Erasmus Experience in Rome, Italy by Elliot

Why did you choose to go to Rome, Italy?

Classes in English but still able to take Italian classes to learn the language and also the opportunity to go study in Italy which is such a great country!

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

I got a partial scholarship for 3 of the 5 months there, it helped cover a good part of the costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rome?

The parties were mostly Spanish music and very oriented to the Spanish crowd there so sometimes it was a bit overwhelming and like... "where are the Italians?". But otherwise go for "aperitivo" its so nice and its basically drinks with enough food for it to feel like dinner for 7-10 € so cheap (and so good)!

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

Yes, professors are super nice, understanding and helpful and the whole life there in general was so cool, but not speaking Italian when arriving did make things a little harder sometimes.

Source

What is the food like?

AMAZING. Delicious pizza for like 5 €, full dinner for like 7 €, living like a king but still within my budget. Go check out Pizza Ricca near the Vatican, they're SO good and not expensive at all and of course don't forget to go to Pompi for tiramisu. Also go to La Zanzara which is such a nice place!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Rome?

Cost me time as its so hard, but the accommodation was nice, but expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Rome?

Housing isn't cheap, but living otherwise is pretty cheap.

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

Italian is quite easy and Italians are eager to help and understand you so even when you don't speak very well they will help you and try to see what you mean, they are very nice people so no worries.

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

By plane... the train was like 9 hours.

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

La Zanzara (for dinner or drinks), and Freni e Frizioni (and anything around Trastevere) for like music and bars later in the night.

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

Pizza Ricca, best pizza I've ever had. Pompi, best tiramisu. La Villeta (dal 1940) best pasta (you HAVE to try All'Amatriciana it's the best). La Zanzara has the best aperitivo. Gelateria La Romana (on via Vola di Rienzo) best ice cream.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Colosseum, just stunning. Villa Borghese and the views from the Terrace are also insane. The Vatican is just breathtaking. All the major highlights are also very impressive of course, the old center of Rome is beautiful. However, these are also packed so don't hesitate to go a bit outside, especially Gianicolo, best views over the city, and Monti is quite lively too.

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

Have fun, embrace the Italian chill lifestyle and their amazing mindset that "everything will be fine" because despite how messy Rome gets it really does always end up being fine!

Source