Venice through the eyes of a Venetian

What is it like to live in Venice? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The city is beautiful and unique. In winter it becomes kind of melancholic while in summer it's an explosion of colors and life. It's not a very big city but it's made up of many bridges and tiny streets often overcrowded, so you'll need good shoes and patience.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Venice?

It's rich in cultural events, museums, art galleries but awkwardly scarce in parties. The only thing to do is going to Campo Santa Margherita or the Erbaria to have a prosecco with friends, sitting on the floor. The only real party events occur in February for carnival or in July for the "Redentore".

How much does it cost to live in Venice?

It's a city kept in life by tourism so prices are often high, anyway it's possible to find out some good places to eat or stay. A single room in a shared flat near the Uni costs from 300 euros to 500. You can have a pizza and a beer for 15 euros in the restaurant. There are many places to have just a kebab and a slice of pizza, there you eat with 5 euros. Coffee is cheap.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Venice? Is there any advice you can give?

I would say it's rather difficult. Speaking Italian is very helpful. The best thing to do is coming here and have a look at the announcements stick in the wall of copy shops or libraries. Also groups in Facebook help a lot.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

As for food I suggest going to Mestre, it's near to Venice, 15 minutes by bus and you can eat delicious club sandwiches, steaks, pizza, hamburgers as well as typical Italian food: hundreds of types of pasta, fish, meat, almost everywhere. In Mestre prices are very good. My favourite dishes are lasagne, gnocchi ripieni, tramezzini, crostini con baccalà.

What places would you recommend visiting in Venice?

• Peggy Guggenheim Museum
• The bar on the rooftop of the Hilton Hotel (amazing view)
• The Zattere zone in a sunny day - here there is also a very good library (CFZ)
• The bookshop Libreria Acqua Alta
• Piazza San Marco
• Palazzo Ducale

The best thing is just getting lost and find your own best spots.

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Is it good to eat out in Venice? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

In Venice you must go to:

• Tonolo, a pastry shop near Ca' Foscari head office. Also to Gelateria Fantasy, the best ice-cream in town, in San Marco.
• For a quick meal I suggest Imagina cafe in Campo Santa Margherita.
• For a spritz, the typical happy hour born in Venice, just go to Bacareto da Lele in the Tolentini zone, very near the bus station piazzale Roma. There prices are ridiculously low and there are always many students.
• The Tea Room Beatrice in Calle Longa is a good place to have a piece of cake and good tea or cappuccino in a beautiful garden.

Is the nightlife good in Venice? Where is good to go?

Sore point. There aren't good places as for the nightlife...

What advice would you give future students headed to Venice?

Be positive, try to find good people to have a good time with just going in a bar and chatting with a bottle of wine. Bring a good camera, rain boots and a solid umbrella. Do not be afraid of pigeons. Be prepared to walk a lot.

Be careful of dog shits on the ground, there are many. Bring a good map of the city. Don't be fussy just because the water of the canals smells bad, some young Venetians when schools are over take a swim there and they are still alive.