A Day in Bologna
What a typical day/week in Bologna may be like….according to one of BCSP student
Your daily life in Bologna
One thing that's certain about your life in Bologna is that your schedule will be constantly changing: courses start and stop on different dates, your exams could be spread out over months, and depending on the weather, you may spend more or less time traveling, out and about in the city, or at home. In general, a course meets two to three times a week, for an hour and a half or two hours, although this depends on the facoltà. In any one week, you may be going to class for roughly two to four courses, so around 12-24 hours per week. In your spare time, you can find tutoring or babysitting jobs, join a gym or a club, participate in a language exchange, and obviously study. The time you spend studying and when you study depends entirely on you: you could be studying continuously throughout the semester for a partial, or more likely, final exam, or you could choose to start studying only a month before.
Una settimana a Bologna:
Monday
AM: Read Caro Michele for contemporary literature course and go grocery shopping at Plenty Market
PM: Lay out a blanket at Giardini Margherita for more studying in the sun
8
PM: 21st birthday dinner for friend at Osteria dell'Orsa, via Mentana
Tuesday
AM: Gym
1:45-3:15 PM: Class- History of Iran, via Cartoleria
3:15-5 PM: Class- Contemporary Italian literature, BCSP office, via Malcontenti, 3.
7 PM: Aperitivo at Marsalino, via Marsala
Wednesday
AM: Read and study article on ancient religions of Persia
1:45-3:15 PM: Class- History of Iran, via Cartoleria
4 PM: Gelato break between classes, reading in Piazza Maggiore
5-7 PM: Class- History of Italian language, via Zamboni 38
8 PM: Dinner and a movie (Gli indifferenti for contemporary Italian literature course) at home
Thursday
AM: Gym, stop by the fresh foods market at Piazza Maggiore for lunch groceries
2-4 PM: Class- Contemporary Italian literature, BCSP office, via Malcontenti
4-6 PM: Class- History of Italian language, via Zamboni 38
6-8 PM: BCSP Coffee Hour at Balmoral in Piazza Maggiore, followed by the aperitivo buffet with BCSP friends
Friday
AM: Read and study history of Iran textbook at Sala Borsa, the city of Bologna's main library
2 PM: Trip to the Montagnola market to browse shoes, purses, linens, sunglasses, etc.
3-5 PM: Class- History of Italian Language, via Zamboni 32
7 PM: meet up with friends in Piazza Verdi
10 PM: pizzas to go at Pizzeria Due Torri, via Strada Maggiore
Saturday
Day trip to Lucca, Tuscany, to ride bikes around the city walls
Sunday
1 PM: Sunday lunch at friends' house
3 PM: Afternoon hiking/walking at Villa Ghigi, sui colli bolognesi
Comments on Life in Bologna
Rachel - "You can't really have stereotypes about others, open your mind to new cultures, languages, customs, beliefs...it will make you a much richer interesting person. Travel as much as you can. Fashion isn't that important, even if Italians sometimes make you feel like it is. Don't eat pasta and bread all the time."
"[Fondest memories include] hanging out in Giardini Margherita, hanging and drinking wine in Piazza Santo Stefano at night, eating at Il Portico where the owners knew us by name and gave us discounts, traveling."
"I asked a woman if she was a lavatrice (washing machine) instead of a lavoratrice (worker)"
"We bought parking tickets for the bus and then all four of us tried to validate them on the bus...much to the amusement of all the Italians riding the 13 that day."
"I told someone on the phone that we wouldn't need an apartment after six months because we would be dead (saremo finite instead of avremo finito).
Joanna – "Being in Piazza Santo Stefano at 2am with friends and beers. Renting a car and traveling around Tuscany, going to a vineyard in Montalcino."
"Going to get my haircut and realizing that I didn't have enough money to pay. I had to get my Italian friend on the phone to vouch for me, I was apologizing emphatically and I don't think that the hairdresser even cared that much."
"Live with Italians – it's the easiest way to learn a language. Connections count for so much. Start to frequent the same restaurants and shops because, after they get to know you, they are likely to give you a discount."
Dan – "Do everything possible to learn Italian, meet Italians, and take advantage of being in Italy...don't complain or take things for granted."
Leslie – "You must come with an open mind, without expectations of courses to take, housing, etc...only expect to have a great time and meet new people and you will not be disappointed with the BCSP program and its goals."
Lauren W – "On a Friday some friends and I went to the market to hang out. When we got hungry, we went to the Roxy bar for a beer and munchies, then back to my apartment for dinner. We watched at movie on my laptop after, and people crashed for the night on extra mattresses. Next morning we took some blankets and our books and studied in Giardini Margherita. On the way home we stopped at the grocery store, and made fried chicken for dinner, burning ourselves and getting grease everywhere in the process. Dinner was followed by going to the Amadeus, then back to the apartment where people spent a second night. Being able to do that, having fun together was perfect."
"Be assertive, and don't be afraid to make mistakes."
Kelly H. – "We drove through sunny old Napoli on a double decker bus, serenaded by traditional Neapolitan songs."
"We tried to put two people on a bike, but I fell off the back end. I guess I'm not Italian enough."
"No matter the rush, there is no amount of time small enough for which you would have to eat or drink coffee on the road."
Elizabeth – "Running up to San Luca - gorgeous view."
"Pasqua, Sicilia – renting scooters and having quite the experience navigating them through the streets of Catania during lunch rush hour."
"Always respect those trying to learn your language, and be patient."
Dominic – "I am glad I bought a really nice bike here to bike in the hills. It was the best investment I made here. It has allowed me to experience a Bologna that not many people get to see."
"This experience has by no means been impossible, but it was a lot more difficult than I expected. You know that you are going to change when you go abroad, but you never know how until you go though it. When I think back on it, all of the tough parts that were the non-glamorous were the exact reasons of why I came here in the first place. It's been worth it."
Elliott – "Try to enjoy your experience without measuring it by other people's standards, Try to step out of yourself. Don't take yourself too seriously. "Live" in Italy so that when it is your time to leave, you won't feel the cold pang of regret."
Amira – "Hotel Holiday brings good memories as a group."
What to Pack
It's true that a lot of stuff wouldn't get done if it weren't for the last minute, but avoid the stress of packing the night before, and get your suitcase out of the attic now. When you think of something you want to bring, toss it in. Here's some advice on what to toss in and what to leave behind:
Don't bring clothes that you're not sure you'll wear because they'll just sit in your closet. You won't need as many dressy clothes as you'd think; most students tend to dress down. (CF)
Bring whatever makes you feel comfortable. Clothes are expensive to buy here, so you may get stuck not wanting to buy anything and wishing for your favorite sweatshirt back home. I was glad I didn't bring too many photos or "sentimental" objects. I was glad I didn't bring too much of anything. (KM)
It is important though to remember that they do NOT have American brand medicine, no Tylenol, Advil, Midol, Excedrin, etc, so you should plan accordingly. It is also recommended that you have an ample supply of any prescription medicine that you are taking as well as contact lenses if you wear them.
A winter coat! Bologna gets cold! Bring just the clothes that you really like- you'll end up buying a lot here. Bring as many med's and prescriptions as possible from the States along with copies of the prescription info from you doctor. (VV)
As far as school supplies go, it's safe to say that one of the largest universities in Europe has a few stores where you can buy your school supplies, rendering it perhaps unnecessary to bring them from home, unless you just can't live without 8.5" x 11" paper. Some people brought Italian dictionaries, however, there are certainly plenty floating around Bologna (at the office, at the library etc).
Pack casual clothes. The "Italians are formal" theory is hogwash. Take only what you need to survive. Pictures of friends and family are a plus. Buy sheets and towels at IKEA [just outside Bologna]. (MV)
I recommend bringing oh-so-sexy long underwear from Eddie Bauer- silk not thermal. Fa un freddo allucinante in inverno. Also bring a couple of nice summery sandals and a pair of gym shoes, then buy some hot Italian shoes for winter once you get here- they're amazing. (BT)
Clothing: here you have to walk a fine line. There was a resounding "I packed too many clothes" sentiment from the surveys. Bring only what you wear, and only what you really really like and plan for what you like to do and how often you will do it (travel, exercise, go out to bars etc). Bologna is cold (decent winter coat, scarf, hat, mittens, dress in layers etc) in the winter, and hot in the summer (don't forget your bathing suit). Also, most Italians haven't discovered the efficiency and beauty of a drying machine, which means that you will most likely be hanging your clothes to dry. They also don't sell American laundry detergent. Quite a few people also felt like they brought too many shoes. Remember that on a day-to-day basis, you will be walking everywhere. If you don't mind getting a few looks from a few snotty Italian girls, flip flops are highly recommended as a comfortable summer shoe alternative.
Shampoo, conditioner and other toiletries can all be found here, but if you are a fan of Tom's of Maine toothpaste, stock up; you won't find it in Italy. (NT)
Don't bring clothes-buy them here. Bring one simple Italian grammar book. (AW)
Okay, you know those huge plastic bags that put your stuff in and then suck all the air out of with a vacuum cleaner? They totally work. Use them for sweaters and bulky winter clothes. (ME)
Although Italy has perhaps the best cuisine in the world (as many of our waistlines can attest to), there are a few food items that you won't find here:
*maple syrup (well, technically, they sell it at Pam, but it's not even close to good)
*brown sugar
*fruit snacks
*your favorite brand of peanut butter
*granola bars
*sunflower seeds
*chocolate chips
*BBQ sauce
As a closing piece of advice on what to pack, Elizabeth recommends that if your parents, friends etc are come to visit you, to use them as a transport to take back some of your out of season stuff and/or packing mistakes.
Food/Eating Out
Bologna la Grassa
So you gain a kilo or 10, it's totally worth it. The food here is unbelievably good, and a lot of it can't be found back in the States. Take advantage of crescentine, mozzarella di buffola, prosciuto crudo, tortellini in brodo, and tagliatelle alla Bolognese. Good, inexpensive produce can also be found at the local supermarket so it's easy to learn to cook at home with your roommies.
It's hard not to eat well in Bologna, and you'll find your own favorite places. Mine are Nicola for pizza (the corner of Via Oberdan and Via Marsala), Osteria Tato & Vino for the best crescentine in Bologna, Trattoria Trebbi for tagliatelle verde, and Trattoria Anna Maria for anything. For falafel go to Via Centotrecento, K2 on Via Carbonesi is good for Indian food, and Bombocrepe is fantastic for those 3am cravings. For groceries I always head to Pam which is pretty cheap and has pretty much everything you need. Don't be surprised when you find milk and eggs in the un-refrigerated aisle. (BT)
Any restaurant is good in Bologna. I go to Pizzeria Belle Arti or Osteria dell"Orsa. Cesare is where I'd choose to go if I had a rich uncle on tap. For groceries I head to the Coop. Sometimes I'll go to the market by Piazza Maggiore. It's beautiful and exciting, and I like the smells and colors. (KM)
For most groceries I go to Pam on Via Marconi. For fresh produce and heavier things like water or wine we go to our favorite market off Piazza Maggiore. If you go to the same place long enough they give you free stuff and are SO nice if you are a regular. (SF)
Nicola is GREAT pizza napoletana in Piazza San Martino [corner of Oberdan, Marsala]. Pizzeria delle Belle Arti is a fantastic atmosphere. Basically all the restaurants in Bologna are great. For groceries- Pam, it's cheapest. But the fruttivendoli are usually much nicer people. (VV)
Nightlife
Paint the town r…hey, wait a second.
Italians go out a lot, and hanging at a pub, or going to a movie with friends isn't just a weekend thing (it so happens that they study a lot too). Being out at night is a great way to meet people and make Italian friends, as well as a great way to get real experience with the language. Check these places:
I try to avoid the Irish Pub at all costs. I've never been to a disco and never will go. Ah, movies. Cinema Odeon is always good- it's in centro, cheap, and they occasionally play movies in english. Otherwise, Capitol on Via Indipendenza always has english movies. Cinema Lumiere is always fun for something rare or strange but always good. (KM)
Love it or hate it, The Irish is legendary. There are equal parts American girls and Italian guys so it can make for an interesting experience. As far as I'm concerned, the pubs on Via del Pratello are the best places to go for a drink with friends. It's a pretty chill atmosphere, and you don't have to yell over obnoxious pop music. The best time dancing was downstairs at Lord Lister's- a place that most Americans seem to avoid like the plague. (BT)
Movie theaters: the Lumiere on Via Pietralata is my second home, they do screenings of old movies and show a lot of non-mainstream movies that are usually great. Other theaters: Jolly on Marconi, Odeon on Mascarella, and Nosadella on Via Nosadella. Bars: Cantina Bentivoglio on Via Mascarella. (NT)