Details

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

1. Preparation

I would recommend that future students familiarize themselves early on with all relevant deadlines and requirements. When selecting a host university, students can also look into the academic fields the university is particularly known for and consider this in the decision-making process. Attending information sessions can provide valuable insights. After nomination, it is helpful to carefully read the information provided by WU and the host university in order to stay on top of all deadlines. Based on my experience, accommodation in Bocconi student residences is very popular and highly sought after, so students may need to consider external housing options. Additionally, when planning summer holidays or a summer internship, it is useful to keep in mind that the fall semester at Bocconi usually begins at the end of August for exchange students.

2. Accommodation

I organized my accommodation privately and found my room through Facebook. Overall, I was very satisfied with this solution. I lived in a shared apartment located south of Bocconi, which worked well for me during my stay. The apartment was well connected by public transport, and it usually took around 10–15 minutes to reach the university. Based on my personal experience, the area felt safe. One thing that may be helpful to know in advance is that public transport in Milan does have schedules; however, in practice, trams and buses often arrive irregularly. The metro, on the other hand, is generally reliable and punctual.

3. Academic life at host university

Bocconi University offers a modern and well-equipped campus with good infrastructure, including a library, study areas, and learning spaces that support both individual and group work. Overall, the academic environment is very professional and internationally oriented. At the beginning of the semester, students can choose in certain courses whether they want to attend classes regularly as attending students or follow the course as non-attending students. This allows for more individual planning and flexibility, depending on personal learning preferences and workload. In addition, many of the courses open to exchange students are very engaging and a great addition to the WU curriculum. Therefore, students should take enough time to carefully select their courses.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Milan is well developed and allows students to move around the city easily. The metro is reliable and punctual, while buses and trams are available throughout the city, although they can sometimes run irregularly. Overall, public transport is very affordable with student discounts Regarding safety, Milan felt generally safe during everyday activities, especially in central areas and around the university. There are many cafés, bars and restaurants, also around the campus. In terms of sports, Bocconi has a gym where students can purchase a membership and use the facilities during the semester.

6. Testimonial

Overall, my exchange semester at Bocconi University was a highly enriching experience both academically and personally. Studying in an international environment at a renowned university, combined with the vibrant city life of Milan, made the semester particularly memorable. Bocconi offered extremely interesting courses taught by dedicated and highly qualified professors, which contributed significantly to my academic development. In addition, living and studying abroad helped me grow personally and broaden my international perspective. Milan’s central location also made it an ideal base for traveling to nearby cities and destinations, further enhancing the overall experience.