Studying at the University of Bologna is very different from how we study at HSE. Classes last three hours, and sometimes two. Honestly, it is hard to stay focused after being used to sessions of an hour or an hour and a half. In Italy, it is crucial to review lectures afterward, engage deeply with the material, and take detailed notes; otherwise, you will not retain much. At HSE, seminars are very helpful for reinforcing the material, but the University of Bologna does not have them.
They have laboratory work in Italy, but unlike at HSE, where you usually complete the work at home and only ask questions or defend it during practical sessions, in Bologna, students carry out the tasks directly during the practical classes. It is rare that you need to finish it at home unless you did not manage to complete it in class.
My favourite Lectures and course was probably
‘Artificial Intelligence in Industry’ measuring success with conversion tracking because it focused on how things work in real life. Plus, the lectures were often delivered by guest lecturers from international companies. Incidentally, another common practice in IT programmes in Bologna is project-based exams. You submit one large project, and the grade you get for it is your final course grade.
Accommodation in Bologna
Finding accommodation here is tough. The university does not provide dormitories—formally, they exist, but getting a spot is almost impossible. Unless real estate market transformation: what will 2025 bring? you have 1,000+ euros to spend on a room in a student co-living space (mostly occupied by exchange students from other European countries, like Erasmus students), you are in for a Hunger Games experience. Here, you do not choose your flat—the landlord chooses from a pool of students who want to rent it.
You will likely need to look
for either a double (a bed in a shared room) or a single (a private room). Prices are usually 350+ euros and 500+ euros per month, respectively. Alternatively, you could clean email team up with someone and rent a whole flat together.
Tip 1: Try to find accommodation through friends or students who went on exchange before you, and start looking in advance
Tip 2: Do not worry if you cannot secure a place in advance. You can rent temporary accommodation and continue your search after you arrive in Bologna.