Experience in Milano, Italy by Celeste

What is it like to live in Milano? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Milano requires a bit of research and exploring if you want to find places/areas you like. A lot of things for young people aren't your usual tourist spots, and can be far away from where you would normally hang around. I do recommend it though! It's fun exploring and the culture is so different to mine (Australian) (which can be difficult at first) but you begin to find your niche and similarities of each culture.

What is the student lifestyle like in Milano?

Great student life with a lot of International Student nights at bars and clubs. Cheap aperitivo! You can't beat a buffet meal and a cocktail for 10 Euros. Lots of nightlife that be fairly affordable if you sign up for drink tickets etc.

How much does it cost to live in Milano?

I can't remember exactly, but I think you can live comfortably on 300 Euros a week (accom, food, travel etc).

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Milano? Is there any advice you can give?

It was fairly easy for me, but I did move around a lot. University accommodation is often filled with a lot of Italians who don't speak a lot of English, which can be daunting when you don't speak any Italian! I ended up staying in university apartment housing, then university dorm housing and finally settled into a private apartment, which I think was much better.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Amazing food! Best thing about Milan is aperitivo by far.

What places would you recommend visiting in Milano?

Navigli, Parco Sempione, Duomo, corso como, Brera

Is it good to eat out in Milano? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

As mentioned before, aperitivo! Bar 20 (if it still exists) was my favourite, also Momo on Navigli.

Is the nightlife good in Milano? Where is good to go?

Really good nightlife, especially for international students. Lots of international nights and cheap drinks all over Milan at different places. Old Fashion is a great place, as well as Bar 20. My favourite place to go out to for a relaxed night is Colonne at the end of Via Torino. Every night it is filled with students drinking beer for the small bars that surround it and eating crepes from down the road!

What advice would you give future students headed to Milano?

Be open to the fact that (if you don't speak Italian) it will be very hard at first. But just roll with it and be clueless, you will probably have much more fun that way!