Are you ready for an unforgettable experience that will lead you to discover a unique culture, breathtaking landscapes and lasting friendships? Erasmus in Italy is your chance to experience an incredible and enriching adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your life.

With its historical cities rich in artistic treasures, Italy is one of the most popular destinations for international students.

But how can you make your Erasmus truly special? It's simple: let yourself be guided by our tips and get ready for an experience that will exceed your expectations.

Immerse yourself in Italian culture, savouring the authentic flavours of the local cuisine and experiencing the age-old traditions that make this land unmissable. Explore the narrow, winding streets of small medieval villages or be captivated by the magnificence of artistic masterpieces housed in museums and galleries.

Don't just hang out in academic circles, but take an active part in student life, participating in cultural events, clubs and associations. Exchange knowledge, ideas and stories with students from all over the world, building bonds that will last a lifetime.

In addition to all this, don't forget to travel!

Italy offers a wide range of incredible destinations, from the white sandy beaches of Sardinia to the majestic Dolomites, from art cities like Florence and Rome to the picturesque Cinque Terre.

Get ready for an experience that will deeply change you, open your mind and make you grow as a human being. But don't just dream, start planning your Erasmus in Italy.

Where to go for Erasmus in Italy

Italy offers an embarrassment of riches. Each region boasts uniqueness and beauty, with universities that have distinguished themselves on the international scene.

Let's take a look at the most popular destinations you might consider for your Erasmus in Italy:
- Rome
: the capital city, a veritable open-air museum with its ancient monuments such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, is also a lively urban centre full of culture, art and nightlife, here you can do your Erasmus at the Sapienza University of Rome;

- Florence: known as the heart of the Renaissance, Florence is famous for its extraordinary architecture and works of art by Michelangelo and Botticelli, it also offers a lively student scene and a welcoming atmosphere;

- Milan: a modern cosmopolitan city, it is the financial and fashion centre of Italy. In addition to its boutiques and famous museums, it also offers an energetic nightlife and a variety of cultural events, as well as a large number of faculties;

- Bologna: the oldest university city in Europe, it is known for its picturesque streets, arcades and delicious cuisine. Here you can immerse yourself in Italian culture and enjoy the company of young people from all over the world on Erasmus at the University of Bologna;

- Turin:located in the north-west of the country, it is an elegant and sophisticated city, known for its baroque architecture, world-famous museums and sophisticated venues, Erasmus at the University of Turin is certainly a complete experience;
- Palermo: If you want to experience the true Mediterranean climate, Palermo is the place to be with its charming historic centre, delicious traditional dishes and magnificent surrounding beaches.

In addition to these destinations, there are many other fascinating cities in Italy that are worth exploring, more particular and specific centres for certain faculties such as Venice, Pisa or Naples.

How to search for your Erasmus home

Finding a house for the Erasmus period in Italy can seem like a challenge, but with the right planning and information you can find the perfect solution.

Here are some suggestions to help you in your search:

• Start early: demand for student accommodation is often high, so it is advisable to start your search as early as possible to explore the available options and make an informed decision;
• Contact the university: many Erasmus universities in Italy offer assistance to international students in finding accommodation, contact the Erasmus office or the international office of the destination university and ask for information on accommodation programmes or other useful advice;
• Social media groups: join groups such as 'Erasmus University Bologna' where students who have had or are having the same experience participate or Facebook groups where they post announcements of available rooms, sublets or roommates looking for accommodation;
• Roommates: if you are open to sharing a flat with other students, you might consider looking for roommates to reduce the costs of renting and create bonds with people from different cultures;
• Flexibility: do not be rigid about the location or type of accommodation you want, some areas may be more expensive or have a higher demand, so consider alternatives and consider the distance to your university or city centre;
• Rely on professionals: realities such as DoveVivo can help you find the best areas in which to rent a house and choose the property that suits your needs.

Always remember to do thorough research, read reviews, visit accommodation when possible and take precautions to ensure the security of transactions.

Gaining experience during Erasmus in Italy

The Erasmus period is not just a period of study, it is an experience that shapes your character and personality for life. During this formative period you have the opportunity to make friends with other international students from all over the world and to build an international network of contacts.

First of all, you can take courses at a prestigious university and obtain academic credits that will be recognised by your home institution.

Immediately after this, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Italian culture, learn the language, discover the history and art of the country, and experience the local cuisine, perhaps even cooking together with your housemates. You can read for yourself the experiences of other young people who spent Erasmus in Italy in 2022.

We are also in the country that is the cradle of art and creativity. For the duration of your Erasmus stay you can participate in cultural events, festivals, concerts and theatre performances organised in various Italian cities, many of which are close enough to be reached within a day by public transport.

And again, you can participate in various sports activities offered by Italian universities or local sports teams. Football, basketball, volleyball and swimming are just some of the popular sports in Italy. Just think that there are even programmes, such as the Erasmus+ organised at European level, focused precisely on education, training and sport.

Finally, you can actively engage in the local community through volunteering in social, environmental or cultural projects.

An opportunity to get to know people

The first and greatest opportunity of Erasmus, apart from the quality of education of course, is to get to know people from other parts of the world.

This is how Erasmus can help you meet new people:

• International study partners: you will have the opportunity to meet other students from both Italy and other countries;
• Social events and activities: universities often organise social events and activities for students, providing a great opportunity to socialise, make friends and meet like-minded people;
• Shared accommodation: living together allows you to create bonds and friendships with your roommates, giving you the opportunity to experience and learn about their cultures and traditions;
• Extra-curricular activities: participating in clubs, sports groups or others will allow you to get to know people who share your interests;
• Cultural exchanges: during your stay you may be involved in cultural exchanges organised by the university or student associations that will allow you to encounter other histories and cultures;
• Social media and online groups: there are often online groups and communities created especially for Erasmus students in a particular city or university, where it is possible to exchange information, ask questions and organise study or leisure gatherings.

These international connections will not only enrich your experience during your Erasmus in Italy, but may also open doors for future local or international travel and opportunities.

A dive into local culture

How can you really get to know the culture of the place you are visiting? Of course you can attend events, you can walk around the city and see how people behave, you can even taste traditional dishes. But to really connect with the place you are in, you have to learn the language.

Italian is pure poetry, it is literature, history, art and emotion at the same time.

Speaking Italian will help you communicate better with the locals, understand their mentality and way of being. It will allow you to empathise, to create solid friendships, to feel a bit 'at home'.

To do this you can take a language course, use apps or websites, or simply practise with your classmates or roommates. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions, Italians are generally very helpful and friendly with foreigners who want to learn their language.

Do some out-of-town trips during your Erasmus in Italy

To list all the out-of-town trips you could take in Italy would be impossible, so dense is the territory of experiences to be had.

But we can give you some ideas for your weekends:

• Sea: if you are interested in visiting Italian beaches, you can take a trip to famous coastal resorts such as the Amalfi Coast, the Ligurian Riviera, the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, the Romagna Riviera or many others;
• Mountains: if you are passionate about hiking and outdoor activities, you can explore both the Alps and the Apennines;
• Hills: you can visit Tuscany with its Chianti hills, Umbria with its hill towns such as Assisi and Perugia, or the Langhe in Piedmont, famous for its wines and truffles;
• Lake: we can mention Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Trasimeno, where you can try water activities but also visit villages and historical villas;
• Medieval villages: all over Italy you will find picturesque villages such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, Civita di Bagnoregio in Lazio, Matera in Basilicata or Alberobello in Apulia, famous for its trulli;
• Cities of art: in addition to the one where your university is located, you can visit many other cities.

Make sure you plan your trips in advance (although we recommend you always get a little carried away by emotion) and enjoy to the fullest the experiences Italy has to offer.

And if you still haven't found the right flat for your Erasmus trip, trust the professionals at DoveVivo to find the right accommodation for you.