Experience in University of Roma 'La Sapienza', Italy by Sarah

In general, what is University of Roma 'La Sapienza' like?

It's a beautiful and unique university. It's packed with students from all walks of life which makes your day more interesting.

What are the facilities like?

Seeing as it has one of the highest uptakes in Europe, I believe it doesn't have sufficient facilities. The libraries are always packed and you have to fight for a place. Every building/subject has a library but they're too small. Furthermore, only 1 library has a 24h access and you need a particular card for it, which is given to a select few on a first-come-first-served basis. The aulas are big and beautiful if you're doing a course with more students but if you're not, it's too small and too dark/claustrophobic.

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What are the tutors like?

My professors are mostly all Italian who speak English, even though with varying levels of language. I have some professors who speak perfectly and a couple others who are hard to understand. Also, as it is probably the case in most universities, in one hand I have some professors who have been fascinating and passionate and who have been able to teach their subject in a stimulating way, while in the other hand I have other professors who weren't meant for teaching at all.

Are the lessons easy in University of Roma 'La Sapienza'?

In my case, the lessons aren't easy per se but the university doesn't expect you to bend over backwards for your studies. If someone can do it, then you're all expected to be able to do it.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

There isn't a university life per se, as that isn't an Italian tradition. You go to university to study and do your extracurriculars outside of class. The student union does organise university parties from time to time and they're always incredible! However, there aren't any clubs or societies to join, except political clubs.

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Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

This is probably the case in most unis, but there are varying levels of quality of teaching. I have some incredible professors, who have taught me so much and who have made class interesting and stimulating and then I have some professors who read off the board. Think of it as the two sides of a spectrum: the good professors are amazing and the bad ones are baaaad.

Are there any stories you can share?

I have been studying at La Sapienza for 8 months now and I can't imagine myself anywhere else. The international community is very comforting when being overwhelmed by Italian lifestyle and slowly, the latter becomes ingrained in your daily life; the morning coffee in the little uni café where you can ask for your usual, which, without fail, always lives up to Italian stereotypes, the little expressions and maneurisms taught to you by your italian classmates, the stereotypical (and delicious) slice of pizza for lunch and the race to the library after class to get your spot. There are positive and negative aspects to the university, but any negative aspect is squashed by the incredible city you could be studying in, which is surely waiting to welcome you.