Sassari indimenticabile

Sassari wasn't my first choice, but it would certainly be if I could ever repeat my erasmus.

I have spent in Sassari 9 months already and I will stay for 1 more. It has been, for sure, one of the best periods of my life that I will ever have.

It's true that it is not a big city. It's got a bit more than 150 000 inhabitants and you can feel it's a provincial city. Capital of one of the most rural regions of Italy, that creates at the same time the disadvantages and Sassari's strong points.

Disadvantages:

• Transport. Apart from summer season, the island isn't that easy to reach. Although it depends on the place you're travelling from, you better get use to plane transfers or long ferry trips. Also within the island: roads aren't that good neither public transport.
• Small city. It really depends on what you're used to and what you like. But let's say, compared to big European cities, that Sassari hasn't got a huge cultural offer or 24/7 parties. However, it is more lively than what you usually expect for a city of its size. All in all, with all the festivals, Erasmus events and parties you won't usually need anymore.

Advantages:

• Small city. Easy to handle, you can go walking almost anywhere and it will make easier to hang out with friends, or just came across someone you know and start a conversation on the street ending in a gelateria.
• Beaches. You won't forget them. The blue of the water in spring-summer is incredible. Unspoiled, full of nature. A true paradise. The best ones aren't really close to the city, so taking a city bus to be on the beach in 35 minutes is a luxury.



• Nature and adventure. Breathtaking. Sassari allows you to be really near nature. Lots of trekkings, camping on the beach, hiking cliffs that falls to the sea... You'll have the time of your life. I think this is the point I like the most about Sassari, also because you seldom find it in other destinations.
• Italy. The food is great; authentic pizzas everywhere. Also the language; you'll get to know Italian, which has been very important in European culture for example in music.
• Lifestyle. Purely mediterranean, let things flow here, quitely. You may have to wait but you won't get stressed. Although it depends on your personal experience here, I learnt for example to see things differently, and that taking your time sometimes really helps you. I learnt to get advantage of every opportunity and enjoy it as it comes and believe me, it's fantastic.
• People. Really helpful and nice. They'll try to do their best even if they don't speak a word of English. Let them teach you about the lifestyle I just mentioned.
• An authentic region of Europe. Sardegna is distinctive inside Italy. You have the possibility to trully live traditions and culture of old and rural Europe: traditional carnival, wine festivals in small towns... Surprise yourself dancing "ballo sardo" with the whole town in circles. Really film-like, and one of my best nights ever.
• ESN Sassari. The Erasmus Association here really works. They help you a lot if you have any problem, organize travels and activities... They will be part of your friends and make your Erasmus even greater.

Tips & recommendations:

Try to make possibilities out of difficulties. If you have to transfer at the airport, maybe you should visit that city too. If you miss the last bus, maybe you could do hitchhiking even though it's your first time. Learn how to take advantage of every situation and create great experiences from them.

Really important: MOVE. Make your own plans with friends -or alone-, make your own parties, go visit some new beach. You'll have lots of fun, stories, adventures... Sassari will be really worth. Otherwise you might find yourself "stuck" in a city not so big.

(For Spanish people) Most of Erasmus in Sassari are Spaniards. My recommendation is to get together also with other nationalities, as you will trully have a cultural exchange and a more authentic erasmus experience. Try it even if your English isn't good!

If you have the possibility: bring a car to the island. It will make much more easier to travel around.

Common questions:

What is the student lifestyle like in Sassari?

The university isn't that big but you can feel an university environment at some cafès, bars... University students play a role in the city, with events such as "Universitari in piazza" and faculty parties. The Pigliaru library and the Mensa university canteen are usually busy.

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

Of course! Sassari has plenty to offer, and it can definitely be the best place you could have ever chosen. It was in my case, but take into account your personal likes.

What is the food like?

Mediterranean. Traditional Italian food -olive oil, pasta, pizza- along with regional dishes such as "pane frattau", sheep cheese, "porcheddu"... Also good wine and traditional licuors such as "filu ferru" or "mirto". All in all, very tasty.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Sassari?

The ESN can help you a lot concerning accommodation when you arrive. Don't worry. Anyway, I wanted to have it before my arrival so I searched at webpages like Subito. Finally I found one thanks to a friend's friend who came here the previous year. Take also a look at the facebook group of Erasmus Sassari because sometimes some Italian students post their flats there.

How much does it cost to live in Sassari?

Depends on what you're used to. It's more expensive than most of Spain, also supermarkets. Cheap if you compare it to Austria. But it's generally affordable with the scholarship and parental help. Anyway, money can be recovered, but experiences don't.

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

The language: depends. For a Spanish or some other romance language native speaker is possible to get used and learn quickly. My Polish or Greek friends generally didn't learn that much Italian, though. But I strongly recommend you to try it. If you don't try it, you won't learn anything for sure.

There are free language courses starting at september, october and february, levels from A1 to B1. I took two of them and I improved, but it is very important to speak it in your everyday life too, with flatmates, friends...

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

Regarding Spain, on summer season there are direct planes to Barcelona. Apart from summer, you might use Ryanair from Alghero, transfering at Milano Bergamo, Pisa o Bologna to Madrid or Sevilla. If you book in advance, it can be as cheap as 40€ Alghero-Sevilla. But be careful on holidays, it becomes expensive.

There is also a ferry Barcelona-Porto Torres, ideal to bring the car.

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

Erasmus usually get along at some piazza (square) to get together and drink first: Piazza Italia or Piazza Tola are the best. Piazza Tola usually have a nice nightlife, with pubs and bars around. Concerning pubs and discos, Touch is my favourite, but also Republik, Agabacchela, Pool, Il Rifugio, Abetone...

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

Any pizzeria is a good choice, and cheap. 140 grammi and Sant Joseph are also very nice. Also a Spanish one that makes you discounts if you're Spanish. But just look for your favourite!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I really like Museo Sanna, because it has a quite good prehistorical and ancient collection. It tells you how important was Sardegna at that time.

Sightseeing: Specially Piazza Italia, the old town, Piazza Santa Caterina, the Cathedral and some other churches. It isn't as beautiful as some other parts of Italy but it's worth exploring.

Out of the city, do not miss to visit some Nuraghe (prehistoric megalithic monuments) or beautiful Romanesque churches like Basilica di Saccargia.

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

I was told this was gonna be the best year of my life. They didn't get it wrong.