Erasmus Experience in Parma, Italy by Manu

Why did you choose to go to Parma, Italy?

I didn't get into my first two choices. I like the Italian language and culture, it's a small, tranquil city, it's comfortable to live in and it's really well situated for travelling in Italy.

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

Mine lasted 10 months, but you can also get ones for half the year.

I'm not really sure, I still haven't received all of it. I think I get over €4, 000, but how much you get depends on the person and their situation.

What is the student lifestyle like in Parma?

There are a lot of students and people on Erasmus for how small the city is. The bad thing is that there are too many Spanish people.

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

I would recommend the city, yes. It's pretty, small and easy to handle, it's comfortable and laid-back and less expensive than some of the more well-known, bigger cities.

I wouldn't recommend the university.

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What is the food like there?

Italian food is really good and the Parma ham is the stand out produce here, although I'd say that the cheeses are even better, like the parmesan they make here.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Parma?

Yes, it's quite difficult to find something good, which is near to the centre and affordable. It, of course, depends on how much you're asking for, but if you're not very particular, you'll always find something easily. The problem is that not all of the flats are affordable.

How much does it cost to live in Parma?

It depends, like I said before, on the kind of flat you get, if it's new or old, on the area it's in, if it's closer to or further away from the centre, on how big or luxurious the flat is, etc.

At any rate, you won't find a place for less than €220 a month (of course, they'll be rooms that are not very nice, that are small or old) and it can be as much as you are willing to spend. In general, it's normal to pay around €320 a month. Whatever the price is, they don't include the bills, which are normally cost at least €40 a month.

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

Italian is pretty easy compared to some other languages. I think that it's one of the easiest languages for Spanish people to understand as it's pretty similar to Spanish. You won't have any trouble listening to it or reading it, the hardest part is speaking or writing it, due to the very precise exceptions and rules that they have in some cases.

I went on a course at an academy in summer.

What is the easiest or most economical way to get to Parma from your home city?

From Spain, take a flight to Milan or Bologna and you can get to Parma from either of those cities by train, blablacar or by bus. The train is the most comfortable way to get there, since there are lots of them every day and they're not very expensive.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Parma?

Via D'Azzeglio is a good place to meet up and to have a drink, there are a few bars and shot bars there. Via Farini is good for pubs, but it's a bit more fancy there and you'll end up spending more money.

There are some pretty good clubs, like Mu, Mug, Dadaumpa, Jamaica, Fuori Orario, Campus Industry Club, Pulp, etc.

And to eat in Parma? What are some of your favourite places to go?

There are a lot of good places and pretty good quality restaurants, especially in the centre. But it all depends on how much you want to spend and what you're looking for. There are all kinds of places: from basic ones to get a slice of pizza, a box of chips or a croissant to luxury restaurants.

I always went to the cheaper places and sought out bars for aperitivo. It's a typical custom here and I really like it.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Of course you have to visit the Duomo and the Baptistery. The Teatro Reggio, Teatro Farnese, Piazza della Pilotta, Ducal Park, Cittadella Park are all very pretty.

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Do you have any advice for future students in Parma?

Good luck with the bureaucracy and the paperwork at the university, because it's a shambles and they don't give you any help at the Erasmus office. Good luck with looking for a flat, get there early so that there'll still be some good flats available. Try to hang out with Italians and not with Spanish people, as there are a lot of them, at least there were the year I was there.

Aside from all of the things that are the most difficult in the beginning, enjoy yourself and make the most of travelling and getting to know different people and places.