Karen's Erasmus Experience in Milan, Italy

Why did you decide to go to Milan, Italy?

Before my stay there, Milan had never been on my travel bucket list. However, my company had decided on a selection of cities for us to do a semester abroad in, and after I had read an experience report on someone's time in Milan, it became clear to me: I HAD to see this city! So I opted for Milan, and haven't looked back since!

How long is your experience there? What did you receive as financial aid?

For my three-month stay, I received €920 in total, but that was actually only the amount for two months (2x €460).

How is student life in Milan?

Student life is casual and easy-going. By German standard, it begins pretty late. The general rule is to meet after 11 at a bar, or with a few beers in public squares. It's actually only the tourists who go to the clubs. Italians prefer something more comfortable, like Aperitif or just going to a bar.

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

I would recommend the city to anyone!

How is the local food?

So delicious! You should definitely ask the locals where and where not to eat though. There are plenty of tourist trap restaurants with expensive prices, particularly around the Dome.

Did you have to pay to find accommodation?

I found my accommodation pretty quickly, and it was central and cheap (€400). I'm staying in a two-person WG with a big communal kitchen and bathroom with shower, two mins walk from Sesto Marcello.

What is the cost of living in Milan?

If you follow locals' advice, you can live just as cheaply or as expensively as you can in Germany. Travelling with the tram is really cheap, €25 a month. Eating out is about €15 (Pizza + drink, or something similar). But beer-lovers will have to fork out. You can get a beer in a bar for about €3 in Germany, but in Milan that would cost at least €6. Cocktails are the same price as at home (€7-9).

Is the language easy to understand? Does the university offer language classes?

I studied Spanish at school, but I don't remember much of it. But usually I can understand sentences, just not every single word.

What's the cheapest way to get to Milan from your city?

The cheapest way is to get the train from Frankfurt to Milan, or just to fly by plane.

Where are the best places to go out to in Milan, in your opinion?

Nightlife around the canal Navigli is definitely recommended!

And for eating? Can you recommend a few good restaurants in Milan?

MISCUSI and ASSAJE in ISOLA are definitely to be recommended! Afterwards, you should go for Aperitif or a cocktail at FRIDA to top the evening off.

Are there any interesting cultural attractions?

The typical tourist attractions are the Dome, Navigli and the cememtery. A personal highlight for me is the Gucci Wall at MOSCOVA. It's painted afresh every three months, and is right in the middle of an infinite amount of bars and ice cream parlours, that are all delicious!

Do you have any advice for future students going to Milan?

Eat as much ice cream as possible and refrain from always taking the metro, walk a few stops instead! This city has beautiful architecture, dance groups behind hidden courtyards and lots of street music to offer.