My Erasmus Experience in Turin, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Turin, Italy?

I didn't really choose to come here, since I wasn't allowed to choose between the cities my university offered as destinations due to my language exam results. I didn't know as much about it as I did about other more famous Italian cities.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

My exchange will last eleven months, and I'm receiving a grant from the Council of Andalusia of about 600 euros per month. How much you get depends on your autonomous community, though.

What's the student life like in Turin?

Incredible on all fronts all year round.

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

Definitely. Turin Polytechnic is one of the most important universities in Europe, with students from all branches of engineering and architecture. Their connections ensure you internships with renowned companies. The University of Turin is also high on the international list.

What's the food like in Turin?

In my opinion, it's not even nearly as good as the food we have in Spain. It's not bad though, and you can discover delicious dishes which aren't the typical ones you usually associate with Italy. I've visited different regions in Italy and the food changes with the region; the fish, meat, pasta, and sauces. You get the opportunity to try out specialities when you're travelling around, and you'll be able to eat good, new food if you go looking for it. If you don't, you'll get to eat your pasta and pizza every day and stick to that.

How did you find your accommodation?

I sorted my accommodation out before I arrived thanks to my own university and the Turin Polytechnic. They sent me a form to fill out, and I ticked the box saying I was looking for somewhere to live. After a few months, I got an e-mail saying that a room in a residence had been reserved for me. I accepted it, and it all turned out well.

How expensive is accommodation in Turin? How expensive is everyday life in general?

The accommodation prices are a bit higher than they are in Spain, and the price to quality ratio is a bit worse. Student halls of residence with shared kitchens and a laundry room cost around 250 euros per month for a shared room and 350 euros per month for an individual one. If you're looking to rent a whole flat, the price will depend on the area and on how lucky you are. I lived in a flat near the Polytechnic which cost 200 euros for a shared room and 250 euros for an individual one. The prices go up and down slightly depending on whether you get your bills included or not. Generally, the prices here are normal and by all means affordable. Turin isn't an expensive Italian city. Food is the same price as it is in Spain, but clothes are much more expensive. Nights out can turn out to be particularly expensive.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

The language isn't difficult to communicate in or sit exams in if you're clever enough and want to learn. You can get quite good at Italian during your time here. Both the Polytechnic and the University of Turin offer language courses during your first few weeks before classes begin. You sit an exam, and if you pass it, they give you free credits, too.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Turin from your home city?

I live in Málaga, Spain. I fly from Málaga to Milan (Malpensa) with easyjet, and then catch a bus from the airport to Turin. If you can't find any good prices for this connection, fly with Ryanair to Milan (Bergamo) instead, get a bus to central Milan and then the train to Turin from there.

What are the best places for partying in Turin?

There are lots of Erasmus clubs around. It depends on what kind of party you're after. The best clubs/places to go are Millionaire, Lapsus, Cortile (near the Natural Science Museum), Cuadrilatero, La rotonda, Cutre (Chalet), and Murazzi (Giancarlo, Puddhu, Olé Madrid).

What about eating out in Turin? What are your favourite places?

The best-known places in Turin are L'obelix and Soho on Piazza Vittorio, Zero Bar, Pastis, and Horas Kebab on Vittorio Emanuele II.

What does Turin have to offer in terms of culture?

The Natural Science Museum (Museo Scienze Naturali), the National Museum of Cinema (La molle antolleniana - Museo Nazionale del Cinema), the National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile), the Egizio Museum, the Castle of Rivoli, the Palace of Venaria... here's a link where you can find a list of all the cultural sights in Turin: http://www.comune.torino.it/musei/elenco

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Turin?

Get to know as many people as possible, and spend time with them, as you can learn so much from the people you meet here. Avoid always spending time with other Spaniards, as you can do that easily when you go back to Spain. Learn the language and take on challenges, don't hold back and adapt to every new situation. Do things you'll remember later and be proud of having done.