Università Bocconi

Bancomat saves the day in so many places - you have no problems getting money. Setting up a bank account - that is not fun and a bit difficult. The bureaucracy in Italy can be a bit debilitating at times, but that is the way it goes. With the other parts of the lifestyle, it balances out.

Milano has such a great variety of cafès, bars, discos and nightclubs and we chose to take advantage of as many as possible of them. As an exchange student the international evenings at Old Fashion Cafè was a must every wednesday - probably the most popular spot this night. In the summer season Borgo del tempo perso is an amazing place. Both inside and outside dancefloors and always packed, a little difficult to get to without a car but everything is possible when you want it enough. Cafè Solaire is also a mainly outdoor disco located on the bank of one the artificial lakes in the outskirts of the city. Interesting scene. Used to just hang out at Bar Magenta - place where all kinds of people go. Nice atmosphere, and a regular hangout for quite a few international students and au pairs. Palo Alto have a disco downstairs and a covered sidewalk cafe upstairs - aperitivo is also tasty here. The bar/aperitivo place we used the most was probably Yguana. Maybe the best aperitivo.... Good cocktails and always crowded. The places at Corso Como should not be forgotten - take your pick - there's plenty to choose from: Loola Paloosa, Hollywood, Casablanca, Touqeville, and the additional bars around. Bon divertimente.

Location was superb- within 2 mins walk of university. Accommodation was very basic - no kitchens, communal mixed-sex bathrooms that were not always clean; 5 showers shared among over 30 people. The university does have other and better equipped accommodation in other parts of the city further from the university. Security is quite strict and visitors are not generally permitted.

I came to Italy with an advanced knowledge of Italian grammar. I needed to practice speaking but didn't do that as much as I had hoped to do. I advise people who want to improve their speaking ability to take a class in Italian, or at least attend a class in Italian all semester. Also, take the crash course offered before the semester begins. It may not improve you're Italian (depending on the level that you're at already), but you will meet everybody in that class.