Details

• Italy
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

I would recommend getting some informations about the university you applied for and prepare reasons why you want to do your exchange there. As well inform yourself about the country where you want to go as there might be some questions regarding it as well. My tips for preparing your semester abroad are: inform yourself about possible classes (definitely prepare a back-up plan!), start early with the search for accomodation (I had mine booked in february and started the exchange in september), follow ESN on Instagram and join several groups for exchange students.

2. Accommodation

As I've written previously, start early with the search! I consulted various platforms (housinganywhere, uniplaces, spotahome). I wouldn't recommend searching for a flat in facebook groups. I was living with 4 other girls, who weren't all students. I was living in Municipio 5, in Stadera and I can recommend it. It is around 20mins by bus/tram away from the university and 30mins away from the Duomo. It is a relatively safe neighborhood and a bit cheaper so a good options if you don't want to spend so much money on an accomodation. (I paid 600,- which is the approximately the lowest it can get in Milan and still live in a safe area)

3. Academic life at host university

The campus offers a variety of cafès nearby where students meet before/after classes to study or have an aperitivo. The library is small and you have to book a seat. However there are other areas at the campus, where you can study as well. The teaching style is relatively comparable to the one at WU Vienna. I highly recommend the course "Lean management", taught by Arnaldo Camuffo, as it was really interesting and I learnt a lot. "Leadership skills" is a good option as well, relatively easy, however the professor is quite strict when it comes to attendance.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is working well in Milan, but prepare yourself for strikes every 2-3 weeks. As well public transport is not going throughout the night, the last metro leaves around 1am. After that there are some night busses, which I wouldn't recommend out of safety reasons. There exist several fitness centres (most of them are really expensive) and good options for yoga/pilates classes. Milan is offering a variety of events, including some public viewing during the fashion week and other social events. (ESN is also organizing some activities for students).

6. Testimonial

I enjoyed my time in Milan a lot. I not only learnt a lot in the classes I took at Bocconi university but also created lasting friendship bonds. I also improved my italian language skills and dived deeper into the milanese/italian culture.