Aaron is a Student Ambassador from Australia, studying Communication Sciences
Published on 01 December 2025 | Oceania
Hello! My name is Aaron, I am a fourth-year student of the international degree program in Communication Sciences and I come from Sydney, Australia. I love writing and languages, so I decided to pursue communication sciences in hopes of breaking into the journalism world. I also enjoy studying the Italian language through the University’s linguistic centre (CLA) and love taking classes and immersing myself in the Italian language and culture. There were many reasons why I chose to attend an Italian university: I had studied the language for ten years in Australia and always enjoyed the culture that Italy and Bologna held. The University of Bologna was an easy choice because of its wide gamma of degree programmes with subjects that genuinely interested me. I really enjoy editorial work, and seeing a degree with classes taught by experienced professors from the literature and publishing world inspired me to apply. I prepared by consulting the University’s online resources and contacting the International Desk, which helped answer my questions about residency and recognition of foreign qualifications. As daunting as it seemed at first, the whole process became easy once I started.
There were multiple teaching activities that I really enjoyed, but if I had to choose one, I would say my Italian language class at the CLA (University Language Centre) was an amazing learning experience. Meeting people from around the world while bonding over the Italian language, with the help of a wonderful teacher, was unforgettable. Lucia (shoutout to my amazing teacher) was more of a guide than a teacher—helping us through difficult concepts while keeping lessons engaging. Studying at the University of Bologna, compared to institutes in Australia, feels like a breath of fresh air. Professors here are more involved, more attentive, and always available to talk after class. My first days in Bologna were scary—I felt isolated, overwhelmed by a new language and a new country. But within the first month, Bologna became home. Asking people questions was the biggest thing that helped me understand the city: “What’s the best app for buses?”, “Which bank would you recommend?”, and so on. People love helping, and it became a great way to meet others. I love studying in the garden of Palazzo Ercolani, and when I need silence, I go to Sala Borsa—even if I get distracted by how beautiful it is inside. I also received a lot of help from university services, especially the International Desk and the CLA, and speaking Italian daily—whether with classmates, professors, or roommates—really improved my skills. My current accommodation came through reaching out to real estate agencies until one replied with the perfect room. My advice: be persistent, be careful, and use SAIS, which lists verified student housing. Bologna is extremely liveable—I walk everywhere, and if I’m tired, the bus always comes within minutes. Once the sun sets, the “university city” atmosphere takes over: groups of students filling the streets, grabbing pizza or enjoying a drink after class, and countless events happening every night.
Living in Bologna has shaped me as a person. The city moves at a slower pace than Sydney, and adapting to this was one of my biggest challenges. Sydney is fast and chaotic, while Bologna is calm and relaxed. Being a naturally rushed person, Bologna taught me to slow down and take things one day at a time. In my free time, I love exploring the city with friends and discovering small towns in Emilia-Romagna. One of my favourite places so far is Imola, only a 20-minute train ride away. Studying and living abroad has also helped me connect with people from many different cultural backgrounds. I used to worry about talking to people from other countries, but once that initial fear disappears, you realise how much we all have in common—similar shows, similar music, similar interests. My time here has shown me that obstacles can always be overcome, even when it doesn’t feel like it. And above all, that a community can truly transform your life. I would definitely recommend the University of Bologna to other students because of the energy that the university and the city share. Being part of this community is a blessing, and it has changed my life. If a student is considering coming to Italy or Bologna to study, I would say: do it—you only live once!