My Erasmus Experience in Pisa, Italy by María

Why did you choose to go to Pisa, Italy?

I wanted to go to Italy because I like its climate, its language and its food and I decided to go to Pisa because it's very central to see Tuscany and it's well connected, you also won't find the mass tourism of other cities like Florence, Venice or Rome.

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

My scholarship lasted for the whole academic year and I received around 300€.

Source

What it the student lifestyle like in Pisa?

There's lots of support, the whole world is interested in you, where you come from, if you're enjoying your experience and they give you advice or help if you need it.

It's easy to make friends. The truth is that there are very good vibes in Pisa.

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

Of course I would recommend it. The best experience of my life, unforgettable. Pisa is great, you will love the city and the people.

What is the food like?

You haven't eaten real pizza and pasta until you've been to Italy. Let alone the coffee and ice cream.

If you go to Pisa you must eat at La Scuderia. Be careful with its metre long pizza.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Pisa?

There is a lot of variety and a lot to offer it can be overwhelming as there are a lot of apartments to see. I spent a week looking for mine without looking before, a lot of people arrive with a room that they've already rented online.

How much does it cost to live in Pisa?

€360 for rent and bills, then around €200 on food, going out, a course and travel. More or less €600.

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

Well... I went with an A1 level of Italian which was mainly colours, days and months all in the present, it's not as easy as you would hope. I did a course at the University of Pisa, but I recommend that you go with a basic understanding of the language, it will be much easier for you.

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

By plane. Pisa has a large airport that is used by everyone in Tuscany even above the airport of Florence because it's more economic.

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

Milibar, Akuaketa, Borderline, Bazeel, Caino. To name a few...

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

La Scuderia and il Caino, these are the best.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The leaning tower of Pisa and all of the monuments that surround it, especially Piazza del Miracoli.

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

Make the most of the connections with all of Tuscany that Pisa has take the train and go! Don't neglect your studies (too much! )or you will regret it. 3 experiences I recommend are the Luca Comis, the Venice carnival and Pisa's luminara, simply incredible.