Erasmus experience Perugia, Italy

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Why did you choose to go to Perugia, Italy?

Within the options in Italy that I could choose from, it looked like it was the one that had the best student atmosphere...

How long was the scholarship? How much financial support did you receive?

I have been here for 6 months (with only 5 months worth of a grant) and they have given me 350 euros per month.

What is the student atmosphere like in Perugia?

Cool. It a student city. They are everywhere and there are a lot Erasmus students.

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

Yes, although it is not a big city, it is more like a town. But for me, this has been cool to do Erasmus since you can meet loads of people.

In terms of the University, at least in terms of my course (Audiovisual communication) left much to be desired...

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How was the food in Italy?

Well, as always in Italy, pasta and pizza. But it's all about cooking a good tortilla in the flat.

Was it difficult to find accommodation?

I stayed in the Innamorati residency for three months, thanks to A. D. I. S. U. After those three months, I went to live in a flat with some friends.

What are the accommodation prices like? And the prices in general?

They are around 250/300 euros for the room + bills. The residencies are 150 euros/month, but the Innamorati residency doesn't have a kitchen like the rest. The prices of daily things like vegetables, fruit etc are more expensive than in Spain. An Iceberg lettuce, for example, is 1. 50 euros.

What about the language? Did you go to some sort of course at the university?

I arrived there not knowing a single word of Italian. After 6 months I now have no problems communicating. I attended the course 'EILC' at the 'Università per Stranieri', which I totally recommend since I learnt Italian thanks to that. And the rest is a question of not talking too much with Spanish people!

What is the cheapest way to travel to Perugia from your hometown?

From Madrid, a plane with Ryanair to Pisa or Rome and then take a train to Perugia.

Which places do you recommend for going out in Perugia?

In my opinion, this is the disadvantage of Perugia. In the centre of the city, there are only bars like Lunabar, Merlin´s, H2O... where they close at 2. Afterwards, there are two clubs that are open until 5: Domus (I have to be drunk to endure it XD) and Velvet, which is quite good and on Thursdays they include dinner with the entry fee (but it is closed in Summer). The best clubs are outside the city; Cantiere, Urban... there are free buses that go there and back.

What about eating in Perugia? Can you name your favourite places?

For day to day, the 'mensa' of course, which is the student dining hall. The first dish is 2 euros (always pasta, garnish and pudding), 3 euros for the second plate (with garnish and pudding) and if you want it all it is 4-5 euros.

There are lots of kebab places...

The Mediterranean pizzeria next to Piazza 4 novembre and I like the pizzeria 'Casseta' on Via Annibal Vecchio a lot.... 5-6 euros/pizza.

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What about cultural visits?

The city is very beautiful. The aqueduct, the stairs, the gallery, piazza, the 'rocca Paolina'...

Also there are numerous museums.

In July they do the Umbria Jazz and the city is full of tourists and music.

Any advice you would like to offer to future students in Perugia?

That they enjoy this unique experience and that they try to stay until July for the Umbria Jazz!