Leonardo's Erasmus Experience in Padua, Italy

What's life in Padua like? Would you recommend the city to others?

I recommend going to this city. There is a high quality of life here in every aspect: public transport is very efficient, there are lots of health services for young people, accommodation, university, the museums...

What's student life like in Padua?

University of Padua is one of the oldest universities in the world, so the city is a real ''student attraction'', not just for Italian students but for students from all over the world. For this reason, the university is deemed very important and valuable to the city. Students in Padua can avail of lots of amenities (libraries, extra classes for struggling students, in-depth seminars, affordable canteens... ) and great service... overall it's a great place, and provides a stimulating environment for every type of student!

What are the dishes like? What are your favourites?

Everyone knows it: food is the most essential element to Italian culture. Here's a guideline: bigoli (a type of pasta that you can buy for example in Via Umberto I, in the historical centre of the city), polenta e osei (polenta and poultry), fregolotta (a very simple, firm but crumbly cake with an almond flavour), Pan del Santo (a cake with an almond and chocolate flavour and macaroon chips), the Dolce del Santo (a cake with apricot jam, orange marmalade, sponge cake, almond paste or macaroon seeds), the spritz (an alcoholic cocktail widely consumed as an aperitif in the big cities of the Veneto), and many other products!

Which places should one visit in Padua?

In Padua, you should definitely visit the Botanic Gardens - the oldest in the world. Prato della Valle, the biggest square in Europe, the Basilica of St. Augustine and the Basilica of St Anthony, which are very close to one another. There's also the Palazzo Bo, the historical section of the university, Caffè Pedrocchi, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza della Frutta, the Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza dei Signori with the astrological clock - all monuments very close to one another.

Basilica of St Anthony

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Palazzo della Ragione

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Prato della Valle

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And to eat in Padua? Can you recommend us any favourite places?

For eating out in Padua, I would recommend going to the old town and looking for a place there. You can buy local products, at a slightly higher price, in the markets at Palazzo della Ragione. I would also recommend going down Via Roma, which is the main street for shopping and cafés. There's always the canteen for students as well, for cheaper prices.

What's nightlife like in Padua? Where do you recommend going?

They have ''university Wednesdays'' in Padua: every Wednesday students get together for drinks. But everyone goes out in the centre 24/7.

What advice would you give to students arriving in Padua soon?

I would recommend arriving with the intention of taking advantage of everything the city has to offer. Definitely take time to study, this is obviously the main reason for being there, but also dive into the city - go exploring, don't live like a tourist but like a citizen. This way you can learn what you came to study, but also the local customs.