🏠 Housing
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
650
Where was it located?
In Murri, outside the city walls, about 30 minutes walk to the center or 10 minute bus ride
How can someone find this place?
I got lucky and found 2 guys looking for a roommate on the French Whatsapp group 'Les baguettes a Bologne'
Would you recommend it?
It was a lovely experience, but too expensive for the location. Since it was only for a semester, I recommend going for a cheaper, double room since there are so many offers for those here. Don't be too picky with housing here, because offers disappear VERY quickly. Kind of like in Amsterdam, where housing is rare and pricy, so just a heads up if you decide to go there.
🍻 Social Life
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Nightlife is amazing here, especially if you're like me and would rather go bar hopping than clubbing. Clubs are good too, but going from bar to bar and drinking/laughing in the streets of Bologna until 5 am is the best experience, especially in the warmer months when everyone is out and about. Alcohol is super cheap (Cafe Paris for 1$ shots, 2,5$ for 66cl beer at Alberto's, Irish pub for all the Erasmus students, Cortile Cafe for live music, etc...), and it's so easy to meet random people and start talking to other students. You're going to have the best time, truly!
🎓 Uni life at UniBo
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I loved my Storia del Teatro class, lasted the whole semester and was super interesting. Just a warning for exams here, they are all oral exams where you have to stand in front of your teacher while they ask you questions with a huge auditorium behind you. No one's listening to you cause they're all studying, but still it's quite a lot of pressure especially if you're not used to speaking in front of lots of people. Also be warned that most classes are in full Italian, and you may or may not end up with a prof that will make you pass the oral exam in Italian too (they rarely allow you to take it in English). They're going to be a lot more lenient of course, but again it's an added pressure.
Do you have some tips?
Campus is great, spread out throughout the whole city so I rarely had class in the primary campus Via Zamboni. In the Humanities department (mine) none of the classes are mandatory so it's very easy to fall behind and get your head wrapped in the intense rhythm of Erasmus (like me...) Just make sure you've got a bit of structure, and stick to it!
✈️ Travel
Best trips to do?
Being in Bologna or anywhere in Italy is absolutely amazing for all the travel opportunities there are. Very cheap trains and buses across the whole country, though I highly recommend smaller towns close to Bologna, like Sienna, Ravenna, etc... Venice of course, and Torino! I think Firenze is a bit overrated, but a must-see at least once.
🌆 Bologna vibe
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Bologna?
Transport is expensive, so I highly recommend getting a bike to go around the city. Supermarkets are a bit expensive, but you can find cheap takeout like 1,5$ pizza slices, 3$ full pizzas and kebabs, etc... The temperature change is quite drastic and happens really quickly, so just make sure you're prepared for that.
💡 Other Tips
Erasmus is intense, but people really aren't kidding when they say that it's going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Of course, you've got to study, but don't get too stressed because of classes and grades and enjoy it to the very max - you're going to meet some gems of people, and you're going to live things you would have never even thought of before. Always take care of your mind and body, and don't forget to take some time for yourself in this wild mess of social interactions, nights out and adventures.
Talk to Indiana
Need advice? Got questions?