From Santiago to Pisa

Why did you choose to go to Pisa, Italy?

When I began doing the paperwork for Erasmus, I knew that I wanted to go to Italy for the language, because it was a country near to mine and because I was excited to get to know it. I chose Pisa on this basis because I was going with two friends who studied a different degree to me, and between the destinations that we could go to together, Pisa was the one that I liked most, for the size of the city and because it well located in relation to the rest of Europe.

How long does the grant last? How much financial help do you receive?

The grant that I chose lasted for 10 months: from halfway through September to halfway through July. Regarding money, from my university (Santiago de Compostela) I received around ‎€2800. Moreover, I requested a grant from the Galician regional government that was based on academic grades (in my case it was give or take €900).

What is the student atmosphere like in Pisa?

The student atmosphere in my faculty (economics) seemed very wholesometo me, in the sense that I didn't have any issues with my classmates, they always helped me, including the professors I had who were kind and understanding, initially above all regarding the language. The people were always very kind and friendly.

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

Yes, I would recommend it, even though it doesn't have half the social life that the city I study in has. It is a very quiet city and the great thing is that it has an airport that is very well connected, with a lot of flights by Ryanair, which can take you all around Europe quite cheaply.

What is the food like?

The food is amazing, unless you don't like pasta, pizza and ice cream... Everything is really delicious and everything everywhere is very artisan.

How did you find accommodation?

It was in the middle of summer that I began looking for an apartment and I found one by asking in estate agencies

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

Prices are fairly high, above all those of accommodation... The majority of people that I knew paid around €300 for an average room, for one person. Regarding the caretaker and the bills the prices are considerably higher than here in Galicia, above everything the central heating.

How was the language? Did you go to any courses at the university?

The language learning went well for Spanish people it is usually easy. Moreover Italians are understanding, and sometimes even in shops they try to speak to you in Spanish! At the beginning studying wasn't difficult, but you become tired more quickly than when studying in Castilian (or Galician), but it keeps getting better.

I did a course at The Modern Languages Centre at my university the year before I went to Pisa, and in the beginning two to three months when I arrived.

What the most economic way to travel to Pisa from your hometown?

By plane, even though from Santiago de Compostela there isn't a direct flight. What I did was go as far as Oporto in Portugal and from there go directly to Pisa or if not then go from Santiago to Rome, and then on the train from Roma to Pisa, which are a cheaper 4 hours on the train.

Where would you recommend going out in Pisa?

In Pisa there aren't many places to go out. On this basis I really liked Bazzeel, in Piazza Garibaldi, but it closes at 1 from Monday to Friday and at 2 on a Saturday.

And eating in Pisa? Can you share your favourite places?

Well... you can eat anywhere! Although my favourite places are Lissus, in Piazza Guerazzi (they do amazing pasta and pizza), and a place in which they only do pasta in one of the side roads that comes off of Piazza Garibaldi. Also, La Tana, although I don't remember the name of the road and at Bazzeel there is good food. Furthermore, to eat something on the go that is a little less formal there is La Piadineria, which is also close to Garibaldi, and the Dolce Notte a place where they do rolls filled with whatever you want which is amazing... This is in Piazza Gambacorti, also known as "the pear".

And cultural visits?

Regarding cultural visits within Pisa I have nothing to write... The grassy areas that surround the tower are very pretty and great place to kick back and spend the afternoon when good weather starts. With regards to places outside of Pisa I really love Florence and a small town near Pisa called Lucca: they are both beautiful. And then typical places like Rome or Venice, especially the latter.

Any advice for future students at the university of Pisa?

Take advantage of the year, which is a great experience, meet people who are different to you, and even though you might be tempted to group up with Spanish people, because there are plenty, try to meet many Italians because it is the best way to learn the language well. And also take advantage and travel a lot, both in Italy and in Europe! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!