Experience in Padova, Italy by Mireille

What is it like to live in Padua? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Padova is a lovely city, based in the Veneto region of Italy. It is around 30 minutes from Venice and Verona and around 1 hour to Bologna. The city is constantly buzzing, and is completely mixed with old and traditional, and modern and cool. You'll find grandiose architecture mixed in with trendy bars and cafés that scream 21st century. The people are friendly, and proud of where they live. You'll never run out of places to visit and nearby towns to travel to.

What is the student lifestyle like in Padua?

Student life is fun and thriving in Padova. You'll find that Padova is home to thousands of students, so you won't find any problems making friends, or running out of things to do. The nightlife is great, and there is plenty of help for foreign students, who may not understand the Italian language, which is very helpful. The campuses are dotted around, which can make getting to and from lectures a tad difficult, but generally, getting around and about is quite easy, especially if you live in the centre.

How much does it cost to live in Padua?

Padova is remarkably cheap for its location. The Veneto region is quite expensive, given its fame and rich background. Rent can be very cheap, ranging from around £150-£500, depending on which areas you decide to live in. Groceries are very cheap, with most supermarkets charging around £20/£25 for your weekly shops. Buying drinks and food on the go is also very cheap, and there are always places to buy street food, such as panzerotti, gelato places and bars/cafés or mini pizzerias. Travel isn't too pricey, with bus/tram passes costing around £10 a week or less. It's cheaper to buy a bike (around £30 from ERASMUS groups on Facebook) and just cycle to everywhere and anywhere you need to get to. Eating out can be done cheaply and getting to nearby towns isn't too expensive - try blablacars or booking trains, coaches and buses in advance, and you can get around the region, and further out, at a reasonably price.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Padua? Is there any advice you can give?

Finding accommodation in Padova isn't that difficult. I'd recommend looking early, at least 2 months before arriving, just to sort everywhere out. It can be quite difficult to find single rooms, as most are doubles (doppia), however, if you don't have a problem with sharing, this shouldn't be too hard. Rent in the centre can be around £300+, and if you live further out, rent can be as little as £200 (under 100 euros). Most landlords are friendly and kind, and are understanding towards foreign students - just try to learn as much of the language as possible so you can at least communicate, and understand your tenancy agreement. I'd recommend living with Italian students, to learn as much as you can about the language, people and culture, and to make living arrangements and admin stuff as easy as possible (setting up bills abroad isn't fun at all)!

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is a force to be reckoned with. Italian cuisine always has had the reputation of being one of the best cuisines, and Padova proves this. Padova is home to many osterias and ristorantes, so you can pick whichever you prefer. There are lots of deli-type places to grab food on the go, and out and about. There are also street food spots, such as La Folperia and Panzerotti, and bars and cafés are in abundance. Grabbing ice cream on the go is easy - head to La Romana, Racca, Grom, Venchi or Ciokkolatte for some great gelato. Pasta and pizza restaurants are everywhere, however, there are also Chinese restaurants and Burger places around.

What places would you recommend visiting in Padua?

Upon arriving in Padova, you must do the key places. The Scrovegni Chapel is unmissable, as are its gardens, and the Museum opposite (you can visit all for under 15 euros, just make sure to book a week or so in advance, as it can be busy. Make sure to head to the Orto Botanico, the oldest botanical garden in the world. Head to the Basilica di Sant'Antonio, the Saint of Padova (who originates from Portugal! Who knew? ) and the other Churches - Santa Croce, Duomo di Padova, San Gaetano, Chiesa degli Eremitani, L'Oratorio di San Giorgio, Santa Sofia, San Clemente, Santa Maria in Vanzo, Santa Maria dei Servi and Abbazia di Santa Giustina. I would also recommend visiting the theatre, the cultural centre on Via Altinate, Via San Fermo (for its beautiful window displays in the designer stores), Prato della Valle, one of the most gorgeous piazzas in the world and there's also an observatory for those stargazers out there!

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Is it good to eat out in Padua? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Eating out in Padova is unmissable. Having lived in Padova for just over 10 weeks, I have eaten out more or less every day, whether it's a panini, gelato, macarons and other pastries, panzerotti, pizza, or a full-blown meal. For those of you who want proper Italian cuisine, head to Trattoria da Dante, La Lanterna, all'Ombra della Piazza, Italian Street Food, Osteria dei Fabbri, Pago Pago or Ai Porteghi, among others (look online or just walk around Piazza dell'Erbe, Piazza della Frutta or Piazza dei Signori for good Italian restaurants). For those who prefer American Diners, Ham Holy Burger, Welldone and Soul Kitchen are for you. On Via Marsala, there's a Chinese restaurant, some good sushi restaurants are to be found around Via San Fermo and near to Via Cesare Battisti, and Fan Sushi near to the station is a good stop for all-you-can-eat meals. For cafés, Coffee Box, Il Padovano, Caffeine Padova or Caffè Cavour. Good bars include Hendrix and Cantina del Gufo.

Is the nightlife good in Padua? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is good in Padova. It's best to start with bars and pubs first, then head to clubs late (around 2am) and party until 5/6am. Bars such as Alchimia, Hendrix, Cantina del Gufo and Zanellato. Head to clubs such as Factory, Fishmarket and LIFE to party it up. There always ERASMUS events on!

What advice would you give future students heading to Padua?

Keep an open mind! Italians are friendly, and you'll find that Padova is welcoming and full of wonderful sights, places to eat, places to drink, and places to have fun! You must visit nearby places whilst you're there (Verona, Vicenza, Venice, the Venetian islands, Bassano della Grappa, Bologna, Cittadella and more), and take in as much of the culture (and cuisine) as you possibly can.

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