Erasmus Experience in Venice, Italy by Ella

Why did you choose to go to Venice, Italy?

I had never been to Italy and I wanted to learn more about the country and Venice looked beautiful.

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

My scholarship was for 5 months as I am just doing one semester in Venice. I am from the UK and I received 330 euros a month.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Venice?

It's great. ESN - the erasmus student network organised loads of events and it's really easy to meet people. They organise international dinners, kayaking trips, trips to different cities and way more. Most of my classes were international classes and taught in English so it was really easy to meet people and make friends. The nightlife is good in Venice, Campo Santa Margarita is where most of the students hang out in the evenings at the bars, then there is a bar called Billiardi with pool tables and a dj that is open every night until 4am. On Wednesday's F30 does a student club night which everyone goes to.

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

Definitely.

What is the food like?

The food is good in Venice, not as good as the rest of Italy but because it is so touristy. There is a great restaurant in Mestre called Fritelli La Bufala which does the best pizza I've ever eaten.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Venice?

Yeah, I got my accomadation through Erasmusu and they took quite a bit of the deposit money from my landlord and there is a sign up cost which is quite steap, but the flat is great and in a perfect location and I'm glad I did it this way. Most of my friends live in student accommodation through the university and they like it, however some of them don't have proper kitchens so they spend quite a bit on money.

How much does it cost to live in Venice?

I spend on average 60 euro a week as food is quite expensive from the supermarkets on top of everything else. The monthly Vaporetto pass (the water bus) is 50 euro for the card and then 25 euro a month but I think it's worth it.

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

The language is difficult for me as I've never studied it before but I am doing the A1 course through the university which was 100 euro for 2 classes a week each 2 1/2 hours and it is great.

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

Campo Santa Margarita, then Billiardi.

Source