Erasmus Experience in Milan, Italy by Paula

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

It's a big, cosmopolitan city in the centre of Europe and almost Italy's capital... The main reason for choosing Milan, is that it is a city with a thousand and one opportunities to offer to any type of person with their individual tastes and personalities.

How long did your grant last? How much money did you receive as aid?

My grant lasted for 10 months and I received in total approximately 4000€ during the academic year 2011/2012.

How is student life in Milan?

I dare to say that Milan is the Erasmus destination, par excellence being practically in the centre of Europe. For this reason, there is always a continuous wave of foreign students who come and go, for short and long periods of time. In regards to the Italians themselves, Milan is the favourite city where a large amount of Italian students decide to study for their university degrees. Milan offers prestigious universities with high academic standards, as well as activities and leisure - basically, amusement in every way possible.

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

Yes. I would do, I do and I will keep on doing so from my own experience which has changed me so much for the better. Milan teaches you and offers you a wide variety of possibilities.

However regarding the university, I can only give my opinion on the Politécnico di Milán, a university which counts on a great European prestigiousness for engineering and architecture. For me, it was a normal year of university. They didn't give me any special treatment (like many people think when they go on Erasmus), so I had to work but I have to say that I relied on a great amount of help from the teachers and coordinators.

I completely recommend the city and the polytechnic. I still go back every once in a while and even now, I am contemplating doing a master's there.

How is the county's food?

The food is like, so when you return home, your dad will say to you, 'well darling, a bit of exercise wouldn't do you any harm'! It's a fact that the food is great in Italy. I believe it is world knowledge. However to eat home-made food or 'mamma' or 'nonna' 's food... I recommend making Italian friends, from the South if possible (nothing difficult in spite of Milan being in the North) and getting to know their culture. They have a very hospitable nature and love to have guests over and feed you until you explode. My boyfriend's grandma's parmigiana will remain with me (yes, I also found love; ) ).

Source

Was it hard to find accommodation in Milan?

I didn't have any problems. I left Spain with the problem of accommodation resolved. The Politécnico di Milán offered a series of places in some of Milan's different university residences at a more affordable price. I requested a place in the residence I liked the most and they gave it to me. The truth is that I don't remember the process well now but I do remember that I didn't have any complications.

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

This is perhaps the biggest inconvenience of Milan. Life is expensive. Luckily for the Erasmus, there exist different associations who offer us various discounts, which range from the costs of the residence (as in my case) to discounts in different shops and establishments. It's just a question of informing yourself a little.

How is the language? Did you go to any courses at the University?

The language was in no way a problem. Yes, to begin with, I was certainly teased a bit (my fellow residents made jokes but never with any malicious intent), but there were no more. You can make yourself understood in Spanish with some patience and you can understand Italian with some patience - above all if you arrive with no knowledge of Italian, as in my case. I started going to a free course that was offered in the university, but truthfully, I learnt much more quickly independently; either out and about, or in the residence with the Italians. My recommendation is precisely this. Surround yourself with Italians if you want to learn the language.

What is the most economical way of getting to Milan from your city?

From Malaga, the fastest and most affordable way is to fly with Ryanair or Easyjet. Although if you bring large bags, it's best to compare total prices with other airline companies such as Iberia or Alitalia, which include luggage in the price. Once in Italy, you should pay attention to which airport you're in.

The closest one is Linate. Rarely do flights from Malaga land here, but never say never... I don't know why. I suppose it would be better for domestic flights. By all means, in Linate you have two options: A taxi or coach. In this case, the coach is public thus being much, much cheaper but if you are a group, perhaps a taxi would suit you.

Easyjet usually land in Malpensa. From here, it is best you forget about the taxi. It's around 45 minutes from the centre and could cost you over €80. The other two options are the train (MalpensaExpress, offering several stops) and the bus (various companies at more or less the same price, that go directly or have an intermediate stop). The final destination for all options is the central station (Stazione Centrale).

Ryanair lands in Bergamo or at least used to, because it seems that this line has now been abolished. From Bergamo, there are only the bus and taxi options. I continue to recommend the bus. Just like from Malpensa, there are several companies at the airport exit with similar prices, which will also drop you off at the central station.

What places would you recommend to go out and party in Milan?

It depends on your tastes. There is everything from the shabbiest to the coolest bars.

The most customary for the Erasmus are Alcatraz (an industrial warehouse), Old Faschion (a club with a varied clientèle, dependent on the day), Le Banque (a former bank converted into a club), Hoolywood, The club, Eleven and The King... There are an endless amount.

There is the Colonne di San Lorenzo where you can just have a drink or the closest thing to the Spanish 'botellón'; a large square where there are several places selling beer or cocktails, at considerably lower prices than in the clubs.

Another option are the typical aperitifs. The Navigli area and also the columne are the most common places to go, but there are places all over Milan, and all over Italy.

And to go out to eat in Milan? Can you sit your favourite places?

In order to eat well in Milan, you need to have a decent wallet. Twice I have eaten amazing fish and seafood (yes, in land, isn't that strange)! Two invitations : If I had to pay either of those times, I would still be there scrubbing dishes. Maybe the most accessible ones are the stands that you'll find on the streets which offer slices of pizza by the weight, panzerotti and other Italian delights. Two great places include: Luini, right in the centre close to Duomo, Rosso Pomodoro (a pizza restaurant) behind the colomne and some of the pasticceria's in the Lambrate zone. The ice cream! Cioccolati Italiani! A chain: they have the best sweet ice creams in the world, and most importantly, chocolate.

And any cultural visits?

Well, from a purely touristic point of view, there is Duomo, piazza Duomo and their surroundings, castello Sforzesco, parco Sempione, giardini pubblici, Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Ceneacolo, the Quadrilatero d'oro and i Navigli... Surrounding Milan, there is Lago di Como and Pavia... They offer beautiful sceneries. Fairs organized in the the Rho Fiera premises and the pinacoteca de Brera have a large collection of paintings and host various modern exhibitions every once in a while. There is the Novecento museum in the Palazzo Reale... Milan has a great cultural agenda. You only have to search on the internet and you will have a thousand plans.

Source

Any advice that you want to give to future students of Milan?

My advice is to not be scared, to squeeze the most out of the experience and that you attempt to get as caught up as you can in the Italian culture which has a lot to offer. Visit all that you can, get to know everyone you can: children, adults, young people and the elderly all have something to tell you or some advice to give you. Good luck and on forth!