Experience in Milan, Fran's Italy

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

It wasn't an easy decision, but the number of places provided by my University made me opt for this city.

How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive to help with living costs?

My scholarship lasted 10 months, between the EU and The Board of Andalucía they provided me with 3400 euros.

What is the student atmosphere like in Milan?

In Milan the student atmosphere isn't how I imagined it to be. There are 7 universities, so there are students wherever you go. So many erasmus students.

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

Yes definitely. Milan is a city that surprised me each day, very well distributed and organised. It depends on the University, I can talk about my own (Milano-Bicocca) which is a great University and I am very happy.

What is the food like?

It's not just pasta, like many people think. There is a wide variety of foods, so prepare your pockets.

What is difficult finding accommodation in Milan?

For me it was simple, as my University provided me with accommodation so I had no problem. But I can say, through some friends, that it isn't easy to find a cheap apartment.

I pay 300 euros for the accommodation, flats are about 400 euros per person.

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

This is maybe the most negative thing about the city. Italy in itself is expensive, Milan even more so. Normal things like going shopping or renting a five-a-side pitch for a practice game is expensive. One shop for one person to last a week can be between 30-35 euros (depending on the diet, of course)

With 100 euros a week you live well.

How is the language? Did you do a course at the University?

In my opinion it's not as easy as people describe it, we understand it easily, but when the time to speak comes it's not so simple. The Universities provide courses that usually last a month. I recommend taking some classes before coming, it will really help in the first days.

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

Ryanair, without doubt!

What places would you recommend to go out in Milan?

The parties are the best hahaha it's a city that has parties Monday to Sunday, without fail. Especially for Erasmus, the clubs are on from Tuesday to Saturday. Most people like Fridays; Alcatraz and on Saturday's: Le Banque. Both have reggaeton rooms!

The price for the erasmus clubs are 10 euros with 2 drinks, or 1 euro without drinks.

Where to eat in Milan? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Aperitivo is traditional here, for a price of 7-10 euros you will get an open food buffet with a drink. The hours are 7pm-11pm. The best are in Navigli!

Pizzerias that you want and more...

And the cultural places to visit?

All the time I discover beautiful places in Milan. But evidently the Duomo, is the most important. It attracts a lot of attention, it's immense. It has places like Castello, Arco de la Paz, Colonne (people go to drink and smoke; it's the beer) the Monumental cemetery, the Navigli district, the the Brera district...

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

Don't think that because it's not known as a beautiful city that it isn't a great city, I am completely happy I chose this city. It's not what you think. If you need something, I'm here.

Bye!