Details

• Italy
• MASIMC-17
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 10 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

Before going on exchange in Italy, I recommend looking for accommodation early and getting an appointment to obtain an Italien codice fiscale, as many landlords require this. I chose to travel to Milan by bus, so I booked my ticket in advance and checked the luggage allowance, but some of my friends also took the train.

2. Accommodation

I was lucky and found my apartment through a WhatsApp group after someone referred me. It was a private apartment right next to Bocconi’s campus. I felt safe in the surrounding area, and I could walk to university without depending on trains or the metro. There are many rental scams in Italy, so please be careful before transferring any money and in the best case you get a referral from someone you trust or view the apartment in person.

3. Academic life at host university

Bocconi’s campus has a newer section and an older one. The newer section is reserved for the Executive Academy, so I spent most of my time in the older buildings. Since I had a private apartment, I usually studied at home and rarely went to the library, which can get crowded and noisy. I found the courses interesting, although the classes were not always very engaging. Most were lecture-based, with professors speaking and students listening. Some professors encouraged questions and discussion, but the teaching style was generally less interactive than in my master’s program at WU, where project work is more common. We had two mandatory courses: Comparative Business Law and Economy, History and Society. Both were quite interesting. For my electives, I chose Data Analysis and Managerial Decision Making, Sustainable Urban Regeneration, and Strategic Management in Family Firms. I enjoyed all three and would recommend them if you are interested in these subjects. I heard from classmates that the finance electives can be a little more challenging.

5. Every day life in the host country

Milan has good public transport, including a new metro line and trams, although strikes can be frequent. I mostly walked because my apartment was close to Bocconi and the city center. There are plenty of cafés and good places to eat, including on campus. Student associations organize many events, especially during Welcome Week. Gym memberships in Milan can be quite expensive, but Bocconi has a gym with a student discount.

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Italy was special because I got to experience Italian culture and everyday life in Milan. I loved the food, Fashion Week, the design scene, and the city’s many cultural attractions. Most of all, I made new friends and met like-minded people who made the experience unforgettable.