Frank's Erasmus Experience in Padua, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Padua, Italy?

I chose this destination simply because it was the best option of Erasmus destination out of the possible destinations from my home university. I already knew that it was a very good Erasmus destination.

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How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive to help you with living costs?

You get financial support for 6 months and it is 300€ per month from the EU . Plus a little help from the Regional Government of Andalucia and my university. But the final amount of money that you get depends on each autonomous community, city and university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Padua?

It is one of the best, the faculty buildings are spread throughout the city. It is a city full of residences, flats, shops, bars , etc. There is always a good atmosphere in the streets. Although everything is on Italian time, of course!

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

Of course! Because of its university life, everything it has to offer its students, and its good geographical position to travel all over Europe.

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What is the food like there?

Italian food is unbelievable , although sometimes a little expensive because in Northern Italy the standard of living is higher.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Padua?

Everything was very simple, the university has a residency management service, Sassa Service - just look at their website, complete the form with your preferences and they try to find you as good a match as possible, I think it is great! However, if you want a single room you must be one of the first to send the information (as soon as it opens).

How much does it cost to live in Padua?

The cost of living is a little higher than Spain, the first months, as you do not control your spending as much, you end up spending more. But once you get used to it, there is not much difference. I spend 225€ on accommodation, between 100/150€ on eating, and a bit more for parties/drinking/travel. Bearing in mind that I get about 300€ for my scholarship per month, I am putting more or less 200€ into my pocket, although it depends on the month and the plans I have, of course. You can live a lot more cheaply, but also a lot more expensively. It is a city with a good economic level, which has its good things and its bad things.

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

The university offers free courses for all levels, you just have to register online. If you are Spanish, you will understand almost everything, but you won't be able to say very much. But don't worry, with patience and practice you will see improvements very quickly. The most difficult thing for me was to follow the classes, sometimes, because of the bad acoustics, the technical vocabulary and the accent of the teacher on duty, it was impossible for me to understand... But all you have to do is get used to it and listen to the tone, and study the vocabulary of the subject!

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

I come from Granada, and the cheapest way is to go from Malaga - Treviso Airport. From Treviso to Padova you can take a bus for about 8, 50€. You can also take a train to Treviso village and then another to Padua, but I don't know the prices of that. My flight arrived very late, so I booked a private bus (Air Service Padua), there were several people travelling together and we filled the bus (Maximum 8 seats) and so it worked out quite cheap. Bearing in mind that the bus waits for you when you get off the plane and will drop you at the door of your house. If it is your first time and you arrive at night with all your suitcases, it is a very good option.

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

The main night clubs, Factory and Fishmarket. The first time you can buy a card for 5€ with the card of the ESN (Erasmus Association), and with this you can always enter for free. The two clubs are basically the same, but Factory is the best. Although there are many more clubs, these two are where the most Erasmus students go and there are events every week.

Is it good to eat out in Padua? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

Very good and cheap pasta places: Sugo and Bigoi

In Piazza Signori square there is a small local restaurant that make Panzerotto, it is very cheap and very good.

In Porta Portello is Focaccieria de Francesco where you can eat focaccia, it is also very cheap and very good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city centre is beautiful, full of arcades and cobblestone streets. Prato della Valle is one of the biggest open squares in Europe, you can enjoy it, sitting on the grass in the sun. Pontificia Basilica Minore de Sant'Antonio di Padova, you will be amazed at the interior. Botanical garden. The cathedral. All of the squares in the centre. And from December everything, the squares and the streets, is full of lights, the atmosphere is incredible!

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

Come with an open mind and be positive! Meet many people, don't limit yourself to a group of Spaniards or just your friends in your residence/flat, make different plans, dare to speak Italian! It would be very advisable to do a course before coming, I did it and thank goodness I did! Get ready because here you go everywhere on bicycles, the city is full of bicycles, getting one is very easy and cheap (about 25€). So if you're scared or don't know how to ride a bike, practice before coming, you'll thank me later! Good luck and get ready for one of the best years of your life!