Italian Erasmus in Padua. Some interesting infos.

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

I moved to Padua about 6 years ago to study medicine in one of the best universities in Italy. Padua is a very nice city: wherever you look, there are some historical monuments or buildings that remind you of ancient time. It has lots of squares where people meet to eat or drink something together sitting outside and admiring the surroundings. In particular, in Prato della Valle Square, during summer, lots of people go to have a picnic or just playing guitar or moreover roller skating. It is a university city full of students and entertainment, especially during spring/summer. Everybody goes around by bike or on foot; it's a quite safe city and most of the attractions are focused in the city centre so easily reachable. By train, Padua is very well linked to Bologna, Venice, Verona and lots more cities that you won't miss when you are here.

NB. The weather is variable: from April to September/October it's quite sunny and warm, in winter it tends to be a little rainy and cold. But don't worry, there are lots of stuff to do!

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Padova?

As I told before, it's a university city so there are lots of facilities for students, especially if you're an Erasmus. For example, there are discounts on food, cinemas, drinks, gyms and lots more.

How much does it cost to live in Padova?

The lifecost is medium, you can have a drink for 2 euros, have dinner with 5-10 euros, depending on where you go and what you are looking for. The price for rooms is quite variable according to the area (the city centre is generally more expensive) and the typology of the room (single/double) but it's not the most expensive city in Italy. For example, the price for a single room oscillates between 200-300 euros.

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

No, I don't think so. It's quite easy because there is a change in students every year. Just give a look to some website: bakeca.it, subito.it, etc., and a website on facebook: Cerco, Offro casa o stanza in affitto a Padova. Or you can find some accommodations at student housings. Mind that most of the announcements are in Italian.

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

The food is amazing (of course we are in italy). You can eat whatever you want! Pizza, panzerotti, hamburger, ice cream and whatever bounces in your mind. Not only italian food but also chinese, japanese, mexican, cuban and american food. The quality is generally very high!

What places would you recommend visiting in Padova?

The city centre with its squares; Palazzo della Ragione, Prato della Valle, Cappella "Sistina" by Giotto, museums and so on.

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

Yes, very good! Just find out yourself.

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

The nightlife is quite good, there are some discos near the centre and lots of parties organized by different associations ( e. g ESN)

What advice would you give future students heading to Padova?

Just enjoy and do whatever you can and want! Try everything, go around, keep contact with nature and meet people! Each of you is important and we are looking forward to meeting you!