Erasmus Experience in Pavía, Italy by Cristina

Why did you choose to go to Pavia, Italy?

I wanted to go to a city that was in the north of Italy and that wasn't Milan. I had wanted a quieter city.

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

My scholarship lasted a semester. I got €1, 500. I got 80% of it when I had been staying in Italy for almost 2 months.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Pavia?

It's really good! It's very much a university city. There are more than 100 of us Spanish people on Erasmus here.

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

Yes! Absolutely.

What is the food like there?

It's Italy... it's really good! There are a few different supermarkets, I found that the one with the best prices and the most variety was Esselunga, it's a bit like Mercadona but not as nice.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Pavia?

The assistance centre assigned me to the Collegio Golgi when I applied for a residence. It's 10 minutes from the city centre on foot, but it's perfect for me as it is right next to the ward headquarters and the San Matteo hospital.

How much does it cost to live in Pavia?

It's an expensive city, it's in the north of Italy. Accommodation there cost me €280 a month at the cheapest residence. If you rent a flat, it'll be more expensive.

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

I went on an intensive course the summer before I came to learn the basics. You will actually learn more by living here, and you do have to make an effort to make yourself understood. In the end, you'll be fine with the language, some more than others... but we all end up making a lot of progress with our Italian!

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

I came from Barcelona. From there, you have three options:

• Malpensa-Milano Airport + Bus to Milano Centrale (€8) + Train to Pavia (€4)
• Orio al Serio Airport (Bergamo) + Bus to Milano Centrale (€5) + Train to Pavia (€4)
• Linate Airport: it's the closest to Pavia but it's the most expensive to fly into.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Pavia?

Camillo, Nirvana or Raise!

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

There's a really good pizzeria on corso Cavour called Capri. La Romana is definitely a great place for a snack or for an ice cream!

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Pavia is a small city but it's very pretty. There are a few things to visit, like the Coperto bridge, the duomo, la piazza vittoria, la vernavola park...

Do you have any advice for future students in Pavia?

Enjoy the experience! You will not regret going there!