Ciao from Milano! It?s hard to believe that today is will mark the 63rd day since I departed from the good ole? US of A. If you are reading this blog because you are considering studying abroad, do it! Take the plunge. By no means is it always easy (or else everyone would be doing it), but so far it has proved to be one of the most rewarding and awe-inspiring experiences of my life.
If you have already decided to commit to a semester abroad, and are simply perusing this post to see if Bocconi University in Milan is the correct place for you, keep reading. It is my goal to structure my posts in a way that communicate to you a clear and realistic description of the various aspects one should consider when choosing their host university and city.
Overview
Milan is a thriving, bustling metropolitan city. In my opinion, the feel is similar to a smaller and less sprawling New York City but with more Italian charm. That being said, urban Milan is a completely different feel from many of the other Italian cities that you most likely will visit during your stay here.
?Compared to the rest of Italy, Milan is much more fast-paced and cosmopolitan. The fact that Milan is the fashion capital of the world is apparent the very moment one hopes off the plane. The level to which the average individual dresses themselves is shown in an astounding display of street fashion. If you do come to Milan, leave your Nike shorts and Comfort Color T-shirts at home.
The City
Although it is a polar opposite of College Station, it did not take me long to adapt to the ambiance of Milan. At first, the level of graffiti is shocking, and things might seem ?dirtier? or more crowded than what you are used too (especially if this is your first time in Europe), but you will adapt. The day I moved in, I remember being completely underwhelmed with my apartment and neighborhood, but now I have grown to love it!
Milan boasts an excellent public transportation system. To get around you can use the underground subway or the above ground trams (unlimited pass for students for 22 euros per month, or 1.50 per ride), participate in the ?bike share? program, or take an occasional taxi (especially if you are coming back very late after a night out on the town). Walking sometimes proves to be the most efficient means of transportation, and I would recommend trying to condition yourself back at home before your departure (I?m not joking)!
As far as what to occupy your time with in Milan, there is more to do than you will have time and money for. The two major touristy sights are The Duomo and The Last Supper. The former you can see anytime and all the time, but the latter is usually reserved at least a month in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.
The nightlife in Milan is incredible. During your first few weeks, I would recommend seeking out the Erasmus Student Network, which is an association for exchange students (primarily European Union ones, but everyone can participate) that will host various mixers and events almost every night of the first few weeks. This is a entertaining and surprisingly economical way to meet your fellow exchange students while everyone is still looking for friends, and you get to visit many of the nightlife hotspots in Milan.
Aperitivo is the Milanese ?happy hour?, which I?m sure you will become familiar with. Usually for 9-12 euros you get a drink and access to the open buffet. Although the food usually isn?t the Italian food you dreamed of, it?s decent enough to make a solid dinner. My favorite aperitivo is at a restaurant called Maya in Navigli. Erasmus will also host these and ?10 euro? nights at various clubs (or only 1 euro if you do not wish to drink), with these you will get 2 drinks and entrance into the venue. Go! It?s fun!
The Locals
The Milanese have a reputation for being quicker paced and less friendly than Italians from southern Italy. While in some aspects this stereotype has been true, this has not always proved to be the case. Milan is a business-oriented city, and most people on the streets are trying to get somewhere quickly. Although I have had a few unfortunate run-ins with rude Milanese, the majority of people are friendly and helpful.
Academics
Bocconi is one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe, therefore your classes will require some effort. Ironically, I am taking all 4 of my electives in one semester so it is possible that level of my courses are slightly less challenging than the norm. Choose your courses strategically, and begin getting as many approved for transfer credit with TAMU as early as possible. Spend the time thoroughly completing this process the correct way, and you will thank yourself at registration. At Bocconi, as is true for most of Europe, the majority of your grade will come from one final exam in December. It is up to you to study during the progression of the course and be prepared to succeed on the final exam.
Fellow Students
Since you will most likely be taking your courses in English, there will be loads of other exchange students in your courses. I love this aspect, because it has allowed me to meet people from all corners of the world. However, there will probably be very few Italian students in your classes, and although in personal conversations they are nice and polite I find that the large majority of the local students have very little interest in forming friendships with the exchange students. Don?t take this personally because Bocconi hosts about 900 exchange students each semester.
Accommodations and Everyday Life
For living arrangements, my friend and I decided to forgo the student housing in exchange for a private apartment. Personally, we are pleased with this decision. Although it requires more research before your departure we pay less than rent for the student housing for better accommodation. Our one room loft is small but conveniently situated right along the larger Navigli canal. This area (Google it) is the center of most nightlife, and we have really enjoyed living here.
I would recommend purchasing an Italian phone plan while you are here. They are much more affordable than our American plans, and trust me, you are going to want the data. You can use Whatsapp and Skype to talk to your family and close friends, and with a data plan you don?t have to wait for wifi to post your snapchats and instagram pics! ? More importantly, you won?t be as lost in all the cities you may choose to visit.
Simple things like going to the grocery store and doing laundry are different here, but you will grow accustomed to your new lifestyle. For example, you have to bag your own groceries at the supermarket and then carry them home. We have a large reusable bag that we utilize. Once you have to carry your own heavy groceries home, you learn to start purchasing less and begin to make more frequent trips to the local supermarket. I will write more later in a different post about some of my tips for surviving your ?chores? in Milan;)
Travel
Since Milan is located in the north portion of Italy, it offers convenient and cheap access into other countries. Airfare is more reasonable in Europe, especially if you plan ahead accordingly. I would recommend trying to plan your major trips about one month in advance. Keeping up with everything is hard, but push yourself to be organized and in the long run you will save time and money. The Centrale Train Station in Milan also offers many trains to all parts of Italy (usually with Trenitalia).
I signed up for something offered by Trenitalia called the ?cartafreccia?, which allows you to purchase tickets at half price. Since I have purchased probably 15 train tickets, this decision has really paid off. In order to complete the online form you will need an Italian Tax code called a ?codice fiscale?. To receive this you will have to go the appropriate government office and wait for your turn in the bureaucratic process. Slightly annoying, but worth it!
Finances
If your parents either won?t or are not able to pay for everything: get a job and work hard now, apply for as many scholarships as possible, and save save save save your money. Because when you are here, I promise you are going to want to spend it having back to back once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Usually, the biggest expense of study abroad students are their travels. Planning ahead can help you save money, so try your very best to be organized. If you are trying to travel as cheaply as possible, it’s time to let go of some of the luxuries you are used to. Traveling cheaply means you won?t always get to take the fastest means of transportation, or always eat out every night. You may have to stay in some Hostels that are less than ideal, but it’s ok. You will survive.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the most immersive and cost effective (and I believe fun) study abroad option, then an REEP exchange is the program for you! Milan is an enjoyable city, and Italy is a beautiful country. I have also genuinely have appreciated my time at Bocconi.