My Erasmus Experience in Venice, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Venice, Italy?

I could choose between several cities; Turin, Padua, Florence and Bergamo, but Venice seemed like the best one to me. I went there once when I was 12 years old and I've had fond memories of it ever since.

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How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I arrived at the start of September 2009 and I left in July 2010. I received 360 euros a month.

What's the student vibe like in Venice?

There's a good student atmosphere. The only problem I found is that the Economics students (San Giobbe) can be a bit cold at times.

You should go to Campo Santa Margherita to meet students as that's where everybody goes to meet up every evening.

Would you recommend the city and the university to other students?

Yes! Although it's expensive, it's a very beautiful city. The university is really beautiful too and they have high educational standards- students come from all over Italy just to study at Ca' Foscari.

What's the food like in Italy?

Italian food is really very good, however Venetian restaurants are simply too expensive for students, but you can find places that serve nice little snacks.

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How did you find your accommodation?

I looked on several websites but for me, this one is the best as it's completely free- other websites want you to pay to look at the ads. If you're there already, other students put lots of ads up in the university corridors.

What's rent like? And living costs in general?

It's really expensive to live in Venice. It's best to look for accommodation on the dry land and I suggest looking for somewhere in Mestre as it's a vibrant city, the apartments are cheaper, and there are direct buses to Venice. It's the same pass as the vaporetto and you get to Venice in around ten minutes. I do not suggest Marghera because it's kinda dodgy.

I house share but I also share my room and it costs me in the 300's each month, including bills and internet. For Venice, you can add another 100 or even 200 euros more per month to rent the same thing.

What's it like learning a language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

I didn't do any language courses because I'd already been learning Italian in my home country. Learning the language there is good; the most difficult thing you'll come across is that some of the people there will only speak to you in their Venetian dialect.

What's the most economical way to get to Venice from your home town?

Train.

Where do you recommend going out in Venice?

You'll find all the students at 'Campo Santa Margherita'.

If not, you should look around the corridors at university as there's always posters for parties up on the wall.

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And to eat in Venice? What are your favourite places?

For a cheap eat, there are 3 fast food restaurants in Venice; McDonald's, Burger King and an Italian fast food chain, Spizzico. For something a bit better, I recommend the little snack bar which is in the direction of Ca' Foscari's main office.

What cultural places do you recommend going to see?

You should buy a museum discount card from the tourist office because as a student you not only pay less for the card, but it's cheaper than buying a ticket to every museum.

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Any advice for future students?

Save your money before going as life in Venice is not cheap!

Enjoy yourself! If you're in Venice in February don't forget to go to the carnival! Look up train ticket prices, you can visit some nice cities without paying too much by taking the regional train and not the other (http://www.trenitalia.com/).