Details

• Italy
• MASIMC-17
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 6 months

1. Preparation

Preparing for my stay at Bocconi University required some organization. After receiving my acceptance, I arranged the necessary documents and familiarized myself with the prescribed study plan for my double-degree programme. While the programme structure was fixed, there was some choice of electives. As I was unsure about the options and their recognition, I chose management-related electives to minimize potential difficulties with credit transfer. I also organized health insurance and prepared a realistic budget for my stay in Milan. As Milan is easy to reach from Austria, I travelled there by plane. The flight was short and convenient, although I had to plan carefully because of the luggage restrictions. Before leaving, I learned some basic Italian expressions and researched public transport, university life and the different neighbourhoods of Milan.

2. Accommodation

Finding affordable accommodation in Milan was one of the most challenging parts of the preparation. Rental prices are relatively high, especially for rooms close to the city centre or Bocconi University. I started searching several months before the beginning of the semester and used online housing platforms, social media groups and recommendations from other students. It is important to be careful because fake advertisements and scams can occur. I eventually found a room in a shared apartment with good public transport connections to the university. Living with other students was a positive experience because it helped me make friends and settle into life in Milan.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at Bocconi University was interesting, international and sometimes demanding. The university has an excellent reputation, and many courses are taught in English. The classes were often more interactive than I was used to, with presentations, group projects and active participation. Working with students from different countries was particularly valuable because everyone contributed different perspectives. The workload depended on the individual course, but good time management was essential, especially during the examination period. I found the campus modern, although the availability of study spaces varied depending on the time of day. It was noticeably busier around lunchtime, but as I often studied on campus later in the day, I could usually find a place to work. Overall, studying at Bocconi allowed me to improve both my academic knowledge and my English communication skills.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in Milan was exciting because the city combines Italian culture with an international atmosphere. I usually travelled by metro, tram or bus, which made it easy to reach the university and explore different neighbourhoods. In my free time, I enjoyed visiting cafés, museums, parks and famous places such as the Duomo and the Navigli district. The Italian lifestyle felt social and lively, particularly in the evenings. Although English was widely understood in many situations, knowing some basic Italian was helpful in supermarkets, restaurants and smaller shops. I also enjoyed discovering Italian food and taking trips to other cities and regions.

6. Testimonial

My exchange at Bocconi University was an unforgettable and rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to study at a respected international university, live in a vibrant European city and meet people from many different countries. At first, moving abroad and organizing everything independently was challenging, but I quickly became more confident. I improved my English, developed intercultural skills and learned how to adapt to a new academic environment. The semester was a good balance of studying, travelling and social activities. If I had the chance, I would choose Bocconi again because the experience supported both my personal and academic development.