Details

• Italy
• BaWiRe-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

When you are doing your interviews at WU, don't forget that Erasmus is about much more than just studying abroad so don't forget to mention why you are interested in the place, not just the university and highlight your interest in the local culture. For preparing for your stay, I would advise to try picking up at least a basic A2 knowledge of Italian. Even though at the university everybody speaks english, other people, for example landlords may only speak Italian (in some cases also Spanish or Slovenian in addition). Before coming here I took a language book to learn grammar and set my Netflix to Italian and it helped a lot to get started.

2. Accommodation

I have found a flat in Trieste through idealista.it, but it was difficult. Meanwhile the prices are much lower than in Vienna, the fact that many landlords are looking to rent their apartments long term (4 years), makes the search difficult. If you are looking for a flat, I would recommend, Idealista, Subito or Mioaffito as well as contacting rental agencies. I have rented my apartment through an agency, which did come with a fee, however also gives the security of not getting scammed, which, just like anywhere else, here also can happen. If you are, however, not renting through an agency, make sure not to pay anything before seeing the apartment in person. Alternatively, you can also search facebook groups, where you can also find. Regarding location, most students live in the areas around Via Fabio Severo and Via Giulia, from where you can walk both to the university and to the city center. Nevertheless, in general, every part of Trieste is very safe to live, and the bus connections are good. When you are texting landlords, I would recommend to write in Italian (even when its through google translate).

3. Academic life at host university

Regarding the campus, almost all departments are located on the main campus, on top of a hill with a great panorama to the city and the sea. The library is open 24/7 and allows all kinds of bags inside. Furthermore, there are in many buildings other study areas as well as smaller libraries, but also study places with tables and wifi connection outside. There is a mensa that serves for around 6 euros a full, good quality 2 course meal incl. beverage. I can also recommend going to the bar located inside the main building that serves great Lavazza coffee for 1 euro. The teaching style and exam regulations depend on the individual course. In general, however, the worload per ECTS felt lower than at WU. The teaching is also more relaxed in the way, that courses may start a bit later than scheduled and, if we are thorugh all the topics ahead of time, they may finish a few weeks earlier. There are, however more lecture-type classes and less opportunity for in-class participation. For exams, there are usually 3 attempts in the regular exam season after the semester, and for attending students often a pre-attempt, right after the classes finished. In addition, the university organizes Italian language courses for incoming students, which I found really beneficial.

5. Every day life in the host country

Trieste is a very safe city with a good network of public transport. There is many things to do in the city, but also outside you can go to the sea, to the mountains or do a daytrip to a neraby town in Veneto. There are also many events, great bars and cafes and interesting museums, that are free on the first Sunday of every month. For sports, there are also many options, in addition to ESN organizing sport events for erasmus students.

6. Testimonial

My Erasmus in Trieste was a great opportunity to learn about the way of life in another country, discover new academic interests, learn Italian and hang out with great people, both locals and internationals. It was an amazing experience, I would definitely do it again. Best regards, Marton