Erasmus experience in Urbino, Italy by Beatriz.

Why did you decide to go to Urbino, Italy?

Honestly, I chose it by elimination since there were few options of destinations that they gave me to do my Erasmus at, although I regret nothing for having chosen it as it has been an unforgettable experience.

How long was the scholarship? How much financial support did you receive?

My scholarship lasted nine months and the truth is that with the money that they gave me gave me more than enough to live and I had money left over. Beforehand they give you much more help than currently and they are more "generous" as well. It's a shame that the people that go now don't receive so much of a grant as four years ago when I went... and more now that the gentleman minister is getting involved...

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What is the student life like in Urbino?

Urbino is a little town, small (16, 000 inhabitants), but you have to take into account that in this town there are more university students than inhabitants, meaning that the population can be multiplied by more than double. The student atmosphere is quite happy, there are always little parties and even people from the surrounding towns like Pesaro, Rimini or Ancona, that also have university campuses that come to party in Urbino.

They always organise things, excursions and even community activities that everyone can participate in.

The "Piazza della Republica" square is always full at the time of the aperitivi (appetiser, around 6-6. 30 in the evening) and there is a very good atmosphere.

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

I would recommend it 100%.

A city-town with a lot of charm, where you learn culturally, at the language level and in your future professional career, at least me.

Being a small city, there is not so many Spanish Erasmus, which incites you and "obliges" you a bit to have to learn Italian, if or if.

How is the country's food?

The food..... because it is Italy, and in Italy what is there? Pasta, pasta and more pasta! Whoever likes it, will get fed up!

I was delighted, especially with the Ghiottone pizzas (100% recommended), the best I've ever tasted in my life.

Did you find it difficult to find accommodation in Urbino?

In Urbino there are 5 university residences, 4 of them are linked together (Il Tridente, La Serpentine, La Vela and Il Cole) and the one that is missing is called La Sogesta, which is much further away from the faculty that has its own first name.

The other option is to go live in a shared apartment.

My recommendation is that it is much better to choose a residence because you will learn the language better by all the people there and you are always in contact with it, because in winter it is very cold and often the parties are organized in the residences themselves, so those who live in the flat... often they do not go out or stay at home because they are caught away from home, etc...

Finding accommodation is not difficult, in fact you can write to your own residence (the main and largest is Il Tridente) and book a room for the day you arrive. Or, once you get to Urbino, go to one of the real estate agencies and ask them to show you flats, there are a lot of students but as a rule they tend to be old and are little more expensive per month and if add up the rent and water costs, heating, etc.

How much does it cost to live in Urbino?

Life is more or less like in Spain. I remember that I paid € 210 per month in the residence for a single room, (the doubles were cheaper per person), and all expenses were covered except food. You had the option of cooking in the kitchen that was in each block or go to the Mensa where there was a menu and eat out for about € 4 with a first, a second and dessert.

The rent of flats, according to my friends, were more expensive.

And when shopping, the products are worth more or less the same as in Spain, maybe a few more cents, but you could tell the difference.

How's the language? Did you go to a course at the University?

At the beginning of the course they recommend that you sign up for an Italian course that is free for Erasmus people. First they do a level test and then they put you in the group that best suits your level. The course helps you, especially to learn Italian grammatically because later... you know that talking to people is easier to learn more than going to class, and there is no denying it! If you go to class, you also learn a lot of the language, and when you have to take several oral exams... or you learn or learn!

My level of Italian is quite good and being a language very similar to Spanish it is not difficult to learn and in a whole year there is more time than enough to get to a good level.

What is the cheapest way to get to Urbino from your city?

I went from Madrid.

There are several options:

• 1st -go from Madrid-Bologna by plane, take the Aerobus from the airport of Bologna to the train station (about € 5) and then take a train from Bologna to Pesaro (about € 9 and 2. 30). In Pesaro you have to take a bus to Urbino (around € 3 and 1h-1: 30h).
• 2nd - Madrid-Rome plane. In Rome, take a train to Termini station and there are two other options depending on the arrival time:

  2. 1 At Termini, take a train to Pesaro (I do not know the exact time nor the cost but I think it would be about 4h and about € 18 more or less) and then in Pesaro take a bus to Urbino (€ 3 and 1h)

  2. 2 At Termini take the metro to the bus station of Tiburtina and there take a bus that goes directly to Urbino (about 4. 30h and € 25 more or less)

What places would you recommend to party in Urbino?

The Piazza is where all the people gather to go out.

The Bosom, it's very good. And then I remember that on Tuesdays we went to a bar that played karaoke for Il Portico. Il caffé del Corso gets very cool at night, just like going for a snack is also very good.

The Piquero puts on rock music and parties can be organized, the owner is very nice.

And if you like discos, there is the QClub.

I will leave a link, which at the time that I went did not exist but I have been taking a look and to guide you a bit of what is in Urbino, it is quite good. Click here

And to eat in Urbino? Can you list your favourite places?

Il Ghiottone, 100% recommended!

I still remember the taste of their pizzas...It makes my mouth water!

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And how about cultural visits?

Fabulous! Its streets, its monuments,... Urbino is beautiful in itself!

Any advice you want to give to future students in Urbino?

Enjoy the experience and this wonderful Renaissance city. Of its people and remember that there is a saying that if you visit Il Palazzo Ducale before Laureates, you will never approve! xD

So you have to return after finishing the race to visit it, it's worth it!