Erasmus Experience in Torino, Italy by Samuel

Why did you choose to go to Turin, Italy?

Especially because my teacher advised me to do my Erasmus in Politecnico di Torino.
Also because i was curious about living in Italy since i like its food, places to visit and language.

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

I spent 6 months in Turin. I received 1100€ for all that period. You'll need (at least) about 500€/month to live there.

What is the student lifestyle like in Turin?

It's an ordinary lifestyle: going to the lessons, study at home or at the university (when it's needed) and go out at night (sometimes).

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

It's an interesting city for people who like history and ancient and calm cities. Politecnico di Torino was considered the best Politecnico in Italy and it's very well know outside Italy. However prepare youself to have very theoretical lessons (it seems to be common in the whole Italy).

What is the food like?

You may have two dishies: the first is usually pasta or risotto (kind of rice's recipe), and the second can be any kind of meet/fish with potatos/salad.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Turin?

As far as i'm concerned it may cost a bit, especially if you are looking for just 6 months and if you don't start that process early in time. Otherwise, it will not be difficult i suppose.

How much does it cost to live in Turin?

It costs around 500-600€/month. A single room in Turin is around 250-300eur; a dooble room, 200-250eur/month. Food and transports are not expensive. You have free entrance in some clubs. So, you can have an idea how much you'll spent...!

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

It's domandatory to attend an italian course (level A1 or A2, you can choose the level you want). This course happens two weeks before ordinary lessons start. In the end of the course you have a very simple exam (multiple choice).
It's an easy language for portuguese, spanish and french people (since they all have the same origin); If you are from another country it will be more difficult because words and grammar will be significantly different as you can imagine.

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

Once you are in Italy the easiest and economical way may be the train. Sometimes you have also shuttles. If you come from another country (outside Italy) it's better to take a plane. There is an airport in Turin and a low cost companies, Ryanair, is there. In Milan you have Easyjet, and in this case you can arrive in Milan and then catch a train or shuttle (+- 10 eur) to Turin.

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

I use to go to clubs. Each day of the week (from wednesday to saturday) there is one club in which you have free entrance if you are foreign student. I would recommend Chalet (thursdays), Rotunda (saturdays?) and Cacao (fridays?). You should join on fb "Erasmus Torino" and you will receive all the info ;).Then you have a zone called Murazzi, close to the river and Parco Valentino, where you have always free entrance in several bar-clubs. Murazzi can be a bit dangerous at night, so just take care if you are not alone and so one.

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

I just went one time to the restaurant. It's expensive and canteen's food is very good!
In Italy you take Pasta/Risotto or Pizza, basically.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Turin has a lot of historic places like museums and palaces. I would recommend Cinema's Theatre, Palazzo Reale, Egipcian Museum.

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

Buy a bike.
Try to meet people that are not from the same country as you are (remember that is one of the reasons to make a mobility programme).
You enjoy your experince more if are going alone.
Buy train tickets in Trenitalia's site some weeks/days before your departure since there are very good discounts (ex. I came from Venice to Turin for just 10 eur. because i booked the train 45 days before).
Try to visit a place 20km far a way from Turin (there is a bus that costs 1,50 eur/travel) called Venaria Reale (you have a huge palace and very beatiful garden).

If you have more questions let me know! Enjoy your Erasmus!