Details

• Italy
• MASIMC-17
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

When it comes to preparing for your semester at LUISS, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The International Office at WU Vienna provides thorough guidance through seminars and meetings, so definitely attend those sessions to understand the application steps. While it’s usually recommended to apply to multiple universities to increase your chances, I personally chose to apply only to LUISS. I was drawn to the Italian culture and the opportunity to learn the language, and fortunately, I got my spot. A good tip is to consider green travel options, like taking the train, to get additional funding and support. Also, keep in mind that LUISS’s campus is a bit older, so don’t expect state-of-the-art facilities. There’s a nice cafeteria for coffee and casual meet-ups, but you might find fewer spots on campus to do independent study, so plan to work elsewhere when needed.

2. Accommodation

There’s different ways to look for accomodations: 1) Websites such as Spotahome or Idealista - these are confirmed listings meaning you won’t have to worry about scam. This comes at the price of a rather high nonrefundable fee. 2) Facebook groups - lots of listings here, but many of them are scam. While I do think you can be successful here you need to have a really critical view on assessing the listings credibility. 3) WhatsApp groups (how I found my apartment)- e.g., groups of LUISS students going abroad and therefore looking for someone to sublease their apartment, or groups specifically for international/Erasmus students where some listings are posted every now and then. You need to be fast here. I lived in Trieste, below Villa Ada. I had about a 35 min walk to the LUISS Romania (main) campus. to go by bus it took me depending on the availability of the buses 20 to 30 minutes unfortunately there’s no metro station close to the main campus. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to live as close as possible regarding the buses. I highly suggest the app Moovit. it shows you if buses are “online” and are actually coming. Because the timetable of public transportation in Rome is very unreliable Google maps is also useless. I would say the best areas to live in Rome or Parioli, Trieste, close to Piazza Bologna or Piazza Istria.

3. Academic life at host university

During my semester at LUISS in Rome, I experienced a diverse academic environment. The main campus at Viale Romania, while charming, is a bit older and not as modern as WU Vienna’s facilities. However, it does have a mensa and a cozy cafetería where you can grab affordable coffee and hang out with friends. One downside is that the campus lacks sufficient space for studying, so most of the time, we ended up going home or finding other spots off-campus to get our work done. The academic culture at LUISS is quite lecture based, but professors are usually professionals and not solely academics. I had the opportunity to learn from professors with diverse backgrounds, including military generals, lawyers, and former investment bankers from New York, which brought a lot of unique perspectives to the classes. In terms of workload, LUISS generally has fewer group projects and less outside work compared to WU Vienna. However, you’ll find that there are more lectures overall, so it’s a different balance.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public Transport: Getting around Rome is a bit of a mixed bag. A monthly public transport ticket costs about 39 euros and includes access to buses, trams, and the metro. Plus, you get a voucher for Lime scooters, which is super handy since buses can be pretty unreliable. There’s an app called Moovit that helps you track buses in real-time, which is way more accurate than Google Maps here. The metro is more reliable, but it doesn’t go directly to the main campus, so walking or using scooters is often a better bet. Safety: Overall, I felt quite safe in Rome, similar to Vienna. There weren’t any major concerns, so you can generally feel comfortable getting around. Social and Leisure Activities: Rome is packed with bars, restaurants, and cultural sites. There are countless museums, historic landmarks, and churches, many of which are free to visit. It’s a paradise for art and history lovers, and there’s always something new to explore. Don’t miss out on charming towns nearby, like Tivoli or Ostia, which are easy day trips and full of Italian charm. Events: ESN Roma LUISS hosts various events, but in my opinion they felt mostly aimed at bachelor students, so you might find them less tailored to your needs. But there’s plenty going on in the city, so you’ll never be bored. Sports: If you’re into fitness, be prepared for higher costs. Gyms in Rome can be expensive, and you’ll likely pay over 100 euros a month. While some gyms have pools, it’s definitely pricier compared to Vienna. You’ll also need a medical certificate, which can be cheaper to get locally rather than in Vienna. And don’t worry about the codice fiscale; LUISS will provide it, so you don’t need to stress about that. Everyday Costs: Grocery shopping might be more expensive than you’d expect. Lidl is a budget-friendly option, but other stores like Conad or Tigre can be pricey.

6. Testimonial

My semester in Rome was an enriching experience, despite the initial challenges. The public transport took some getting used to, and the city was bustling with tourists, especially during the Jubilee year. Yet, I found hidden gems in quieter neighborhoods like Trieste and Parioli, and I loved exploring the culture and history of Rome and beyond. Traveling around Italy was a highlight, from Sicily to Tuscany, and I cherished the chance to meet new people and dive into local life. Academically, LUISS was different from WU Vienna, with a more diverse student body and a different academic vibe. Still, it was a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the experiences and memories I gained.