My Erasmus Experience in Turin, Italy by Manon

Why did you choose to go to Turin, Italy?

I chose to go to Turin because it's one of the largest and most dynamic economic centres in Italy and it's also the closest city to Milan, where I would have loved to go, as well as being close to France.

How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I stayed there for one academic year, from September to June, and I received an Erasmus grant of 144€ a month. I don't usually receive grants.

What's the student vibe like in Turin?

Turin is a big student city and has two universities; the University of Turin and the Polytechnic University of Turin. There is an enormous amount of Erasmus students, especially Spanish students! Everything is set up so that students practically live in the city centre as there are bars, clubs (usually free for Erasmus students) and cafés. Italians are very interested in foreign culture so I quickly fell into a group of friends.

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

I obviously recommend Turin to everybody, after 2 months I felt more at home there than in my French home! You need to realise from the start that the Italian university system isn't worse than the French system, but just a lot different and it's very strange for you if you're French.

What's Italy's food like?

Italian gastronomy definitely lives up to your expectations! You can eat the best ice cream, the best pizzas and the best dishes in the world! It's a bit cliché, but for a French person, it's completely possible to keep your home eating habits- the markets are basically the same as in France and cost roughly the same too.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Turin?

I took a trip to Turin in June and found accommodation for my arrival in September through a real estate agency, which was quick and easy. However, there are plenty of other ways to find somewhere to live, like looking up accommodation on Facebook groups or websites, or even by trying out coach surfing.

What are living costs like in Turin?

Turin is a large city so the accommodation is a little bit expensive; my place is 70m² and I pay 800€ a month, bills included. On the other hand, you can eat cheaply there for example focaccia pizza is 1. 50€ and paninis are around 2€-4€. A monthly travel pass for students costs 21€.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

I was already learning Italian in my university in France so I didn't have to take any language courses in particular. The language is quickly learnt, I saw some of my Spanish friends progress at a crazy speed. But let it be said that you learn the language outside the classroom by spending a lot of time with Italians.

What's the most economical way to get to Turin from your home town?

I would say that flying is still the cheapest way if you book in advance and with a good company, however I haven't actually gone by plane yet. For Christmas I went home to Cherbourg by train and a return ticket cost me 120€.

Where do you recommend to go out in Turin?

Fluido, Lapsus and Club 21 are the 3 main clubs for Erasmus students.

And to eat in Turin? What are your favourite places?

I often eat lunch with a friend at Focacceria Tipica Ligure where they do portions of farinata and focaccia to die for (and it's not expensive! ) There are a few of these restaurants around, but my closest one is Via Cavour, in the centre.

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

The Basilica of Superga on the hill is magnificent. You can see the mountains when the sky is clear. There are also many museums, the National Museum of Cinema is superb, and the Teatro Regio puts on operas regularly.

Any advice for future students going to Turin?

Above all, understand that the university system is going to be frankly very weird for you if you're French. Don't get too overwhelmed by the bibliographies that you have to do. In general, there aren't any reasons to worry. Turin is an absolutely superb city which you will miss, no matter where you go. Life is good and easy there. Have fun!