Erasmus Experience in Milano, Italy by Daniel

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

Naples, Rome, Florence and Sicily were some of the places I visited on a trip to Italy in 2012. The beautiful scenery of Sorrento to the magnificent monuments in Rome made me fell in love with the sights and sounds of Italy, not forgetting the delicious food that I sampled.

As someone with a deep interest in history, I have long been fascinated by the Roman Empire’s leading role in the development of western civilization. Countries with a long history and culture such as Italy, with its 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have always attracted history buffs like me. An area of particular interest to me is the creation of a unified Italy, Risorgimento, and the history of Venice, a small city state, just like my country, Singapore.

Football is another one of my passions. My favourite Italian footballer is Francesco Totti due to his footballing ability and loyalty to his club. I regularly follow the performance of Italian football clubs in the Serie A as well as the Azzurri, especially after they overcame the odds to win the 2006 World Cup. In fact, I hope to be able to watch the final of the Coppa Italia.

Hence Italy has always been the place I wanted to go for on exchange, and Bocconi University in Milan was the only Italian school offered for exchange at my home university, I applied for it.

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

The scholarship is for the entire spring semester. I receive an allowance of 700 euros each month to help with living costs. The scholarship also allowed me to attend Italian lessons in Singapore.

What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

In my opinion Milan has a very vibrant student lifestyle for exchange students. A typical weekend sees me making use of Milan's good transport network to travel around Italy. Weekdays would be spent in school, where the professors often make the lessons interesting. The finance proofs at Bocconi are really good. During the holidays or long weekends, I would travel out of Italy as Milan has 3 airports making it really convenient and providing much travel choices!

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

Si, si, certo!

What is the food like?

Italian food is delicious! And in Milan you can get food from all parts of Italy.

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How much does it cost to live in Milan?

My 4 housemates and I are paying 1500 euros a month in rental. We stay 10 mins walking distance from school.

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

Italiano is a difficult language haha especially to Asian speakers like myself. Yes Bocconi offered a 1 week language crash course but it was optional.

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

By plane.

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

Aperitivo! Navigli or the Porta Ticinese area.

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

Spontini at duomo is good and famous. The best Italian food I had was at Stella di Juliette, very delicious and value for money.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Milan Cathedral, Duomo.

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

Apply for your Codice Fiscale at your home country, saves time!

Pack enough warm clothing if you are arriving in winter especially if you are from a tropical country like Singapore!