Details

• Italy
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

As Milan is one of Europe's most expensive cities for accommodation, it is essential to secure housing earl, ideally before applying through Bocconi's official housing portal. Good options can be found for around €1,500–2,000 per month within a 15-minute walk of the university. For travel, the best value choice is the direct flight connection via Austrian Airlines / Star Alliance, as Linate Airport is conveniently close to the city centre and easily reachable by public transport.

2. Accommodation

My accommodation was a 40 square metre private apartment (no roommates) within a 15-minute walk of Bocconi, at around €1,700 per month. For Milan, this was very fair value, and the apartment was located in a pleasant and safe neighbourhood. I found it on Airbnb and subsequently arranged a direct rental agreement with the host. Starting the search well in advance was key, as good options in that price range tend to go quickly.

3. Academic life at host university

The facilities are not the newest, as the building is older compared to WU, but most spaces have been freshly renovated. The academic culture strikes a good balance between relaxed and competitive, creating a campus atmosphere where you genuinely want to spend time, whether at the library or at one of the many lunch spots. The teaching style and course content differed noticeably from WU: the focus at Bocconi lies much more on real-world examples and direct preparation for a business career, as opposed to the more theoretically oriented approach in Vienna. Top course recommendations are Corporate Finance and International Economics.

5. Every day life in the host country

I personally never used public transportation day-to-day, as both Bocconi and the city centre were within a 15-minute walk from my apartment. The only exception was travelling to and from the airport, which was a smooth experience thanks to the new metro line. Overall, my impression of Milan's public transport was very positive. Beyond that, the city offers great social opportunities both around campus and in the city centre. Bocconi's sports facilities and the many parks nearby also make it easy to maintain an active lifestyle.

6. Testimonial

My semester at Bocconi was one of the most formative experiences of my studies so far. Living independently in one of Europe's most vibrant cities, studying alongside ambitious students from all over the world in a genuinely international environment made it truly special. The combination of rigorous coursework, new friendships, and the everyday experience of Milan is something I would recommend to everyone who wants to make the most of their exchange, academically as much as personally.