My Erasmus experience in Verona

Why did you choose Verona, Italy?

Verona was the most attractive destination in Italy that was offered by my university. Also, I decided to do my Erasmus in Italy because I have family there, so it was an excuse to have the opportunity to travel all over Italy and be able to visit them.

How long was your scholarship? How much grant money did you receive?

My scholarship lasted 6 months, I received 3900 euros. I arrived in February and I did my exams in July. The stay in Verona seemed too short to me, so I would I advise you that it would be better to save money if you can in order to prolong the scholarship, because 6 months was not enough.

How was student life in Verona?

The University of Verona is associated with an organisation called ESN, which is in charge of planning parties, events and trips for all of the Erasmus students, it's very good. The best thing is that you can get a card with which you can go to different bars and clubs which will give you discounts.

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

Everyone should come to Verona because it is a small, quiet city with charm and a youthful environment.

What is the food like in Italy?

The food is the best; there are all kinds of pizza, sandwiches, piadinas (flat bread), calzones, gelato, spritz, aperitivo (pay attention to the figure because almost all the Erasmus students have lost it! ). The food is definitely one of Italy's strong points.

How did you find accomodation?

I stayed in an apartment with a girl from my city very very close to the university campus. The university has an organisation called ESU that offers rooms in residences, it's good although it has its pros and cons, the same as living in a flat. I want to stress the importance of paying attention to the contract and its clauses. I had an experience where the Spanish consulate had to intervene before the landlady could scam us.

How much did your accomodation cost? And what were other general expenses?

The apartment was 250 euros a month without electricity and water bills. This is what apartments usually cost, more or less. Residences are a little cheaper.

How was the language? Did you go to any course at the university?

The language is excellent. The University of Verona gives you the opportunity to go to beginner's or more advanced classes that are totally free, and you can collect your certificate and credits once you have done the final exam.

What is the cheapest way to get to Verona from your city?

From November, I know that Ryanair has a direct flight from Seville to Venice. From Venice you can catch a train to Verona that lasts 1h30min. There are also other flights such as Seville to Milan or Seville to Bologna. Ryanair offers the best flights, and sometimes vueling.

Where are the best places to go out in Verona?

The Erasmus bar is called CAMPUS and is on via XX de settembre. For clubbing, there is ALTER EGO, BERFIS. or on the lake, HOLLYWOOD.

And eating in Verona? What are you favourite places?

For students the cheapest place to eat is the university canteen. For 4 euros you can have a starter, main, dessert and drink.

In Piazza Bra there is El Hipopotamo o El Giovanni Ranna (for the posh Erasmus students).

If anyone pulls and wants to surprise their partner, La Tigliela Bella is fantastic and you will eat very well there.

And for a cultural visit?

The plazas, museums, churches, old castle, bridges, Roman theatre and above all, you cannot miss seeing an opera or concert in Verona's Arena.

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Any advice you want to give to future students going to Verona?

Make the most out of this experience. travel a lot, Verona has great travel networks, study the language well before arriving, that will help you a lot. Erasmus life is good, but you have to study and read a lot. Here each professor will assign you on average two books for compulsory reading, therefore do the calculations if you are studying 5 subjects! I am happy that you can come to Verona, a city with much enchantment.