Experience in Milano, Italy, by Rachel

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

Milano is a very paced city, a week can pass by in a blink of an eye without even realizing it because theres much to do every single day.

What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

Student life is the best compared to the working society that really sucks! At the worst case, if you are broke you can spend 2 euros for a beer and meet everyone in a piazza or the park and enjoy it like theres no tomorrow.

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

Rent is the most expensive thing here... If you manage to find a ent in 'nero' without a contract would be the best.

But if you want to live a hippie life and party at least once a week would cost you around 150 euros a week i would say: 40/50 euro supermarket, 40 euros for a party with entrance and alcohol and if you eat outside and drink lots of coffee...

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

Yes... Well no agencies are at every corner but they make u pay an extra commission and they help you find good stuff. I would suggest facebook actually! Pages of the university, student sites are full of accomodations.

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

Amazing! I love the parmigiana the most but i dont eat it often... I'm more of a quick off to go food..., so basically i eat pasta most of the time and mix it with many different ingredients each time. Didn't know you can do a lot with carrots, zucchini, and aubergines!

What places would you recommend visiting in Milan?

1. Frank: in Porta Venezia has a very nice ambient.
2. Dude: for the techno lovers the sound system is amazing.
3. Terrazza 12: in San Babila for the ones who want to enjoy an apertivo with a view (a bit more expensive than others).
4. Birrificio di Lambrate: for a good beer! 5 euros and a happy hour with munchies food.

I don't have specific places because I'm always following events and DJs so it's always a new place.

Also, there are a lot of cultural places to see like Porta Venezia, il duomo, the castle Sforcesco, Vittorio Emanuele II gallery...

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

Of course it's good! You're in Italy! Italians are passionate about their cuisine you have to learn their rules as well... Coffee at any time of the day is good but a capuccino after 11 not so much. However a macchiato (espresso with a dash of milk) is acceptable.

For a good Napolitan pizza u should go to la Piccola ischia..., for good presentation to impress: Frank in Porta Venezia, Nerino, and the local old places are the best ones.

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

It is good..., but parties end early which is strange and the metro stops a midnight! But italians always find a way to have fun even when you're not in a club. There is always events and DJs...

The clubs that i would mention are just for techno... Leoncavallo, Dude, Fabrique, Magnolia...

Some after parties occur at King and Hollywood.

For posh commercial music at Gattopardo divina comedia and the club are good places... Just cavalli and hollywood as well...

What advice would you give future students heading to Milan?

You will love it. Italians are very open to meeting anyone new you just need to be integrated and interested and open to new cultures!