Erasmus Experience in Pisa, Italy by Wojciech

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Why did you choose to go to Pisa, Italy?

Because of the great landscapes of Tuscany and nice research possibilities. Also, I just always wanted to see Italy!

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

For now it is 4 months but I am planning to stay here also for the next semesters. As my Erasmus scholarship I receive 600 euros for month and it is quite enough, but I have also heard that the guys from Erasmus Mundus program receive about 1000 euros per month. If you buy things in big shops (like Lidl or Carefour) it is possible to spend about 270 euros per month, of course without accommodation.

What is the student lifestyle like in Pisa?

Here in Pisa there are many students. As I am having an internship, I don't attend to classes but I can see that here people are studying a lot, but of course studies are not only about studying. There is a place which used to be called Baseel (now it is changing the name I guess) which is a nice place for clubbing (maybe a little bit too small! )

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

I am having an internship in Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna facility, but definitely I can recommend Pisa for Erasmus studies (especially during summer semester! )

What is the food like?

Like... Italian! simple as that. The quality of food is at very good level. For me, personally I love the taste of tomatoes in here! they are just... different from these in Poland! Also, the food is quite cheap in here.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Pisa?

Not really. First we have been living in Tognolo, student dormitory. Honestly the place is not that good especially according to the prices (360 euros per month). For the accommodation, I suggest to look in the following websites: Pisa Bakeca, Subito, Easy Stanza, Kijiji and such. just type "accommodation Pisa" in Google!

How much does it cost to live in Pisa?

As I have written, it depends on the place where you buy things but it is possible to live for about 300 euros monthly, not including accommodation.

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

I don't know how it works in Università di Pisa, but in SSSUP there is a free Italian course. Personally, for me Italian is not that difficult and it is possible to learn it pretty quickly.

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

By plane - the cheapest way. To Pisa it is possible to flight from Warsaw, Cracow and Gdansk. If you buy a ticket in advance (ex. one month) you can pay something around 20 euros, so it is quite cheap.

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

Definitely Baseel. If not because of the party, it is because of people who are around (Piazza Garibaldi). Also there is plenty of pubs around so there is no way to be bored during weekends.

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

Normally I don't eat in restaurants, but there are many nice pizzerias in the city centre, so you will definitely find something for you.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Florence! you have to visit Florence. there is plenty of places to visit and it is hard to describe them - you just need to go there! Tuscany itself is beautiful so there are many places to visit. Marina di Pisa for instance, has a nice view at the sea and also many beaches. Lucca, which is nearby, has a beautiful old town surrounded by wall. If you like climbing, in Carrara and Massa you can find tracks to Alpi Apuane.

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

One. If you are planning to visit Pisa for studies, don’t go to Tognolo accommodation. It is awful, trust me!

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