Erasmus Experience in Padova, Italy by Gillian

Why did you choose to go to Padua, Italy?

I wanted to learn a new language and experience life a smaller town (as opposed to Milano, for instance)

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

Overall, it is October - July including exam periods, but it is so flexible over here with regards to exams you can choose to sit them at a time more suited to you (within reason of course, but for example I can choose to sit an exam before Christmas this year or wait until September next year!). I got £2500 once I enrolled here in Padova, and will get roughly £700 in March, I think!

What is the student lifestyle like in Padua?

It's very chilled, the university systems etc take some getting used to but once it makes sense it is actually very cool!

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

Yeah, I would but I would recommend that people make sure they know absolutely everything before they come out! I am a Joint Honours student & I was in touch with whom I was led to believe was the coordinator of the Erasmus department for Philosophy - turns out he wasn't, but in any case he confirmed the courses would be in English so you can imagine my face when it turned out they weren't!

What is the food like?

Amazing, be prepared to avoid all scales!!!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Padua?

Yeah, I found it really tricky but I was fussy because I didn't want to share a double for my whole time here - I would not have minded if it were for a shorter period but wanted my own space for the whole year. I spent about 6 days in a hostel, but I think if you team up with someone before you go/ in the hostel then you will find something much quicker!

How much does it cost to live in Padua?

Accomodation is not so expensive (about half the price of living in Aberdeen, for instance) but food can get quite pricey & depending on where you live, kitchen facilities may be limited!

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

Yeah, but the language course here is very bad & the tutor is very rude. There is a tandem course which I have been told is better, and I am getting lessons from a professor's wife because she wants to improve her English. There are lot's of opportunities!

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

The Fishmarket (yes, it's a bar. no, i'm not making it up)

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

Too many!!