If you have already decided or are deciding to visit Perugia or doing your Erasmus in Perugia, then you should know that you will be located in the region of Umbria, South of Tuscany which is known as ‘the green heart’ of Italy.
Although this is not the most commonly chosen Erasmus destination, there are many advantages to living in this small city, in which many people return home adoring the Perugian lifestyle.
What to see in Perugia
Imagen: Perugia Online
If you are planning on spending a long time living here and doing your Erasmus in Perugia, it is important that you get to know some of its main attractions.
- At the centre of Perugia is the main square ‘Piazza IV Novembre’ and its subsequent fountain, ‘Fontana Maggiore’, right in front of the Cathedral. Inside the ‘Palazzo dei Priori’ you will find a National Art Gallery of Umbria, demonstrating the cultural importance of the city.
- Additionally, Perugia is so labyrinthine that you will find escalators in various places of the city, allowing you to traverse the incredibly hilly city with ease.
- Like everywhere in Italy, there is an abundance of Churches. You will be able to discover all of them on your exchange in Perugia!
- Medieval Perugia was surrounded by stone walls, with gates that have been well-preserved.
- The ‘Palazzo dei Priori’ is one of the best preserved Gothic style palaces in Italy. It was the centre of administrative and judicial activities within the city and is now where the City Hall of Perugia and the National Gallery of Umbria are located. Discover it on your study in Perugia!
Where to Live
Imagen: Perugia Online
Perugia is a small city, although it still has a thriving student population and plenty of places to visit. Living in Perugia for your Erasmus is not a particularly expensive option and works out cheaper than living in other regions of Italy. However, there is the potential for a language problem. Here in this small region, people do not usually master English, so it is a good idea to learn some Italian before you move. Living here costs, in shared rent, approximately €200 – €250 per person per month.
There are several ways you can find accommodation. Online there are websites such as immobiliare, kijiji, or the various Facebook pages titled “Affiti Perugia”, “Affiti Studenti Perugia”, “Affiti/Rentals/Alquiler”, which are all recommended. There are also agencies located around the city which help with finding students suitable accommodation, such as “Quality Living”, located on “Via Alessi 28”.
Aside from the apartments in the centre, you also have the option of living in a shared house – a good option for your Erasmus in Perugia, usually found on the outskirts of the old town. However, be warned, you will spend a lot of time walking between the city and your home. The historic centre is the area where most students live, alongside the University area called ‘Elce’, where there are cheaper more modern apartments compared to the centre, but take longer to walk to from the centre.
Where to go out
Parties are not the main attraction of an Erasmus in Perugia as there are very few bars that close late. Clubs do exist, but what most Italian and Erasmus students do is meet in the main square, enjoy a few beers, and let the evening pass by!
The most popular bar for Erasmus students is in the centre and is called “Luna Bar Ferrari”
Gastronomy
Imagen: www.puntarellarossa.it
Without a doubt, in Italy the typical dishes will be pasta, pizza, and everything in between.
A highly recommended option for eating out without spending too much money is to buy pizza in portions, which are very cheap, filling, and varied. Recommended restaurants are ‘La Mediterránea”, “La Romántica” and “Pompei”. On your exchange in Perugia you can eat at every one of the best restaurants and tell all of your friends about them!
It is also very typical for Italians to go for an aperitif, where you usually end up having dinner and enjoying a few drinks, another leisurely activity that many students end up doing.
Discover trips to Italy with Unitrips here.
