Erasmus Experience in Pavia, Italy by Ricardo

Why did you choose to go to Pavia, Italy?

Let's see..

1. My choice was profoundly influenced by the fact that University of Pavia has a lot of history.
2. Pavia is close to Milan, so you have the benefits of a "medium" compact city and also the possibilities provided by Milan (concerts, tourism, partys... ).
3. The fact that Milan is served by 3 airports, two of them low cost companies travel. (Bergamo - Ryanair) & (Malpensa - Easy Jet).
4. Before I did Erasmus, I met people from University of Pavia doing Erasmus in University of Aveiro, so... They help me a lot in the first days and that, for sure, is a main contribute.

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

Well, now the worst part! I will receive 1200 for the 6 months. To be honest, is a complete shit. Italy is expensive. But a lot depends on the way who manage your money. I went with the feeling of Erasmus low cost, and I overcome my own expectations about the thing's (travels) that I did. With the regional ticket of Lombardia (Trenord company - 16 euros for all public transports of this region -24 h)

What is the student lifestyle like in Pavia?

Pretty good for sure, it is all about know the right people.

I live in collegio. To learn Italian is the right choose.

The students represent 1/3 of all the population on Pavia, so I think it is easy to imagine the dynamic of the streets of Pavia!

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

The city for sure, for people who like walking in compact cities with a lot of history and also good modern aspects, Pavia can some all of that.

The University is also good. But not so good comparing with Aveiro. The internet in the University is really slow for example. Also be aware that one thing is to study in the University Central, in the central of Pavia, (Law, Political Sciences.. ), and other thing is the engineering courses that are in the new part of the city (not far) and well, that change a little the dynamic that you have with the city.

I can say for sure, that the education system is valid, good professors. I study Edile-Architettura in Pavia. If someone is reading this and will study on this course, be smart and contact me, I will be helpful for you, trust me!

What is the food like?

Ahhh, just love it! The streets are full of food. This city (just like Italian cities) is molded by food.

Just try some recipes with some friends, make italian friends, and learn about minimalist things turn the food more niceee!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Pavia?

Well, for me not that much. My gold from the beginning was to stay in the college. I send the papers, really early, and after 1 month I received a proposal of accommodation. Contact and search about "Centro di Assistenza Studenti".

How much does it cost to live in Pavia?

Ok, depends on your own habits.

Minimum - 600.

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

For me as a Portuguese person, it was not difficult. I did some video class before going, and after I arrived, I did a course of 3 weeks.

All of that helps, but if you really want to talk Italian, try to live with italian, go to the colleges or find people that have that gold to, for the Erasmus experience.

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

Porto - Bergamo (Ryanair).

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

Well, the stairs of Duomo are always a good place.

I recommend Spazio Musica.

And sometimes, Deep Club.

Milano is best. Also depends what you like to listen.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Pavia, the most iconic place for me is Ponte Coperto.

Pavia is absolutely beautiful in the night time: the mist, the lights on the streets, the smell of food...

Pavia is "small" but there are a lot to see.

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

If you want to save money, I did one thing that help me a lot.

Before I go, I prepared a box with 45 Kg with a lot of things: iron machine; olive oil; thing's for cook (and I am demanding on that part. )

In my personal case, it was worthy. Study your own scenario.

Any doubt, contact.