Erasmus Experience in Padua, Italy by Teodora

Why did you choose to go to Padua, Italy?

Because of its well-known education and historical background.

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

You can apply for scholarships. Depends on the country you are coming from and the personal incomes of your family. I did not get a scholarship so I don't know the details. I only know that, if you get a scholarship, you have benefits (e. g. eating at the canteen for free).

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What is the student lifestyle like in Padua?

It is a bit boring if you like going out at night. There are few clubs, but there are many private parties in the night bars for Erasmus students particularly, and they are much better. Erasmus students have their choir and language lessons available. For cultural purposes, there are few events held in English that I know of.

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

When it comes to education, yes. Professors are very kind and always willing to help, at least in my department (psychology), although their English is not the greatest one you'll hear. But knowledge-wise, they are pretty good.

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What is the food like?

You can get pizza on every corner. Do not go to restaurants because it's more expensive. You can find many bakeries or pizzerias very close to the University and pay three times less. I don't personally like the Italian kitchen, but everything I tried here was good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Padua?

I found my accommodation online, so it did not cost me anything. I had a friend here who needed a flatmate. I know that students first go to the university residence when they arrive here and then look up for another place. It depends on how close you are to the university and how many flatmates/roommates you are willing to be with. Prices for the rent are usually from 120 euro per month if you share the room, 300 euros if you have flatmates, but live further from the university, from 400-800 if you live closer, but there are usually at least 2 people living at the same apartment, so when you share the price, it is convenient. Monthly bills are up to 100 euros, rarely higher.

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How much does it cost to live in Padua?

From less developed countries like the one I am from (Bosnia and Herzegovina), it is pretty expensive. But it is not more expensive than any other "European-union" country so to speak. You can hardly survive with 100 euros per month, but you can, 200-300 euros is more than decent.

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

Yes, there are many. Italian is not complicated.

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

Planes, buses, trains. Everything is quite cheap.

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

To any bar. They make great cocktails, prices are not below 5 euros and they go up to 20 euros per drink. But those for 5 euros that I tried were awesome. I personally didn't like the clubs here.

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

They are pretty much all the same. All nice, a bit expensive.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Entire Padua is. But I personally liked going to Prato della Valle, Scrovegni chapel and Botanical garden.

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

Learn as much Italian as you can because of the paperwork (getting the state permit). Almost nobody speaks English here. Locals are pretty willing to help, but people in the offices... less so.