Erasmus Experience in Padua, Italy by Andrea

Why did you choose to Padua?

People who recommended it to me, a friend of mine had been there for Erasmus.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you receive in aid?

The grant lasts for a four-month period or an entire year. It depends on each autonomous community if you receive the money or not. If you're from Andalusia or the Canaries, you receive a larger quantity in money.

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What's the student atmosphere like in Padua?

It's 100% a university town, there are departments in different zones of the town so wherever you go, you run into students. And when Summer arrives, the town empties and only tourists and the people of Padua remain. It generates a good atmosphere and there are lots of residences and events to get to know students and others.

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

Without a doubt, and more so for an Erasmus experience.

What's the food like there?

It isn't very different from ours although there aren't as many condiments.

Did you find it hard to get accommodation in Padua?

No, I did an application online for a residence and I got it. Anyway, lots of people look for apartments a week in advance of arriving in Padua and everyone found somewhere. The prices around 2 years ago were between 200/300 euros.

How much does it cost to live in Padua?

The average is 400 euros if you want to live better than good. Bearing in mind the flat with bills / a residence will be around 200/300 euros and food will be another 100 euros. The first months are the most pricey and then you need to have more in your pocket to travel.

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What's the language like? Have you done any course at the University?

The language is easy, I like it a lot and I'd already studied it for a year in Spain, but you pick it up right away. The University of Padua offers compulsory courses in the first semester that prove useful for improving your level/getting to meet people.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Padua from your town?

Ryanair - they fly everywhere.

Where would you recommend for going partying in Padua?

Fishmarket or Factory (I'm not sure if they're still called this as I was on Erasmus there two years ago). There was also Bimbo and another club around Piazza Garibaldi where on Tuesday, where they did salsa night which was quite good.

For eating out in Padua, where are some of your favourite sites?

La Mensa Piovego, Murialdo, San Francesco etc. - they're the cheapest places to eat at university. If you've got the ESU card, you get two courses, a canned drink and a dessert for 3/5 approx - if you want a plate it's less.

Then, to indulge Savonarola or the pizzeria in Galleria Tito Livio. The best kebabs in DIVA.

And for cultural visits?

It's a small town but there's a lot of charm it is very beautiful, getting lost with the bike and discovering new corners is the best thing.

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Any advice you'd give to future students in Padua?

Enjoy it to the fullest and never regret the experience. It's a small town but great bonds are created which grow to become a large family.