Details

• Italy
• MASCM-21
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

For the application, it is important to prepare the required documents in advance. In my case, WU specifically asked for a CV and a motivation letter, so I made sure both were up to date and clearly tailored to the exchange semester. In addition, I would strongly recommend organizing accommodation in Milan as early as possible. The housing market is very competitive, apartments are hard to find, and prices are generally high (especially close to the start of the semester). Starting your search early can save a lot of stress and often also money.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation search experience: Finding accommodation in Milan was one of the most challenging parts of the exchange preparation. Apartments are generally expensive, and good options get booked quickly. I started searching early, compared many listings, and tried to react fast whenever something suitable appeared. Accommodation type (student residence/private) I ended up living alone in a private apartment, which worked well for me in terms of privacy and flexibility. I found my place through HousingAnywhere. Another useful platform to check is Spotahome. Both websites also offer shared apartments, which are often cheaper than renting an entire place alone (so that can be a great option if you want to save money and/or meet people more easily). Location, safety, and proximity to the university The university has two main locations, one at Piola and one at Bovisa. For the SCM Master, most classes are held at Bovisa, and it is easily accessible from the city center by public transport. Personally, I would recommend living more centrally in the city, because Bovisa itself is quiet boring and there is not a lot to do there. In terms of safety and overall quality of life, some of the best areas to live in are Brera, Isola, Porta Nuova, Porta Magenta, Sant’Ambrogio, Vetra, and the Duomo area. Tips I wish I’d known beforehand The exchange period does not end in December: only the classes finish in December, while exams are in January, February, or as a mixed option depending on how you structure it.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus facilities Both campuses offer solid facilities, and I especially liked the sports options. There are padel courts, football courts, a gym, a running track, and a few other activities available on campus. In general, the Bovisa campus is the more modern one, while the Leonardo Campus in Piola is the historic campus of Politecnico di Milano. Academic culture and teaching style compared to WU Vienna University of Economics and Business Compared to WU, the academic culture felt less structured. During the semester there are fewer assignments, which can be nice at first but it also makes the semester feel a bit more chaotic, because you often have to organize your learning more independently. Another big difference is that all exams take place at the end of the semester, so you typically have to prepare for many exams at the same time in a short period. Course overview and recommendations I took six courses, each worth 5 ECTS: - Ethics for Transportation - Marketing Analytics - Supply Chain Management - Agri food Supply Chain Perspectives - Collaborative Innovation for sustainability and impact - Purchasing and Supply Management Since Politecnico di Milano is generally considered a challenging university, I would especially recommend: - Ethics for Transportation - Supply Chain Management - Agri food Supply Chain Perspectives - Collaborative Innovation for sustainability and impact The other two (Marketing Analytics and Purchasing and Supply Management) are definitely more demanding in terms of workload and difficulty.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport Public transport in Milan worked very well for everyday life and commuting. I paid around €35 per month for my monthly pass. For students/people under 27 there is also a reduced price, but I didn’t use it myself, so I can’t say the exact amount. Safety situation In my experience, the safety situation felt similar to other big cities: there are very safe areas and a few neighborhoods that can feel a bit more sketchy, especially late at night. Overall, I generally felt safe in Milan. Social and leisure activities This was honestly one of the main reasons why I loved Milan. The city offers countless great restaurants and bars, and there is always something going on. If you like football like I do, going to a match at San Siro Stadium is a must: tickets can be surprisingly cheap, and the atmosphere is amazing. Events Politecnico di Milano organizes many different events throughout the semester, so it’s easy to stay busy and meet people. Combined with everything the city offers, there is definitely more than enough to do in Milan. Sports options The university also offers a wide range of sports activities, for example padel, football, basketball, table tennis, and access to a gym. And since Milan is such a large city, you can find basically any sport outside the university as well (clubs, gyms, courts, running groups, etc.).

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Milan was a great mix of an academically challenging but manageable semester and an extremely lively city experience. Compared to WU, the classes felt more chaotic and less structured, but it also pushed me to become more independent. What made the exchange special for me was Milan’s energy. There was always something going on, and I really loved the amazing bars and restaurants and the overall feeling of living in such an active city.