Erasmus Experience in Urbino, Italy by Alix

Why did you choose to go to Urbino, Italy?

It was the only location in Italy that was available for my major but I loved every minute of it!

What is the student lifestyle like in Urbino?

At the dorms it's like a real college experience, the cafeteria and coffee bar is great. People all hang out around there. In town where most of the classes are held (mine weren't but most students have class in town) is really nice and there's usually people out walking around or eating/drinking.

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

Absolutely!

What is the food like?

At the dining on campus, it's good food but gets old after a while. You can always go into town for a nice dinner or pizza or kebabs to change it up.

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

Most people and students know English or can communicate with you. We went not knowing any Italian and we did just fine. We even made friends with lots of Italians.

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

I flew from the states. You can take a bus (best option) or a train and a bus (there is no train that goes directly to the city).

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

Any of the local bars. It's not really a club city. Mostly small bars. El Piquero, Bossom bar, il portico, and drinking in the piazza are among the best nights I had there.

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

The pizza place at the top of the hill (you'll get it once you arrive there). Also, the kebab shop going towards the ducal palace. The restaurant in the borgo mercatale is really good for a nice dinner.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

So many!!! The fortress, ducal palace, so many others. It's a unesco site, there's too much to list about it!

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

Enjoy it as much as you can. Take trips to Fano and Pesaro (nearby coastal cities), and go shopping in Bologna. Eat places other than the cafeteria and go out drinking with the locals. You will have the most amazing time if you emerge yourself in the culture as much as you can. I'm jealous! I wish I could go back!