Erasmus Experience in Varese, Italy by Metin

Why did you choose to go to Varese, Italy?

In Italy we just had two choices; one of them was Varese and I also had some friends who did their Erasmus in Varese, so that's why I chose Varese.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Actually it depends on your own university. I stayed 6 months and took 400 euros per month. But unluckily, I could just afford my accommodation's payment.

What is the student lifestyle like in Varese?

It is like what you expect from the Erasmus. If you like partying, but not with teenagers, you shouldn't stay in Varese. You can go to Milan, especially on Wednesdays. Even so, Varese has a significant point for traveeling to all different places, because it is like the centre of Europe.

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

It is a really sweet and developed city. I couldn't spend so much time in üniversity, because I used to do an internship in a hospital, but I think it is not bad.

What is the food like?

As it included a lot of pork, I couldn't eat all dishes, but if you don't have any problems like that, you will be enjoy it. But if you really want to try good food, I recommend you to visit Sicily.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Varese?

In terms of accommodation, Varese is a very poor place. There was just one student residence and it seemed like a hostel. Everybody could get in there, even if they weren't students and the cost was expensive (410 euros for each month approximately). With my scholarship I just could afford this.

How much does it cost to live in Varese?

Actually, when I was trawelling around and partying I spent a lot, but at least you should have 800 euros for living.

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

Italian language is not so difficult to learn and it is really enjoyable to learn it. There were a lot of free courses, but they were provided in the city centre, not at university.

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

İt is the best way to take a flight ticket one month before going.

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

Varese is a small city, so Friday and Saturday nights you just have to go out and you will discover it.

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

I can't remember their names, but there are really good restaurants. For daily eating you can go to Zei, a pizzeria that is really cheap for students.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You will finish visiting Varese in a 1 day.

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

As soon as you arrived there, try to arrange and plan your flights if you want to travel to other countries as cheap as possible and, moreover, don't ask about everything, just try to discover everything by yourself. Believe me, it is more enjoyable in that way.

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