Erasmus Experience in Perugia, Italy by Anja

Why did you choose to go to Perugia, Italy?

I got the scholarship in my hometown I didn't choose it on my own. But I'm glad it was Perugia because it's one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to.

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

I was in Perugia for one month. The scholarship for that month for 500 euros and I didn't pay for the course which costs 400 euros.
That is enough money for the month, but just in case you should bring your money, because my course starter on 1st August but I got the money 2 weeks later.

What is the student lifestyle like in Perugia?

It's amazing. The city is filled with students from all around the world and that's an amazing experience. You have were to go out, to go for a drink, to eat as much as pizza and pasta you want. There's a lake close to Perugia where you can get to by train and its very easy. There's few pools in Perugia so if you go to Perugia in summer time, trust me, you will need a pool. The city is very small and it's easy to go anywhere without a car, a bus or a taxi.

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

I surely would. If you have an opportunity you should definitely use it.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Perugia?

There's a lot of accommodation in Perugia because it's a student city. You can find flats, houses for a very good price.

How much does it cost to live in Perugia?

It depends where are you coming from and what kind of standards do you have. For me,coming from Serbia it was a little bit expensive, but if you're coming from a better country and from country with higher standards then Perugia isn't expensive. Prices are available for students and even in restaurants in the city center prices aren't that high.

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

I was at the University for Foreigners and when you come you do the test so they can see on which level are you so you would be put in a right group (level A1,A2,B1,B2,C1 or C2).
I was learning Italian before I came to Perugia so it was easier for me, but if you don't speak Italian at all, trust me, the best way to learn a language is to learn it at the country where they speak it.
Learning Italian in Italy is the best way to learn it.

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

I went by a plane. But I landed in Rome because there's no airport in Perugia. So from the airport in Rome I took the bus for Perugia.
It depends where are you coming from. From my county there weren't any direct buses to Perugia so it was easier to go by a plane.