Erasmus Experience in Trieste, Italy by Irene

Why did you choose to go to Trieste, Italy?

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Trieste wasn't my first choice because I wanted to go to Northern European countries such as Norway, Belgium, Poland... but all these destinations are in high demand, since they are in the top 10 of all the recommendations I found online and they receive a lot of Erasmus students every year. However, after a list of destinations were put forward by my Faculty, I saw, amongst others there was a place in Trieste available. I thought it was a charming city, different from the rest of Italy, ideal for traveling, and not very expensive.

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

My scholarship only lasted one semester, the first semester that is, from September to the beginning of February. I received € 350 per month, plus € 100 in total courtesy of the Autonomous University of Madrid. I have to say that the AUM gives out 70% of the grant in December and the other 30% at the end of your stay when your paperwork is finalised.

What is the student atmosphere like in Trieste?

It's different from what you can find in Spain. There's the Central University where almost all the courses take place, and then there are other campuses scattered around the city. That's to say, it isn't very centralised. You'll find many students from southern Italy. As for Erasmus, most are Spanish, but there are also many Belgians, French, Portuguese, and even Greeks. In general you'll find a lot of students if you know where to look, but the population of Trieste is mostly older.

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

I would recommend the city without a doubt. It's very different from other Italian cities. You can walk everywhere, although it's quite hilly, and if you look into the distance can see the sea or the mountain. It's surrounded by charming towns and villages, if you come you'll be surprised. However, the University is very chaotic, starting with the lecturers who are late to class every day or don't show up at all, and there is no institutional email, so they have no way of letting you know if they cannot go to class... The buildings and classrooms are terribly signposted, the timetables don't make sense, it's common for you to have classes at the same time, or to have classes in different buildings and not have enough time to arrive on time. I wouldn't recommend the University, but it's still going!

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What's the country's food like?

It's Italian, there's nothing more to say. You discover the true taste of pizza, even a margarita from the supermarket tastes glorious! They also have piadinas, spritz, appetizer...

Did you have trouble finding accommodation in Trieste?

It's the worst thing about the city, especially if you're an Erasmus student, since word of mouth has spread throughout Trieste the idea that we're the worst type of people to have in your house... They also ask for a 12 month contract which isn't useful if you're only going to be there for a semester. However, there are clauses in the contract that let you leave before, everything is in the fine print! In my case it took me a lot of time, about two weeks. However, after having traveled around the entire city and viewed 15 flats, I finally found a place thanks to Airbnb. Since many owners are interested in renting their properties for longer than a mere weekend, I recommend it!

There is only one student hall and, as I remember, it's expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Trieste?

Accommodation including bills is about € 280 per month max. You can even find accommodation for less! The cheapest supermarkets are Ins and Conad. Coop is very good quality but is a bit more expensive. Going out for a drink is generally expensive, beers and expensive tapas. However in Via Torino is "Le botti" where you can get wine for € 1 and that's super super great! It's not expensive to live in Trieste if, for example, you compare it with Madrid or Barcelona.

How was the language? Did you go to any course at the University?

The language is easily learned if you aim to mix with Italians and if you practice. You can understand everything as you become familiar with it. The University runs a free course for Erasmus students which is very useful. I recommend taking the highest level possible (you can choose B2), because that way you learn faster.

What is the cheapest way to get to Trieste from your city?

There are no direct flights from Madrid. You can fly Madrid-Bologna (with Ryanair it is super cheap) and then take a train to Trieste with Trenitalia (usually cheap too). But if you're travelling with a suitcase that has your entire life packed up inside, maybe the trip Bologna to Trieste will be a bit annoying. For this reason I recommend going to Valencia and then flying direct to Trieste (with Ryanair it's very reasonable).

Where would you recommend for a night out in Trieste?

There aren't many party parties here, in summer there is an Ausonia open-air disco which is pretty good. In winter months there are only two "nightclubs", Mandracchio (free for Erasmus until a certain time) and Colonial (likewise), both play intense reggaeton so you'll feel at home. The atmosphere ends a lot earlier than it does in Spain, clubs close at 3-4am. The good thing is that drinking on the street is legal, so you can drink outside with no problems. It's advisable to do it in Piazza Unità or in the Molo next to the sea.

And eating out Trieste? Can you give us your favorite places?

Copacabana, Rossopomodoro, La Caveja, Rustiko (for Serbian food, I recommend Cevapcici and Burek).

And as a cultural visit?

It's important to note that on the first Sunday of each month all museums are free, so it's the perfect time to visit the Miramare Castle. You have to see the Canale Grande, Piazza Unità d'Italia, the neighborhood of Cavana, and the concentration camp Rissiera di San Sabba which is very interesting (and always free, and with audio-guides in Spanish for €2). You can't miss Ljubljana, it only takes an hour to get to and the bus doesn't cost more than €5.

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Any advice you want to give to future students in Trieste?

The "bora" is real, it's usually very cold in winter, and in summer it's very humid. Enjoy, travel and get carried away.