Malak Sherif ElWageeh is a Student Ambassador from Cairo, Egypt, studying Economics, Politics, and Social Sciences in her third year at the University of Bologna.
Published on 08 May 2025 | Africa
My name is Malak Sherif ElWageeh, and I am a third-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Economics, Politics, and Social Sciences (EPOS). I am originally from Cairo, Egypt, but I have lived almost my whole life in Manama, Bahrain, which I consider my second home.
I always knew that I wanted to study abroad because I did not want to limit my scope. I wanted to explore new places and broaden my perspective. While researching my options, Italy stood out to me the most. Visiting Italy had always been a dream, especially after hearing stories from friends and family who had traveled there. Many of them described Italy as feeling just like home, and in Egypt, there is even a saying that Italians are the "Arabs of Europe" because of how much we have in common.
When I discovered that some universities in Italy offered courses in English, I thought, "Why not give it a shot?" Among all the options, the University of Bologna stood out to me the most, not only as a prestigious institution but also as the world’s oldest university. I had always wanted to study at a university that preserved its historical architecture rather than one with a purely modern design. When I saw photos of UniBo’s stunning buildings and the intricate artwork on the ceilings of some classrooms, I immediately fell in love. But it was not just the beauty of the university that drew me in. Its strong academic reputation, high rankings in Europe, and vibrant international student community all convinced me that it was the right choice.
With that in mind, I started researching all the English-taught programs at UniBo. As someone passionate about politics, I was particularly drawn to the EPOS program. I attended all the virtual information sessions the university offered, covering topics like the program structure, tuition fees, scholarships, and even practical guidance on living in Bologna, obtaining a residence permit, and more. These sessions were incredibly helpful as they allowed me to ask all the questions I had. When I finally received my acceptance at the end of May 2022, I was overjoyed. It felt surreal that my dream of going to Italy was actually coming true, not just for a short visit, but to live and study there for three years.
I would say that settling in Bologna was quite challenging at first. Before arriving, I had already booked accommodation online through a website. However, to my surprise, when I got to Bologna, I discovered that it was a scam. For a few days, my mom and I searched for a new place to stay, but since I was still 17 and a minor, I was unable to sign a rental contract. Fortunately, I reached out to the student accommodation and information service that helps international students find housing. They assisted me in securing temporary accommodation until I turned 18 and later helped me find a permanent place, which I have now been living in for almost two and a half years.
After settling into my accommodation, everything started to fall into place. I made both international and Italian friends, many of whom I know will be lifelong friends, and I felt incredibly welcomed. To integrate more into the culture, I also enrolled in an Italian language course, which helped me navigate daily life and connect better with locals. As I explored the university’s services, I discovered one of my favorite places to study—the University Library of Bologna. During breaks between classes, I would often have lunch with my friends in Piazza Scaravilli before heading to the library to study. Whenever my friends and I needed a break from studying, we would go for a coffee and a sweet treat at one of the many cafés and bars around the university departments as a way to unwind and recharge.
Traveling around Italy has been another incredible part of my experience. Since Bologna Centrale is a major railway hub connecting northern, central, and southern Italy, getting around was very easy. I had the chance to visit many places, and one of my most memorable experiences was staying at my friend’s place in Levanto, where I explored the Ligurian coast from the perspective of a local. Beyond academics, I wanted to engage with student life, meet new people, and contribute to student activities. I joined the UniBo FinTech Society, a student-run association that explores the impact of technology on financial services. I started as a finance and legal associate in March 2023, and in September 2024, I became the president of the society, leading initiatives, organizing events, and collaborating with professionals in the field. Additionally, I joined the Student Ambassadors Programme, as I wanted to help new students settle into the university and participate in the diverse activities it offers, including the Alma Mater Fest.
I highly recommend anyone considering studying at UniBo to go ahead and apply. The process may seem challenging at first, especially for non-EU students who have to navigate bureaucracy, visas, and other administrative hurdles. However, in the end, you will realize that it is truly worth it. So, do not give up or get discouraged.
Studying at UniBo is not just about receiving an excellent education. It is also about immersing yourself in a new culture, gaining independence, and discovering more about yourself. It is a challenge, but one that will shape you in ways you never expected. You just need to be committed and embrace the experience.
I hope my journey encourages you to take this step. I still remember seeing a rainbow during my first days in Bologna. Somehow, it reassured me that everything would be okay, and it truly was. :)