Erasmus experience in Verona, the Italy of Alejandro.

Why did you choose to go to Verona, Italy?

I chose Verona because out of the Italian universities that offer business management and administration, it was the one that caught my attention the most, along with Bologna and Padua. Fate made me put Verona before those two, because the truth is that I didn't know much about Verona before they gave me a place, except for the typical things: the history of Romeo and Juliette, Verona Arena and little more. I don't regret the choice that I made at all.

Source

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

My scholarship was only for the first term (four months) and, as usual it came in two installment: the first of (approximately) €578 in October and the second of €500 in February (upon returning). In total: €1, 078.

What is the student lifestyle like in Verona?

Student lifestyle in Verona is absolutely great. While it is true that there are not as much activity as other cities in the area like Milan (of course), Padua or Bologna, whatever Verona had that was to my taste, was more than enough.

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

Yes, of course. The city, although it seems a little lifeless at the start (if you arrive on a rainy day like I did, at the start of September, as you would imagine), it improves considerably with the weather. A lot. You will miss the city a lot when you return to Spain. It has a lot of precious things to discover, and it is a strategic place to travel to the rest of Italy.

The university, which offers the business management and administration, is quite hot (CAUTION: derivati is not an easy subject, pay attention to the students there that help you enough to chose subjects). In law too. Even though, the administration, as mad as it seems, it quite a lot worse than in Spain (OHHH). It is possible that you will even miss the Spanish bureaucracy.

The exams are generally orals although you can find some cases where they are written. It is not to discourage you, but just as there are teachers that will help you more just, for being an Erasmus student, there are those that wont even be affected when you introduce yourself as one, and even those that will encourage you to leave your subject.

What is the food like there?

What can I say that you haven't already heard about Italian food? Pasta, pizza, piadina (which at the end of the day are Mexican tacos, you can make them as you want them), ice cream (there are very good (and expensive) ice cream parlours in and around the Piazza dell'erbe (market square)), and during Christmas there is the very famous pandoro cake (uhmm, they are so delicious). In the city there is a certain attraction towards a particular drink that is an orange colour called spritz. You will be sick of hearing this name, and maybe some will not be able to stand its taste, but give it a chance. After all it is delicious and everything.

Source

Above all, be careful with the sparkling water and the bread that they sell in supermarkets.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Verona?

The fact is that it didn't cost me so much, since I chose halls (the Campofiore halls, from the ESU University, which is characterised for always showing "kindness" (apart from a few cases, of course)) and I was allocated a place without any problems. I chose a double room and it was cheap (for the area): around €250 per month (sorry but I don't remember the exact price).

Halls are always good as long as there are not too many party animals, because the Campofiora halls ARE DEFINITELY NOT FOR HAVING PARTIES. Make it very clear, and then there are no surprises.

If you don't like the conditions of Campofiore, you could always go to the Viale Venezia halls (a little further away but much better than Campofiore). They are apartments shared between a few people. The bad thing is: that they are really controlled in terms of entering and leaving the building, and the internet sometimes works well and sometimes is an ass. In Campofiore these aspects are not a problem (internet is perfect and 0 security (which in the end is a double-edged sword)).

How much does it cost to live in Verona?

Life in Verona is expensive, I'm not going to lie to you. If you find a "cheap" house, like I did, you will still have problems with the prices of the supermarkets, bars, parties... But you can survive, you will be able to go to cheaper supermarkets like Día, such as Ins or D-più. If you want something better, the best place is PAM.

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

The language despite what people say, it not easy. You have to practice it, it doesn't "stick". Going with Spanish people, like I did, does not help to improve your level of Italian. You have to "break free". I arrived to Verona with A1-A2 level, after having done an intensive course in my university, and once I started the course in Italy, I enrolled myself in a course offered by the center of languages at the university (the first free course for Erasmus students) of B1 level. It has to be said that, you will eventually reach a respectable level of Italian, so don't worry. But practice it!

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

From Madrid, the most economic way to get to Verona is to fly to Bergamo (a very small airport next to Milan with low-cost flights), and then take a train to Verona (watch out, you have to change trains in Brescia or in Treviglio, and from what I cant remember you have to be sharp to make it). The two train stations in Verona are Verona Porta Nuova (the most used station by tourists, by far), and Verona Porta Vescovo (better for people living in the Viale Venezia halls).

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

It is normally better to go out to different pubs in the student area of the city, "la Veronetta". Campus (An Irish pub that is well known among erasmus students for its free drinks), the Art Café, known for its free buffets, and to go out with a plan to PARTY, the best places are Alter Ego, and Dorian Gray.

Is it good to eat out in Verona? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

To eat pizza, Hipopotamo, in Piazza Bra. For day to day food the Cafeteria of the University (for the trouble it will cause you). And then there are special places, like Tabià (a very good place), and Tigella bella, if you want something romantic.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

For a cultural visit, I can name a lot of places: the Arena, Juliet's house, The tower of lamberti, Castelvecchio, San Pietro castle (VERY GOOD VIEWS), the cathedral and many others.

Source

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

That if you give Verona an opportunity, although it is not well known, it has an incredible charm. I am sure that if you only go for one term, you will have to extend it. If you do it, remember that I told you to!