Erasmus Experience in Trieste, Italy by Richard

Why did you choose to go to Trieste, Italy?

My main reason for choosing Trieste was its proximity to the Balkans. A year earlier I had been travelling to countries such as Slovenia and Croatia, both beautiful, and I knew that choosing Trieste would give me a great chance to go back there again. I also saw Trieste as a very interesting place in its own right, with beautiful architecture, the sea and mountains all adding to its appeal

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

I was there for nine months, but you can also go for one semester (around 4-5 months). I received around 1500 euros from ERASMUS and around 3000 from my university in England. I was very comfortable (and lucky) but I know other people who weren't

What is the student lifestyle like in Trieste?

Very good. When I was there we had a great social scene and met people from 25-30 different countries. We all got on very well and had some fantastic shared experiences both in Trieste and on excursions out of the city

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

Yes. The city is very picturesque and there is plenty to do and there are plenty of places to visit nearby (Slovenia, Croatia, Venice etc). The university itself I found slightly disorganised, but that shouldn't be enough to put you off!

What is the food like?

When eating at restaurants I would only advise you to order pizza! Other food, while it usually tastes good, comes in small portions and is often not good value for money

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Trieste?

The cost of my appartment, which I shared with 3 other people, was 180 euros per month in addition to other bills

How much does it cost to live in Trieste?

It depends on your lifestyle. Beer is expensive, though no more so than in other Italian cities, and wine is cheap. Supermarket prices are reasonable and accommodation (as I said above) is extremely cheap compared to some other European cities so there are much more expensive places to live than Trieste!

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

As someone who was studying Italian at university anyway, I suppose it was ok! Yes, there are language courses available for all abilities for anyone who wants to take them

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

A Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Trieste, then a bus into the city centre

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

Nowhere specific - there is a range of bars/clubs we used to go to but none of them are better/worse than the others I'd say. As long as you have a good, big group of people you'll have fun anywhere. Spending long evenings drinking on the Molo Audace during the summer months is great too

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

There are a few decent Italian restaurants on the Gran Canale - the Paulaner on the seafront and the steakhouse by the Gran Canale are pretty good too. There are also several good places for a post-night-out kebab!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Piazza Unita - the main square in Trieste with sea views
Molo Audace - the pier with views of the sea, Miramare, and on a clear day the Alps
Miramare - a seaside castle
San Duino and San Giusto castles
Slovenia, Croatia and Venice are all within 2/3 hours journey

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

Be prepared for 'La Bora,' a very, very strong wind that in the winter can take the chill factor down to -20 degrees.