Erasmus Experience in Padova, Italy by Andrei

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Why did you choose to go to Padova, Italy?

I chose to go to Padova because the University of Padova is part of a consortium of universities from all over the world that offer those who study Mathematics an opportunity to follow a master called Algant which focuses on Algebra, Geometry and Number Theory, all of which are very important branches of Mathematics.

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

My scholarship lasts for 2 years. The degree that I will obtain by the end of the Master though will be a joint one since I will be studying for one year in Padova, Italy and for the next one in Bordeaux, France. My stipend amounts to 500 euros a month and for the prices here in Padova I would say that it is enough and that one could live decently with this sum, affording to pay rent, to pay for food and also for going out once in a while, like once or twice a week.

What is the student lifestyle like in Padova?

I think Padova is a very nice place to live for a student since it is widely considered as one of Italy's biggest academic centers. The libraries offer a high volume of state-of-the art scientific material, at least regarding Mathematics. Apart from this, I think that there are a lot of places to hang out with friends during one's leisure time although I don't use to go out so much.

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

Yes, I would highly recommend the city of Padova for other students too since these couple of months since I first arrived in Padova have been really great, some of the best of my life so far. The University is also great since the teaching staff is very kind and give really good lectures.

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What is the food like?

The food here is very good but I think some menus are highly overpriced, at least from my point of view. This is the reason why I mostly cook at home. I prepare my own meals since I am a pretty good cook (so I have been told). Sometimes I eat at the students' canteen since I get a considerable discount for being a foreign student. I can't say that I am very impressed by their cuisine as not even the pizza that I ate here has really baffled me. What I can say though is that you must try the ice-cream here or gelato as they call it and the flavour "cremino" in particular. I consider it to be the best ice-cream that I have ever eaten. The chocolate called "cremino" is also insanely good and it is not so costly either if you buy it from the supermarket of course. You can also find cremino in outside markets across the city but it has the same taste and it costs twice or even more even though it comes in the form of a big chunk as opposed to the candy-sized ones that you can find in the supermarkets.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Padova?

It didn't cost me anything since a place to stay here for a whole year had already been booked for me before I arrived here.

How much does it cost to live in Padova?

I would say that with 500 euros a month you could live very well as long as you don't spend your money on nonsense.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available in the University?

Since my language also has Latin roots, it is fairly easy for me to learn Italian, although I don't need it so much since my courses are in English. As for the second question, yes, the University offers language courses and if I am not mistaken the first course in Italian is free for every foreign student.

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

I am currently living in Padova so I can't help you in this matter.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Padova?

As I said, I am not that much of an outgoing person so I don't know what to recommend.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Padova?

I will skip this one too!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The place called Prato della Valle is a really nice attraction here in Padova, especially for young couples in my opinion since it offers a wonderful scenery amidst the lovely sculptures that lives up to the promise of a romantic evening with your loved one.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Padova?

I can't think of what particular advice to give to future students that are coming to Padova but I can assure them that they will very much enjoy their time here in this wonderful town.

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