Semester abroad at the Università di Bologna - Bachelor of Architecture and Urbanism

The decision

I have always loved Italy and the opportunity to live and study there for a semester was, in my eyes, simply the chance to really get to know the country. I also believe that it's worth thinking outside the box, especially in architecture. New approaches, perspectives and styles. Other programmes, laws and challenges ... I wanted to get another perspective on architecture.

And regardless of studying, living abroad for a period of time is simply something where you really grow and learn a lot about yourself.

The preparations

The communication with the university in advance was quite okay. I was always able to clarify any questions and get in touch with someone who could help. The application that I had to submit at the end was also straightforward. I was simply accepted straight away and received all the documents I needed. Sometimes things were a bit unclear, but I realised that all you had to do was ask and you would always get an answer straight away.

I had started learning Italian a year earlier, but only half-heartedly. In theory, I had reached A2 level, but I couldn't say a sentence.

Travelling by train is really relaxed, as you only have to change trains once in Munich between Berlin and Bologna and it only takes 15 hours in total.

The accommodation

Finding a flat in Cesena is not easy. Fortunately, I managed to organise a flat in advance. I lived in a shared flat with three Italians. I have the feeling that the concept of purpose-built shared flats is very common here. Unfortunately, I ended up in one of those, but on the whole I can't complain.

I found my flat on subito.it (similar to classified ads). But many flats are advertised via Facebook groups. Just search for keywords like "affittasi", "stanze" and "Cesena" and you'll find the right groups.

There are also halls of residence for students, but I think you have to book early to get a place.

Studying at the university

The campus here is not particularly large. There are around 60 architecture students per semester. It's therefore very organised, which means that everyone knows each other very well. Overall, there are very few Erasmus students here.

There is also a studio for architecture students here, just like at the FH Potsdam. Many lectures actually take place there too. But most of the time is spent here working on designs. The campus closes at 7 pm every day and is also closed at weekends. However, there are numerous libraries that are open longer, as well as workspaces spread around the city that are for students only. Students from all faculties come together there.

There are no courses in English here. I took a very good Italian A2 course here and am now much better than when I started, which is of course mainly due to the fact that I was forced to speak Italian a lot here and always had to listen to it.

My design course was a restoration project (this is the regular design of the seventh semester). I also had aesthetics and my language course. At the end of the semester, I also took a two-week photography course.

Everyday life and free time

I would say that the average cost of living is similar to that in Germany. Rents are slightly cheaper, but food is a little more expensive.

Going out and alcohol are relatively expensive and you can easily pay 20 euros for entry to clubs in Bologna.

On the other hand, travelling - especially by bus - is super cheap. You can get to Milan, for example, for just a few euros.

Conclusion and tips

All in all, I am very happy to have done an Erasmus semester and particularly happy with my decision to go to Cesena. Being in a small town allows you to really get to know the country and its people.

You do get bored a lot, but in my free time I travelled a lot in the surrounding area and saw a lot of the country.