Erasmus Experience in Milano, Italy by Anukriti

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

When I applied for Erasmus Mundus, I applied to two universities that had the most relevant courses (in terms of value and my interest). My first preference among these was Italy as I had always wanted to travel to Italy. My only other abroad visit had been France and I was quite fascinated by the culture and scenic wonders people spoke of so much.

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

My scholarship was 8 months long. I received 1000 euros per month for living expenses in which I had to manage lodging, food, travel and entertainment. I think the money was quite sufficient but only if you cook at home as eating out daily can hit your pockets too much. For travel, it's wise to buy the ATM pass which means there's a meagre expenditure per month for unlimited travel by any mode (tram, metro, bus). Cabs should be avoided but can be used once in a while for odd hours. Groceries are inexpensive as is the housing if you're willing to share a room or at least a flat. I managed to party, drink and shop to my content, roamed around and still saved some at the end!

What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

It is very lively and amazing fun! The fun starts with pre engagement before you have even arrived there. You get assigned a buddy and a tandem partner. There are weekly events like bowling nights, student trips, cultural nights where people get the cuisines of their countries and exclusive Erasmus parties like Crazy Countdown. There are daily Erasmus student nights at certain clubs (Tuesday-Hollywood, Saturday-Alcatraz etc. ) where you run into the same crowds and end up having a blast! The trips are subsidized and include a variety of activities like Venice carnival, Rome trip, Verona pool party etc. The buzz is electric from the meeting point till people drop from all the dancing into wee hours of the morning. There's always an email, a Facebook update, a text everyday with something to do!

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

I would not just recommend it, I would go as far as saying that if you're fortunate enough like me to have got this opportunity, grab it now and make the most of it. It's an experience like no other. It will change you. University of Milan has excellent respectable faculty whose knowledge and experience one can gain a lot from. The focus on research and activities beyond the classroom encourage you to push your limits and gets out the best in you.

What is the food like?

I have always been a fan of the Italian cuisine. But that's not all the city has to offer. I chanced upon amazing Chinese food, finger licking Mexican delicacies and surprisingly scrumptious Indian food. The Italian food lived up to my expectations. Every place served you a huge variety of pastas, pizzas, raviolis, risottos etc. There are vegetarian options everywhere as well. I would recommend a small place called Al Magna Magna at Moretto Da Brescia. It's owned by a Turkish guy and he makes excellent pizzas always accommodating your personal requests as well. But what stood out to me in the food were the bakeries. I must confess I have no sweet tooth but the cravings I got just looking at the presentation of the dessert items, it was literally mouth watering. I satiated a need I didn't even know I have!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Milan?

It cost me a lot of time and effort yes. This is the tough part in Milan. You have a lot of listings on:

• Erasmusu
• Easystanza
• Gabinohome
• Airbnb

Or you can mail [email protected] for assistance. Avoid Craiglist as there is a lot of rental scam on it. I ended up finding a house after a lot of trouble through a friend's reference. Finding one close to the university and in a safe area is important. Also ensure that the quoted rent includes any additional cost of heating, water, internet and condo charges. Security is also an additional cost. You can find a good room in city center inclusive of everything in ~300 euros if shared and ~500 for a private room. Studios can cost anywhere from 700 euros to 1200 euros. My friend helped me get a single room for 350 euros inclusive of everything.

Also, you'll face trouble if it's short term. Make sure you start your search early and take as much help as you can from your buddy and student network and don't take a place without ensuring it's not fraud (see or get someone to physically see the place and don't wire any money abroad).

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

The living expenses are quite low. Condominium, heating and water charges (if not included in rent) can be around 50-60 euros a month. If help is hired for cleaning, that can be an additional 30 euros a month. Travel is very inexpensive, public transport is convenient and organised and covers every possible place. ATM card should be subscribed to with monthly minimal charges for unlimited travel. Groceries cost less than 200 euros a month if you splurge and buy everything to heart's content as there are many cheap options in supermarkets like Carrefour and Billa.

Phone is inexpensive with call your country schemes of as low as 1 cent a minute. Internet has excellent network and speeds and can cost around 25 euros a month (can be shared so much cheaper effectively). Phone calls home can also be made on Skype or Google voice thereby giving options. Shopping has excellent options all over the city with sales twice a year. Keeping in mind living, groceries, few outings and basic amenities in mind, one can comfortably live in 600-700 euros a month. I spent close to 800 euros as I went to the daily outings and student trips as well!

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

Yes, there are language courses available but I found them a little difficult. Conversational Italian was easy to pick up and I could manage a whole conversation alone by the 3rd month. I even explained the way to a lost Italian woman, felt quite accomplished! People are very helpful and if you struggle with the language but make a genuine attempt, they are very willing to help. The patience and cooperation is commendable.

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

I live in Mumbai, India. I traveled back once during my tenure by flight (no other option unless you want to swim across the English channel! )

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

At first, I had my inhibitions about this. But once I started my party scene, I realized how safe the city is. Everything shuts by 21:00 h and streets are a little isolated. But they are well lit and the crowds are there in the main areas alive at night like Navigli. I have even spent one night sleeping on a park bench (just for fun! ) and I found nothing unfriendly. The public transport is also safe to travel in during odd hours.

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In case of any emergency, a van patrols the city at night so if you're lost or drunk or in trouble of any kind, you can ask them to pick you up and they drop you home in just 5 euros irrespective of the distance. Even during peak winters, the city is lively in the main areas. I have had night outs almost everyday in Milan. But if you're still scared, your best option is to stay in at a club (they're open till 05:00 h) and then head home once daylight hits.

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

• Ristorante Stop - near University of Milan.
• Al Magna Magna - Moretto Da Brescia.
• Have the Apertivo at Union Club. In Apertivo you get one drink and unlimited food for 5-8 euros, it's a very popular deal.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The center of the city is the church called Duomo, you can climb upto the arches during fixed hours in daytime. If you'r there during Christmas, you'll get to see a sight worth remembering at City Square in front of Duomo. There's Castello (the castle) which is worth a visit with its lush green gardens spanning acres of land. Whether or not you're a football fan, you must visit San Siro, the feeling is priceless! Da Vinci's masterpiece 'The Last Supper' is a must see. You can also visit Teatro Opera but the shows are very expensive so I'd recommend just a tour. There's a statue of Da Vinci right next to it that I always found intriguing and spent many a evenings there.

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

For phone, take either Vodafone or Wind. For internet, stick to Fastweb.

Don't miss out on any of the student activities. Make use of all the opportunities at your disposal. But stay on the lookout for other activities as well in the city. Subscribe to Milan events newsletters. I went on events like Sex Festival and Orchestra at Duomo and an all women dance at Duomo.

Learn the language. Absorb the culture. Don't try to grab to anything familiar and yearn to go home. Enjoy the time there. Get maximum use from your buddy and Tandem partner. Make friends and stay in touch after you're back.

Study hard and do well at the University. Make good relations with your professors, they are excellent mentors and there's a lot to learn from them.

Capture your experiences. Choose your medium to do so. Whether you blog, take pictures, tweet, update it on Facebook or simply yap to your friends and family, in any form, keep the experience alive.

Live it up! Cheers!