Details

• Italy
• MAWiRe-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The process is very organized, so just stick to the official WU deadlines and follow their checklist step-by-step. Only list universities where you actually want to go – Rome was my first choice and it worked out perfectly. Also, make sure to check early if the partner uni offers enough courses that you can actually use for your credit recognition at WU.

2. Accommodation

I lived in a shared apartment with three others, which I found via Spotahome. I definitely recommend starting your search as early as possible because the market is tough. My room was in the Nomentana area, and I paid €750 per month. Rent in Rome is higher than in Vienna, so be prepared for that. Being within walking distance to the university was a huge advantage for me. The buses in Rome can be very unreliable, so living close to campus made my daily life much easier. Looking back, I should have researched the housing market even more thoroughly.

3. Academic life at host university

I had classes almost every day, but the courses were very relaxed. The LUISS campus is nice and has everything you need. All my courses were at Viale Pola and Via Parenzo. There is a good café for breaks and a canteen where you can eat.

5. Every day life in the host country

Rome is chaotic but great. Public transport, especially the buses, is quite unreliable, so I highly recommend living within walking distance of the university. However, the Metro is generally dependable and safe to use. The Italian lifestyle is amazing. There are endless bars and restaurants, and I found eating out to be much cheaper than in Austria. I spent most of my time enjoying the atmosphere and the food. During the warmer months, I highly recommend taking a trip to the beach in Ostia!

6. Testimonial

I had a truly amazing time in Rome and can fully recommend it to everyone. The Italian lifestyle slows things down in a good way, and the friendly people and atmosphere make every day enjoyable. I met many great people and loved the experience - choosing Rome was definitely the right decision!