Erasmus Experience in Rome, Italy by Elisa

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Why did you choose to go to Roma, Italy?

I chose to go to Rome because I wanted to learn the beautiful Italian language, to discover all the famous museums and monuments, to enjoy the sun, to be near the sea, and... to enjoy the Italian food of course!

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

I'm staying in Rome 10 months and I receive 240 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Roma?

I will summarize the student lifestyle in 3 words : "the Dolce Vita! ". At Sapienza University, there is a very cool ambient, and Erasmus parties are organized every week.

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

I would recommend it if you don't pay attention to organization! Haha the Italian organization is really annoying sometimes...

What is the food like?

The food is amazing seriously! And you can easily find cheap and good restaurants.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Roma?

Yes it is a bit complicated, but I have been lucky. In fact, by internet, many owners didn't answer to our messages, and many websites to contact the owners are not free. So with my friend we came to visit accommodations in July, we called the owners phone numbers on the rental panels on the buildings, and the first flat we visited was the one! If I have an advice to give you, don't go to real estate agency, it is expensive and the flats are not in a good condition.

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How much does it cost to live in Roma?

In fact, the only thing that is really expensive in Rome, it is the rent. Supermarkets and restaurants are cheap.

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

I understand quite well Italian because I speak Spanish, and Italian courses are available at the University.

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

The easiest and most economical way to travel to Rome from my city, is by plane with Ryanair or Vueling.

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

I would recommend to go in a Rooftop Bar, there are so many in the city center! Just to enjoy the view, and I also recommend to walk around the city center (Fontana di Trevi, Piazza Venezia, Piazza di Spagna, Colosseo... ) by night, when the city is calmer and less noisy.

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

For the Authentic Italian side, I recommend the "Trattoria Al Gran Sasso", in the city center, and "Osteria da Fortunatta", in this last restaurant you can see the real Italian mamas making the home made pasta! Booking a table is highly recommended.

I also recommend the restaurant "Mimi e Coco" near Piazza Navona, a really nice place with really good food and cocktails.

For a chic restaurant, I recommend "Romeo Chef & Baker" a very beautiful places, with very good food, wine and cocktails.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are so many! Galleria Nazionale de Arte Moderna, Vaticano, Colosseo, Galleria de Arte de Villa Borghese, all the churches in the streets are worth a visit.

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

Enjoy the Dolce Vita! Italians are very friendly and caring, there is a very good ambient. Also, you have to know that transports are very disorganized and it is a problem sometimes. For this reason, we walk a lot! In the end this is not a bad thing! I will keep a really good memory of this Erasmus year, and I don't regret my choice!

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