Some advice

Leaving your country to live and study abroad can be really scary, and in these moments it can be interesting and reassuring to receive some advice. Fortunately, I listed some tips that can be useful.

-University doctor

If at some point you get sick, like I did, and you are worried because you do not know which doctor to go to, I have the solution for you! There is a university doctor at 'Collegio Tridente', and you can go without appointment after 4pm. The consultation is free, but you will have to pay for any medicine at the pharmacy.

-Do not be afraid to ask questions to your teachers

I know it can be scary to talk to your teachers. However, it is really important to introduce yourself to them at the start of the semester. Most of the teachers I had were really kind, and told me that I could come to them if I had any kind of problem. It is extremely reassuring to know that you are listened to and that your teachers want you to feel comfortable with everything that is going on. If you do not ask questions to your teachers, you might never get the answers you need and you risk jeopardising your results.

-Go to the ESN events

ESN (Erasmus Student Network) is an association of students, here Italian, that organizes events for Erasmus students to meet and to connect. In my opinion, it is really important to go to these events because they can help you feel included. That said, it is also a good idea to make Italian friends because they will help you improve your level in Italian and maybe explain the different aspects of their culture.

-Have some knowledge of Italian language

I know it may seem obvious but when you come to study in Italy, you should speak a little of Italian in order not to feel overwhelmed in some situations. A lot of Italian people do not speak English. For example, in September when I had just gotten out of the airport, the shuttle to go to the train station was not running, so I had to take a taxi, but he did not speak English. The communication was complicated. Another example, when I was at the doctor, he did not speak English. Of course it is not mandatory to speak Italian because you will learn it while you are there, but it is easier to have some notions.

-Take the intensive course of Italian in September

The university proposes Italian classes to Erasmus students, and they are truly useful. If you never studied Italian before, it will teach you the bases of the language. First, there is the intensive course in September. You take a placement test, and then they assign you to the appropriate level. You will have classes of Italian each morning from 9am to 1pm until the end of September. Do not worry, your other classes should start in October, so you will not have any problems regarding your schedule. Then, you can choose to go on with the classes during your semester with the extensive course. At that point, you will only have 4 hours per week, so it does not interfere with your main classes.