Erasmus Experience in Siena, Italy by Julianne

Why did you choose to go to Siena, Italy?

I had four choices for my Erasmus and after much consideration I am so happy I picked Siena. Other places like Bologna are wonderful cities but when you are doing Erasmus for a year you want to feel at home in the place you will study and for me Siena is home. Living in a big city it is difficult to make friends, whereas in Siena you walk down the street and you are sure to see someone you know. Of course Siena is also one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and waking up every day in a place like Siena is something one could only dream of.

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

I study in Siena for one full academic year and I receive about €1, 800 for the year. It is not a lot but I saved before I came here and my advice is if possible take out a loan and just enjoy the year while you can!

What is the student lifestyle like in Siena?

Student lifestyle in Siena is not amazing. There are of course bars but you must get a bus out to the clubs. However remember you will be Erasmus and for you it will be different. I think that for the first two months I partied almost every night and now we always have events, house parties, birthdays, etc. to go to, so it never ends.

The Erasmus students always seem to have a party somewhere and it is very easy to get to the clubs outside the wall. Of course you have Piazza del Campo and when it is not cold this is a regular meeting point for all students. Trust me, if you make friends you will always have a party to attend.

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

Without a doubt. The University is very good. The staff and lecturers are always so helpful. I have often sent emails and the lecturers have been very easy to deal with. The city itself is full of life if you go out and find it. It's a wonderful city full of culture.

What is the food like?

The food is amazing. The pizza gets better the further south of italy but it's pretty good in Siena. Of course as a student I do not eat out a lot but when I do it has always been good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Siena?

No, I was lucky. I lived in Italy with an Italian family the summer before I came to Siena, so they helped me look for accommadation.

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How much does it cost to live in Siena?

For me my rent is €360 a month including expenses for a single room, but you can get much cheaper.

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

I did a language course in September and I found it very useful. As for in college it depends on what classes you pick. It's possible to take some in English and most of the time the lecturers are very understanding if your struggling with the language.

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

For me it is expensive as I have to travel to Ireland. It really depends on where I can get a cheap flight from and then I get a train to the airport. However it's important to book the train in advance.

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

BellaVista, La Dolce Vita, Maudits, Tea Room. There are a lot of bars to choose from.

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

Zest is one of my favourites!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Piazza del campo, Piazza Pubblico, Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di San Domenico, Fontebranda etc...

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Siena?

You'll get out of your Erasmus experience, what you put into it! Travel as much as you can. As an Erasmus student you will not have too much pressure so get involved in events and travel. Join ESN which is a network for Erasmus students and they often hold events and trips.

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