Erasmus Experience in Modena, Italy by Lucia

Why did you choose to go to Modena, Italy?

Because I was very attracted to the idea of living in Italy, learning their customs, learning Italian... and it's a city that, although it's not very big, has a lot of potential.

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

10 months, and I got a bit less than €300 a month between the financial aid from the ministry and the council, it's not a great amount.

What is the student lifestyle like in Modena?

There's quite a lot of student lifestyle, because they offer a lot of different courses at the university, and there are a few public libraries in the city centre and on the different campuses for sciences or education.

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

Yes, it's a manageable city, you can get around the entire city by bicycle without any issues. The people can seem severe in the beginning, but that's how people from the north of Italy are. As it's not as big of a city as other Italian cities, it's also cheaper and very well connected with cities that are interesting to visit, like Bologna, Verona, Florence, Venice, all of which are less than 2 hours away.

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What is the food like there?

It's good, the pasta and the pizzas, like in the whole of Italy, are exquisite, but they also have salads and Mediterranean food.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Modena?

The university recommended me the Costellazioni residence, so I booked a room there the summer before I went on my Erasmus and I moved in without any issues.

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How much does it cost to live in Modena?

It's expensive, although it depends where you're comparing it to. Personally, I lived in Salamanca, so it was more expensive here, the rent, going out for food, drinks... but I'm sure that if you're someone coming from Madrid, it'll cost the same to live here or it'll be cheaper.

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

Well, especially in the second term, you'll take the plunge and start speaking Italian. In the beginning, as I didn't go on a Italian course in Salamanca or in Modena, I spoke English, but you'll develop an ear for Italian quickly.

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

There are two ways:

• By plane from Valladolid to Milan (Bergamo) and by train to Modena
• By plane from Madrid to Bologna and then by train or bus to Modena (this is the quickest way)

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Modena?

Red Lion, Baluardo and the Matrioska club, although it is a bit further out of town, but the music isn't bad and the club is very big.