University of Bologna; A short guide to the student life

Continuing my “Promoting Erasmus and studying abroad” pages, I now introduce you to the University of Bologna! Let’s suppose that you are an Erasmus student or in general a student planning to study abroad for a semester or so. What are the factors that you would take into consideration before choosing your next destination and university? How would you organize your background research? What are the things that you’d love to know about your university in advance? Here’s a short research I did about one of the biggest universities in Italy that welcomes thousands of Erasmus students every year.

Welcome to the University of Bologna!

Background info; The university; The origins of the University of Bologna go way back, and it is considered to be the oldest university in the Western world. Its history is intertwined with that of the great names of science and literature, it is a keystone and a point of reference for European culture. The establishment that we call University today began to evolve in Bologna in the late 11th century, when masters of grammar, rhetoric and logic began to devote themselves to law. The University maintained its central position on the scene of global culture until the period between the two wars, when other countries came to the forefront in teaching and research. It is called on to forge relations with institutions in the world's most advanced countries, to modernise and expand its activities. Among the many challenges which it has met with success, the University is committed to the European dimension leading to the innovation of the university system.

One of the oldest universities in the world!

Bologna is of the main educational centers in Europe, and as a result has earned the nickname "the learned one" (la dotta) across Italy. This is in direct reference to the University of Bologna, which is one of the oldest and most highly regarded universities in the world. Founded in 1088, it now has campuses spread throughout the city. Bologna is also home to the first American postgraduate school in Europe, the Bologna Center of Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), which runs a regular exchange program between American and Italian students. This educational excellence is also true of Bologna's public school system, which is one of the best in Italy. However, many expatriates living in Bologna send their children to English speaking international schools, as the public school system only teaches in Italian. The main international school in Bologna is the International School of Bologna, which is considered one of the best in the country.

The life in the city

Located in the north of Italy, Bologna is the largest and capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Its population of over one million people makes it the seventh most populous city in Italy, and one of the largest in the northern part of the country. It has historically been an important center of industry, as well as a major transport hub, and in 2011 was ranked the number one city in Italy in terms of quality of life. A bustling, cosmopolitan and historically city with something to offer everyone, Bologna is a fantastic place to live for both locals and expatriates.

As one of the main educational centers in Europe, Bologna has an exceptionally high standard of education. Bologna has historically been an important cultural city in Italy, and is one of the country's main cultural centers. As a result, Bologna was named European Capital of Culture in 2000, and a UNESCO City of Music in 2006 — the first in Italy. As a City of Music, Bologna is required to foster musical projects all year round, including its one of a kind International Museum and Library of Music, which is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Bologna's other two main cultural outputs are theatre and food. Bologna's cuisine is probably best known for ragú alla bolognese, the sauce to which it gives its name, but the city and the surrounding region are also famous for hard cheese, cured pork, and sweet desserts.

Housing and accomodation;

And a few extra websites that you might wanna keep in mind while searching for accomodation;

https://erasmusu.com/en/erasmus-student-housing?gclid=CjwKCAiA6qPRBRAkEiwAGw4SdpQ5h0lM43uE90AzMfLzC60zu6I_P4bVHFbAvN5EK73ElSYI8fuchBoChD4QAvD_BwE

https://www.uniplaces.com/accommodation/bologna

https://www.nestpick.com/bologna/

https://housinganywhere.com/s/Bologna--Italy

...and of course do not forget to join the local ESN community!

ESN works in the interest of all international students, not just for Erasmus students. ESN offers a clear introductory programme for all international students to introduce them to the laws, rules and customs of their host country.

Important info!!!

Average rent; 430 euros(in shared apartment). Monthly transportation subscription; 36 euros. Monthly food cost; 265 euros. Average lunch price at a restaurant; 15euros. Average Fitness subscription; 50 euros. Beer Price at a bar; 5 euros.

Pack your bags and choose Bologna as your Erasmus or studying abroad destination!