Do you know something about Bergamo, Italy?

Question

I'll be moving there next year to study at Unversita degli studi di Bergamo, and I'd like to know useful stuff about the school, the city and the nearby places, what to do, etc.

Has anyone been there or know someone who has?

Answer 1

Hi, I live at the beginnning of La Bergamasca which is how the zone of Bergamo is called. As you will be, I am currently in Italy for an educational experience. I studied a Master in Universita degli studi di Bologna. From the education point of view I definitely have to tell you education quality in Italy is really low in most areas compared to that of the States´ and other countries´.

I found myself many times trapped in Italy´s awful bureaucratic system which of course extends to their public universities and awed by the italian way of thinking (always solving things the easy way which for most of the times it means by bribing).

If you are coming to Italy for a year or more, dont bring everything back from home, just the necessary stuff. It is possible to find clothing and stuff at very good prices in italy (apart from the cost of books in english). Be sure to buy, once you are here, at least 3 different winter jackets or piumino (in italian). Since Bergamo is close to the mountains winters are hard and snowy. This year we had snow in my house patio even in late february. Bring your laptop if you have it and need it. You can always get fast internet connections installed wherever it is you will be living. HEre there are no dorms, so you should rent a postoletto (a bed with apartment rights in a shared apartment) or a singola (one room all for yourself in a shared apartment). Renting an apartment is expensive, but being bergamo a small city maybe you can try finding a monolocale (which is a studio) or a mansarda (an indipendent athic). Many people from around the world rent apartments which go by the name erasmus. So you can search for erasmus apartments where you can find a more international environment. I highly recommend you do this since living with italians is hard and sometimes not fun at all. In the end is like a lottery ticket. I recommend you visit the Bergamo´s  official website http://www.apt.bergamo.it/ which you can read in English as well.

In general once in italy it is very easy to move around not only the country, by train or low cost airlines, but also in europe. So you shouldnt worry about getting bored, just make yourself able to travel.

Get your driver liscense check for use in italy. You never know when driving comes in handy.

Transportation is mostly done by train here in italy from city to city; hardly ever by bus. Inside the cities the transportation system is efficient and covers the urban and extraurban routes. Nevertheless, keep in mind Italy suffers from sciopero (strikes) so for in city transportation get a bike which you can always buy in the city market.

Further questions feel free to contact me

Answer 2

My fiance and I spent a few days in Bergamo in late May. It was a beautiful city, small enough to really get to see it but still well connected like a big city.

I lived in Italy for 15 months, though not in Bergamo, and it was a great experience. I was in Vicenza, so I was able to explore the nearby area, and through that learn Italian history, culture, art, etc. Not to mention my language skills improved tremendously.

Have a great time!

Answer 3

It is a beautiful, if somehow quaint, city.

I assume you already know the website of the University? http://www.unibg.it/

Bergamo sits in the plain of PO, in Val Padana. By car or by train, it is close-by to many cities, including Milano, but also Vicenza, Verona, the lakes areas (gorgeous!)... What to do depends on what you want to do. From there, you can visit all Italy really well, it is very centrally placed. Food, wine are wonderful....

Have fun, and eat well!

Answer 4

Nice Town. Near Milan (1/2 hour) mountains and lakes. The Upper City is a realy great place to see.