“The University of Bologna is well organised and equipped for an international studentship”

Studying abroad – a dream come true 

I have always wished to further my higher education out of my home country - this has always been a dream of mine. When doing my research, I found out that Cameroon has a partnership with the Italian government offering the possibility to come to Italy and study here. Having this marvellous opportunity, I undertook all the necessary procedures and presented the documents at the Italian embassy in my country and I arrived in Italy in 2015 and started my first degree in Sciences of Communication at the University of Siena. After obtaining my degree, I decided to choose the University of Bologna because it has so many interesting international master’s degrees programmes taught in English. The enrolment procedure was very well organised and quick. The access requirements for the MA in Digital Humanities and Digital Knowledge are based on the assessment of the student’s academic curriculum and an interview.

A welcoming attitude  

The University of Bologna is well organised and equipped for post-secondary education. I am very happy with my degree programme since it has taught me many things and I can see how valuable this curriculum is on the job market.  

I loved all the computer science courses like Programming, Web Development, Usability and user experience and all the courses on cultural knowledge preservation. Most of the professors in my program were all very caring and professional. They were always available for one-to-one office hours to provide extra information or explanations. Compared to my previous University, I would say the University of Bologna is better organised and offers students the best facilities. 

I come from a small town and Bologna’s modern, yet traditional outlook made a strong impression on me when I first arrived here. A mental picture of those first days surely would represent people everywhere.  

Discovering the city is easy since there are many street signs and I always found welcoming people to direct me in case of need. I found the same helpful attitude at the university where there are many offices always ready to assist students.

Funding my studies and keeping up the good work 

I received a full study grant from ER.GO, that included accommodation, and this was a lifesaver for me. But the University also offers a wide variety of services, for example, I often go to Unibo study rooms and libraries using their book borrowing services and the AlmaWifi internet connection. The international desk and CLA (University Language Center) are also worth mentioning. I speak Italian fluently because I studied it in my home country and perfectioned it while doing my first degree which was in Italian. Speaking Italian has helped me socialize and mingle a lot with other students, friends and classmates. 

Once again, these are the main reasons why I say that the University of Bologna is good: all these services are free and very helpful.

Good vibes and affordable public transport 

I live in an ER.GO student residence in an apartment as part of my study grant. Life in my apartment is nice, we are all girls and we always try to compromise and respect each other - we all come from different cultural backgrounds and this is nice too. 

My residence is out of the city centre, so I get to classes on public transport. Thanks to an agreement between the University and the regional transport agency, students can buy annual subscriptions for a reduced price.  

Getting around in Bologna is very easy and comfortable as it is mostly flat. There are many transport facilities like bikes, and you have many bus lines for the same area at very frequent hours on weekdays.  

What I mostly like about Bologna is that it is modern yet traditional. In a way, it magnifies and, at the same time, takes to another level the traditional idea of "town", which I see as Italy’s trademark. 

During my free time, I do some sightseeing of the city with friends, go to restaurants and go out at night with friends – before the pandemic, of course, when all these activities were possible.  

Quick Tips 

I would definitely recommend the University of Bologna: it is well organised, equipped for an international studentship, it has many degree programmes, its professors are knowledgeable and always available for discussing with you, and there are grants to study here and in Europe. 

If you wish to come to Italy or Bologna for studying, I can guarantee you will not regret your decision. 

I’ve only two tips that I think are worth giving: always visit Unibo’s and ER.GO websites to be on top of things so that you don’t miss out on valuable opportunities; ask the international desk for help if you need further information on anything.