Erasmus Experience in Pisa, Italy by May Hong

What is the student lifestyle like in Pisa?

Besides following lectures, you can leisurely have a walk along the Arno river, go out with some friends for aperitivo (in the summer, there are restaurants just by the river with live music), enjoy talks over a beer at the piazze... During the weekend, it should be nice to travel to other parts of the region of Toscana (Siena, Lucca, Firenze...) or to other regions nearby. Pisa has a beach called Marina di Pisa, which is sometimes worthy to go and enjoy a caffe in the afternoon

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

Yes

What is the food like?

You can find the regional food well done in some great restaurants or other normal stuff with reasonable price

How much does it cost to live in Pisa?

It's a student city so the cost of living is lower than in other parts I believe

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

Yes. Italian is a beautiful language and it's best to make friends and practice the language with them, of course it depends on your interest in learning it. Courses are available at the Centre of Language of the University of Pisa

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Pisa?

La Cereria, Il campano, osteria san paolo or osteria san bernardo, undici (and the one next to us)
besides there are aperitivo from 7 to 9 pm at local bars in the centre

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Palazzo Blu with permanent exhibition (free entrance) as well as exhibitions over the year (Picasso, Kandinsky,...) with discounted fee for students