Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Victoria
From: Instituto de Empresa (IEU)
To: Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
2025 • Fall
All over the centro storico of bologna. Specially Piazza Verdi and Piazza Aldrovandi. There is where all the people of Erasmus go to. Another street is Via…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
607 without gas, water, etc...
Where was it located?
Centro storico of bologna
How can someone find this place?
idealista
Would you recommend it?
Its a bit hard to contact the person you are trying to rent from. We were very lucky. I recommend searching with months in advance.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
All over the centro storico of bologna. Specially Piazza Verdi and Piazza Aldrovandi. There is where all the people of Erasmus go to. Another street is Via pratello. This is where you can find a more local environment. There is plenty of clubs, but the downside to all this nightlife is that places close very soon. Around 1 or 2 am. Clubs around 4am.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Take italian lessons. I really recommend learning the language
Do you have some tips?
Campus is amazing. It is one of the oldest universities of the western world.
Best trips to do?
GO TO NAPOLI!!! AND GO TO ROME
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Bologna?
Make an ESN card, which is for erasmus kids and you can have discounts in sooo many places. I recommend buying a bicycle or renting some in the streets, it is the best way to move around.
Bologna is generally safe, but at night one should be careful, specially as a woman. I recommend avoiding being alone at night. There are also some areas which I dont recommend being alone at night like bologna central station
Indiana
From: University of Amsterdam
To: UniBo
2025 • Fall
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…..
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Pixie
From: University of Liverpool
To: University of Bologna
2025 • Full year
Great social life. Company called ESN sets up lots of Erasmus events to meet people..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
750
Where was it located?
10 mins from town and uni
How can someone find this place?
Joivy
Would you recommend it?
Yes it’s nice, but there are places just as nice for far cheaper
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Great social life. Company called ESN sets up lots of Erasmus events to meet people
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Corporate law is very interesting
Do you have some tips?
Registration was a hassle. Campus is lovely. Would defo pick again
Best trips to do?
Bologna train station is the hub. It’s brilliant to travel all over Italy
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Bologna?
Very walkable, and affordable
María Del Carmen
From: IE University
To: Universitá di Bologna
2025 • Fall
It's a safe city, but specially inside of the Bologna Wall, the night life is amazing, everything can be reached by foot or bike..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
615€
Where was it located?
Near the Piazza Maiore, the city center
How can someone find this place?
HousingAnywhere
Would you recommend it?
I would pick the same apartment, or if not the residence Laude Living
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Millenium, Chalet Giardini Margherita, Qubo, Cassero, SodaPops
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I recommend the class European and International Criminal Procedure
Do you have some tips?
I have enjoyed greatly the university, specially my campus which was on the city center
Best trips to do?
All across Italy, Albania, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Romania...
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Bologna?
It's a safe city, but specially inside of the Bologna Wall, the night life is amazing, everything can be reached by foot or bike
Emilie
From: Paris 1 pantheon sorbonne
To: Unibo
2025 • Fall
The city is safe in the center but you have to be careful when you living next the train station. People are really open and nice in general. The food is…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
720€
Where was it located?
Via ugo Bassi
How can someone find this place?
Housing anywhere
Would you recommend it?
Yes it was really nice because it’s in the center. I have my own room and bathroom. It’s maybe too noisy but you just have to walk to go somewhere.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Freud bar for all the Erasmus student Jazz club it’s a really great experience Irish pub for Erasmus student too
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Culture Italian : so much Erasmus student and it’s chill If you can Italian course
Do you have some tips?
The campus is really cool, their a lot of university museum
Best trips to do?
Venice and Florence but you can travel everywhere in Italy because the trains are very cheap
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Bologna?
The city is safe in the center but you have to be careful when you living next the train station. People are really open and nice in general. The food is cheaper than in the supermarket sometimes
Just living the moment in Bologna. This is an amazing city for student. This is the greatest experience I have ever had
