Erasmus Experience in Padova, Italy by Ricardo

Why did you choose to go to Padua, Italia?

Honestly I chose Padova as the 5th option to go in my erasmus. I'm glad I only got that because I really enjoyed the experience.

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

I went there for 1 semester and I got around 250€ per month to help. The student residence costed 205€ per month in a shared bedroom, and I also had to give 350€ for the security deposit.

What is the student lifestyle like in Padua?

Well, Padova is a small town with lots of students. You can basically go anywhere in a bycicle (you can buy a used one there) and anywhere you go you see a lot of young people around.

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

The city is small but is really beautiful. I enjoyed it a lot. As for the University, the conditions in my faculty weren't the best (Electric Engineering) but the teachers were nice and willing to help. Mine knew english (which in most places in Italy you can't find) but the classes were all in Italian and the exam too (though my teachers let me answer in english).

What is the food like?

Italian food is well known. I'm from Portugal so I'm used to mediterranean food. Pizza's and pastas are great and if you want to cook yourself the ingredients in the supermarket are cheap.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Padua?

I used their student's residence system to find a place. If you want to go to a house with more people I think it's not hard to find them since it's a students city and they are used to receiving people from other places.

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How much does it cost to live in Padua?

Well it depends a lot on your lifestyle. Let's say that you are someone who normally cooks at your place and go out to eat once a week, and you go out once a week too. So:

Between 300€ to 400€, plus trips you want to do.

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

Well since I'm a portuguese, Italian was easy for me to learn. I guess that for all latins it's easy, for others I can't say! As for the courses, you have the EILC program 1 month before the erasmus period, and the university also had a language course free during the erasmus period. Either way, I would advise you to do some kind of course in your own country before going since most italians don't speak english.

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

I took a plane to Venice than caught a bus from there to Padova. It's the closest airport you can find and the trip to padova costs around 3€ I think.

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

Padova as a lot of bars where you can have a drink or two with some friends, but they close at midnight. After that you have 3 clubs to go out.

Bimbo is the best one, where most italian students go. Good music and drinks at normal prices (8€ for a spirit i think).

Then you have 2 other clubs, fishmarket and factory. Those aren't as big but it's where the erasmus students go out since it's cheaper to go. You pay 10€ in each to get a card that gets you free entrance for a year (5€ if you have the ESN card). The spirits are around 3€ i think.

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

I didn't go to a lot of restaurants in Padova, can't help you there! I would advise you to go to trip advisor or just talk with locals once you get there.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I like to ride around in my bike just enjoying a typical italian city with beautiful architecture. You have some landmarks, but not a lot. In one day you can see everything. Basilica di Sant'Antonio is very beautiful, Pratto della valle is good to spend an afternoon with some friends, and all the piazzas have some bars where you can sit and drink a beer.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Padua in the future?

Do the ESN card (erasmus student network). It costs 10€ and they organize some activities for the students and trips that you will enjoy and they can help you with anything you need. Bring a map with you so you don't walk for 5km with all your bags to get to your residence like I did (and it was like 30ºC).

Erasmus is an experience to go and discover, live a different life. So just go and discover for yourself. Everyone has different experiences and I'm sure you will enjoy yours.