carrot... just lentils. To which, they add pasta. And that is it. Of course the pasta is cooked 'al dente' (a good thing) but it isn't seasoned, with anything. What's more is that I eat it without bread... since I thought the 'Napolitano' style bread that they gave me was stale!

Having said this, I actually love Naples. It is one of my favourite cities in Italy...

How was finding your accomodation in Milan?

I am currently living in my third house since I have been here, and the facilities are even limited here. In January 2015, I will move into my fourth.

It is difficult to try and find a place in the centre, walking distance to Brera, with all bills included which doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

I would recommend to try and avoid living outside of the yellow ring road around Milan because it will cost a lot to take a taxi after a night out in the centre. There are buses (90, 91, 92) but they are not suitable because they have to circle the whole city and it takes a long time to reach the last stops on the outside of the city.

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

It is very expensive.

Going out is especially expensive, especially in the centre.

Buying at the supermarket: incredible meat selection, they have chorizo but it is different than in Spain and it is very expensive. Around 5 slices of "Jamón Serrano" costs 3 euros. And so on.

You can get an idea of the cost of living here but until you arrive, you do not know how expensive it is.

How did you find the language barrier? Did you take a university course?

The language was fine. I spoke in Italian with my mother before arriving. But for those who don't speak it, I suppose 90% of Erasmus students, it isn't a problem. It might be a problem if you don't speak English, but the italians don't speak much of it. Also, they don't pronounce the 'h', so they don't udnerstand it. Also, if they do speak English, they have a really strong italian accent which sounds great but you won't understand anything!

The Brera Academy organises Italian lessons for all Erasmus students. You are also divided into two levels: A = beginners and B = advanced. You can go to both if you want as much practice as possible.

What is the cheapest way to get from your hometown to Milan?

I travel by plane. From Madrid- Barajas to Milano-Malpensa/Bérgamo costs around 20 euros, if you book far in advance.

What places would you recommend to go out in Milan?

• Leoncavallo for a more alternative choice. It is cheap if you don't eat food there, and the music is cool as well as the people.
• For somewhere more exclusive, there are plenty of places. I have been told the best place is ArmaniPrivate: Milan's most exclusive bar. I would recommend going but it is best if you know someone who can get you in for free because only the entrance is quite expensive.
• Alcatraz is the biggest club and is very good. They have different themes so you have to find a day to make a party worth going.
• Oldfashion is the main Erasmus bar. You can get dinner for free on Wednesdays. I recommend you go earlier (20: 00h) so you can benefit from the free food and sit and chat before partying.

What to eat in Milan? Can you cite your favorite sites?

The eateries here are wonderful! The interior design is so pretty and they are well furnished. Take notice of every detail, in the cafes, bars and restaurants.

The places I would recommend are:

• Princi: there is one next to the Brera Academy. You can get there using the 12 or 14 tram. It is on the corner of the street called "Via dell'Orso". You can eat Napolitana Pizza and the coffee is great there.
• Cioccolatitaliano: The best chocolateria and cafeteria in all of Italy. Especially the creamy iced coffee (no cream) for 2 euros to take out and 3 euros to stay in. Really worth it!
• Lo's: a Chinese in Brera, where you will be full up from just 2/3 euros. That is usually the cost of their dishes: you can get rice delicacies, noodles, sweet and sour pork... the cheapest Chinese food you will ever see. It is open from midday, and in the evening. If you go at noon, go before 1pm, because otherwise you might be waiting a while for the meal. Usually you are asked to take out, because it is a small place and there is limited seating.
• ArmaniPrivateBambooBar: this is one of the most exclusive places in Milan. It is on the top floor of the Hotel Armani and the views are amazing. You can even see the Duomo cathedral. Drinks are served with fresh fruit and are a delight. I would recommended to go at least once, as it is expensive. But worth it. It is just beautiful!
• FratelliBufalla: a restaurant owned by four Italian brothers and they are all over Italy. Behind the Duomo Square there is one next to the FerrariStore. They have some of the best pizzas in Italy and delicious pasta.

What is there to do culturally?

Every week there are new exhibitions taking place in the many squares. There is culture is all over the city, but you have to discover it.

But generally, the culture is great. I would highly recommend the Pinacoteca de Brera.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Milan?

Everyone gets by differently but good luck!