Details

• Italy
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

For the application, I would advise to already have a clear idea of what you want to do abroad, what type of courses you want to take etc. During the interview, make sure to mention these and how they specifically contribute to your professional / personal journey.

2. Accommodation

I have been searching for accommodation mainly in Facebook Groups (I have heard a lot of bad experience / overpricing with sites like Housinganywhere, Joivy etc). However, be aware of scams - make sure you enter private groups (IWM Housing || The Ladies' Room – Milano, Expats in Milan ...). I lived in a private apartment with 4 other young professionals / students located 25min from the university. The location was in the outskirts of the city (Chiesa Rossa), but was a generally safe neighbourhood with good connection to the centre. Looking for an apartment is a bit tedious - you have to be persistent - but it is definitely possible. The prices are a lot higher than in Vienna, but it is definitely worth it to pay more and live in a safe area than to live somewhere dangerous.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus is located in downtown Milan - good proximity to the centre, with a lot of restaurants and shops around. The facilities are modern (especially the classrooms), but there is a lack of study places. You have to arrive early to get a study place in the library during exam season. There is a study building behind the church which has a nice atmosphere and has places to talk, study, and eat. The courses are in-detail and offer a nice overview of the subjects. The professors I had were very good and passionate. In most courses, you have group projects etc., but the highest weight is still on the final (+partial) exam. It is worth it to engage and keep up with the study material, as Bocconi offers world-class teaching. If you can, join a student organisation to get to know other students - I joined Women in Business. Bocconi also offers a lot of carreer fairs, but are more competitive in comparison to WU.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is there, but is often disrupted due to strikes. I would advise to take the metro when you can. I did not have any bad experiences while in Milan, but there are definitely neighbourhoods that are less safe. There are a lot of cultural activities that Milan has to offer, and a lot of day trip options (Monza, Turin, Lake Como, Lake Garda, Geneva). Trains are usually punctual and modern. If you have time, you can also visit Florence and Rome with the high-speed train. Bocconi offers a few sports options (yoga, running club) which could be worth trying.

6. Testimonial

My exchange has been a rewarding experience that expanded my horizons and taught me to value European integration more. I am very grateful for the academic knowledge and exciting connections I gained in Milano.