Matilda

What are the best tips you would give to other students thinking about studying abroad?

Try to live in shared accommodation. I lived together with five other exchange students, from which I only had positive experiences. I never felt alone because there was always someone at home to hang out with. In addition, I felt safe to have some people I knew I could get help from in case I would need that.

Be active in the reception activities organised at the beginning of the semester. In Bologna, the Erasmus Student Network, ESN, organises welcome weeks during the first weeks before the semester starts. ESN has various activities during the day and evening, which are free or very cheap. It can be anything from sports, dinners, and parties, which are great opportunities to meet other exchange students.

Take the chance to apply to Bologna. In my opinion, Bologna is the perfect exchange destination as it is a city that is neither too big nor too small, not touristy but still alive. With Bologna's central location in the country and its good train infrastructure, it is also very convenient to make excursions to other cities without it costing too much or being too complicated a trip.

Find the full interview in Swedish on the Swedish version of this page. Click "Svenska" in the top right corner.