Erasmus in Pavia

Why did you choose to go to Pavia (Italy)?

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It was my third choice, I wasn't expecting that but in the end it was the best that could happen to me!

How long does the scholarship last? How much money did you receive as economical support?

The scholarship was for 6 months. The sum I received reached 2000€, 1500€ from the Erasmus scholarship and 500€ from the ministry because I certificated a higher level of English than B1 (I was going to take an English course there).

How's the students' environment like in Pavia?

Pavia is definitely a university town, during the summer it gets empty. In the night and during the day streets are 70% full of students. It's awesome. There are many libraries all over the city, but the bad thing is that cities in northern Italy follow European timetables and some libraries closed really soon; people eat soon and the central hour was at about 3 pm. After that hour there was no room left until people went back home because the library was about to close. On the whole, daily schedules were a bit bad, but one has to get used to everything while going abroad.

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

Of course!

How was the food like?

Italian food is well known all over the world. To do the shopping there are several supermarkets around the city which are slightly more expensive than those in Spain. The difference can be seen at the end of the month, but it isn't that expensive either. There's a great number of pizzerias in town and other kinds of restaurants with different offer as well.

Did you have trouble finding accommodation in Pavia?

I applied for a room at the student home at the Erasmus office. They explained to me the whole procedure, I then filled in a form and it was done! Unfortunately they're the ones who assign the rooms to the students and I didn't get the one I wished. I stayed in a room a bit farther from the town centre than the others from which, although it was nicer, it took me 20 minutes to go to the station on foot and 30 minutes to the centre. Buses only run until 9:30 pm, and you'll have to walk afterwards. At the end of the period I bought myself a bycicle, but I got used to walking in the end and I admit it wasn't that bad. My friends who lived in a more centred flat had difficulty at first in finding a nice one which wouldn't cost them a living.. But they managed to find it in the end.

How much does living in Pavia cost?

The cheapest student house costs 280€ per month. It's the one which is best located in the centre, whose rooms are single and the bathroom included is very very small. Kitchen is shared by 16 flats more or less and it's very small too. Rooms are in different buildings and it's a bit annoying to have to go out in the cold in winter just to reach the meeting room.

How did you experience the language thing? Did you attend any classes at the university?

The university offers some classes that cost about 280€. I didn't attend them because I knew I would have to speak Italian at the student house and learn it. And so it was. If I had to go back now, I wouldn't do it either. But if I stayed in a flat where contacts with other people are fewer I would recommend it certainly. The best you can do is getting to know native people and talking to them only.

What's the cheapest way to get to Pavia from your city?

Flights connection from Espana to Milan are pretty good. Ryanair offers flights from Santander, Bilbao, Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Sevilla, etc. Otherwise Vueling and Alitalia take you from Barcelona to Milan but the price is slightly higher. Once you arrive at Milan airport, several and frequent buses from Orio al Serio airport take you to the station of Milano Centrale at the price of 5€, and from Malpensa airport for 8€. After arriving at Milano Centrale there's a train to Pavia every half an hour whose price is 4€. It sounds complicated, I know, but trust me.. It turns out to be very simple. We all have done it thousands of times and you'll be able to travel a lot, since there are loads of bargain-priced flight from Milan to all over Europe.

What places do you recommend to go out at night?

There's no great variety but everyone goes out to the same places. In the centre there's a small pub with awesome music called Raise which is open until 3 am. Later in the area around the river there's Camillo, which is bigger and normally stays open until 5 am. Another disco which is in the outskirts is called Nirvana and you can normally take a bus to get there. Raise is for free; Nirvana is also usually free for Erasmus students but some other places may charge you 10€ for the entrance and a drink, which is the case of Camillo. Drinks cost everywhere at least 6€.

What about the food? Can you name your favorite places?

Pizzerias are several and of any kind. In the Cavour area you can find Capri which is amazing. Some more expensive ones are Amalfitana, in Piazza Vittorio, or Rossopomodoro, which is a delicious food chain and in Pavia it is located on the other side of the bridge Ponte Coperto. A fine sushi restaurant is Kikko and it offers an all-you-can-eat buffet at lunchtime for 12/13€. Looking for food places, you'll find any kind of restaurant and different food.

What cultural visit would you suggest?

Pavia is to be visited by walking and running into beautiful places without even realizing it. A visit to the cathedral is essential, the inside is super nice, but also to Piazza Vittorio, to the Ponte Coperto and to all the nice churches.

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Any further recommendation you want to give to the upcoming students in Pavia?

Enjoy it!