Erasmus Experience in Venice, Italy by Kate

Why did you choose to go to Venice, Italy?

First of all, as I've been architectural student I found this city very inspirational in terms of environment and city poetics. The second, all of us know Italy as joyful country where you can relax and enjoy simple life moments. Perhaps, Venice is a very slow city, so if you need a break from studies, it's achievable for future thesis students who just want to take a breath before the final dash.

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

It depends on the country category as well as on Erasmus foundation from year to year. Italy is the I-category, so the scholarship is the highest.

What is the student lifestyle like in Venice?

The student lifestyle in Venice is quite relaxing and joyful, but if you have an intention to make "Project -X" here it's not an appropriate city. Very good news is that everything works until late night. At the same time all the bars close around 1-2 a. m the latest.

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

It depends on what the person expects. As previously I said, the city of Venice is great in terms of relaxation and opportunity even to be a bit lazy. For people who are fine with that I absolutely recommend Venice. If you are the person who doesn't like a lot of people, this city is not for you since it has been very touristic during whole year.

What is the food like?

The food could be better comparing with other Italian cities. I would rather say it is not really true Italian kitchen that one can try somewhere else. At the same time, there are some list of places which I strongly recommend visiting to have the good impression from the Venetian food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Venice?

It is kind of problem to find good accommodation in Venice, especially if one wants to live on the island. I strongly recommend to start looking for a room asap.

How much does it cost to live in Venice?

It depends on needs. Overall, the average around 500-600 euros per month.

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

However the city of Venice is full of tourists, be ready, Venice doesn't speak English well. More or less it is possible to communicate in stores, and popular places. Warning to the future international IUAV students, mostly the classes in Italian and university doesn't really adapt to students from abroad. You can take Italian course in Ca Foscari university for free for the domestic students and for 200-400 euros depending on course intensity for students from other universities. Application for course is closed super early, so keep it in mind.

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

Train or bus is the easiest way to travel to my city. Also it is possible to find very cheap plane tickets, especially in Ryanair that provides students with good discounts.

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

Local bars are absolutely the most recommended places to go. It has very nice atmosphere with live music and Venetian drinks and snacks. For students, the most affordable and interesting would be Campo Santa Margherita, it's a spot with a lot of bars with student discounts. If you want to go to the club, you should go to Mestre, it takes 10-15 minutes by bus.

Campo Santa Margherita

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

Taverna al Remer has very nice buffets on lunchtime and amazing panacota and piano live music in evening. Il paradiso perduto has the best salmon and pizza. You can find ice cream points everywhere in the city but ask about Crema Veneziana, you can definitely find it at the point next to the Cannaregio bridge.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

My recommendation walk as much as you can, to be curious and turn to every tiny street you see.

• Fondamenta San Giobbe next to the Ca Foscari provides you with amazing view on the mountains.
• Take a Sicilian canolli at patisserie in front of the cultural centre archeoclub of Venezia and go directly to this fondamenta to catch the view.
• Gallery Tedeschi has incredible interior and terrace with panoramic view of the city.

Amazing panorama from the Gallery Tedeschi rooftop

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

Avoid exchange points in the city because it is a real money scam. They will take 1/3 part from you for service and etc. If you travel home and decide to go by public bus, never forget to buy the ticket back. Otherwise, you have to pay 8 euros from the airport to Venice while the regular ticket costs 1.50.