Part 1 - All about the University
What Are the Timetables like?
Bologna has quite a hectic daily schedule, consistently throughout every year you will have both morning and afternoon classes. The semesters are laid out like most other Italian universities: October – December, then January – May. The clinical experience starts in the 2nd year, though this mainly consists of lab work.
How do the Exams Work?
The Bologna exams and course are scheduled in an unfamiliar way, Milan follows a similar system where you group things by discipline, the large subject exams are broken down further into modules. Each module is held by one or two professors. These professors would then personally decide the exams. These could be oral, written, practical should the subject permit; the nature of this would require a student to be very versatile.
Does Bologna do Cadaver Dissections?
Generally, no, but there is a slight possibility. The 2nd year features a grouped chance to take part in a pro-section, not a dissection. However, should you choose to become an anatomy tutor further down the line, you would have the chance.
What are the Average Tuition Fees?
The tuition fees are calculated based on the prospect’s income. Someone with a very low income background may even be able to study for free. Average fees for students are averaging between 750-100 euros, finishing up at the high end of 3000. The bursaries are also calculated on income. Some bursaries can be from 1000-2000 euros, though they have low attainability for the average student.
Does the university have provide any work options?
Yes, to an extent. Should you qualify you can apply for up to 150 hours paid work in university property and premises.
What are the classes dynamics at Bologna?
The class sizes at Bologna are big, up to about 60 people, hosting a vast ranges of nationality and age. Organisation and communication with such a large group could be difficult, but Bologna has many online resources and student groups to assist you in the process.
How are the professors?
Large classes make for a lot of professors, especially as each module has 1 to 2 teachers. Therefore no matter how good your professor or your communication with them, Bologna is a university for someone who can manage themselves equally well.
How are the facilities around Bologna?
The 1st and 2nd year have access to the new cardiology labs and hospital. Most of the classes and work areas have recently been renovated too. There are numerous libraries for working outside of class time too. Leisure is more than covered, with numerous gyms, MENSA, swimming pools, and everything else you could expect from an Italian city.
What are the language requirements for Bologna?
At Bologna, a B1 language certificate is required to be able to work in the hospital practically; and a B2 could even possibly be asked of you. There is a free Italian course offered to the international students. A lesser or non-existent grasp of Italian would not be advised.
What should a Bologna prospective student know?
Bologna might face many hurdles for the prospective student. It can be difficult to find housing close to the city. The class and exam structure, and the amount of self control and maintenance adds to it. A Bologna student should be very versatile, expecting to take control of, and make the most of, the numerous opportunities that come from such a busy, intense lifestyle.
Part 2 - All about the City
Who would like Bologna as a town?
Bologna is perfect for students that like lively, bustling cities. It has strong tourism, and an international pool of residents. The atmosphere can be similar to that of Rome or Milan, except everything is only 15 minutes by bicycle.
How is the transport?
Unlike a Rome or Milan, Bologna has no Metro. Bus, cycling or walking are the main choices of transport. Cycling is a very good option because the traffic around the inner city can be busy, and the buses run busy schedules. Travel can be made cheaper as the university provides travel discount cards.
What kind of student activities are available around Bologna?
Despite not having many nightlife amenities, Bologna definitely has the scene. Whilst lacking in this sense, Bologna does have all the facilities for a healthy social life. Restaurants, gymnasiums, all the usual candidates for a thriving daily to-do list. Furthermore the Bolognese geography near the mountains makes for some spectacular scenery.
How's the weather in Bologna?
The nature of Bologna’s geography means that whilst following the usual trends of Italian weather, warm Summers and cool Winters, it also has a little bit extra. Bologna sees a fair bit more rainfall than your average Italian university, being on average more temperate or humid due to it’s location.
What are the costs of living in Bologna?
Bologna is quite a busy city, with a moderate population. Finding properties can be rather difficult and moderately expensive; around 400 euros for a relatively small single room. Proximity to the hospital, where the majority of your time will be spent both in practical and study, is most advised; prices around the town don’t tend to vary too greatly so the location is always worth considering. Generally, living expenses in Bologna are a little more pricey than you’d hope, being more northern Italy and rather densely populated. However, living isn’t impossible to afford.
What advice should be known before choosing Bologna?
A busy and intense city, Bologna can knock you off your feet if you aren’t prepared to get stuck in and keep yourself focussed. The nature of Bologna living can easily cause you to lose focus on medicine if you don’t make sure you have things like housing and living sorted comfortably. The extreme geography of Bologna must be matched with an equally extreme persistence and focus.