Pulkit from New Delhi, India, studies at the MA in International Management
Unibo’s main selling points? Academic reputation and high-quality teaching
My name is Pulkit Mathur and I come from New Delhi, India. I am studying at the MA in International Management (Clamda IM) and I am currently in my 2nd year, so this experience is close to the end for me, and it seems a good time for doing checks and balances.
There are many factors that led me to choose the University of Bologna. First of all, the Degree Programme I am in: it has a structure that makes a lot of sense and is comprehensible and clear, moreover, its curriculum seemed great and well balanced. Secondly, the Unibo’s academic and international reputation: coming to Europe from India is a big change, therefore I had to make sure to select one of the best universities in the West, and I think the University of Bologna represents a good balance between high-quality teaching and affordability. Third, I have always dreamed about coming to Italy to see what like living here is like. Indeed, Italy is such a unique country, a lot of students that I know recommended coming here so strongly and talked to me about the beauty of its culture and the softness of its language that had to try it myself!
Research, research, research!
Before enrolling at the University of Bologna, I did as much research as possible about international degree programmes in Europe and Italy in particular. I carried out my research relying on international ranking agencies, like QS and Times Higher Education. I browsed the subjects I was interested in and found out that the University of Bologna scored very high in those rankings, being in the top 200 universities worldwide and one of the best in Europe and in Italy.
A further step into my preparation before enrolling and coming to Italy was to draft my CV and edit it nicely, ask my former professors and employers for some letters of reference as well as get my transcripts of records ready. Of course, I also had to get in touch with the embassy/consulate well ahead of time for arranging the translations of all the relevant documents, as well as getting a visa agent, a notary public advocate and so on. This takes time, especially if you are a non-EU student, so my advice is to be patient and confident that eventually, the whole process will have a positive outcome.
An open multicampus – what a beautiful experience!
In what I am studying, I find a perfect blend of theory and practice-based teaching. I really liked Customer Value Management, International Economics, Business Intelligence and International Marketing. The professors really made the subject interesting with their way of teaching and expertise. Class interactions (online and in presence) were both very well organised and group works are really engaging.
As I was used to Indian universities and colleges with their closed-off campuses, coming to the University of Bologna with its open multicampus structure represented quite a change for me. The University spreads across the city, so between different university buildings, you have cafes, shops and even people’s houses! I guess you can say that the whole city is built around and between the University: a completely different and amazing experience.
Meet your life-coach (or spouse): Unibo’s International Desk
I am lucky enough to be the recipient of an ER.GO scholarship, which covers my fees as well as some living expenses, this really gives me peace of mind and it means that I can focus on studying only.
The University of Bologna offers a range of services and opportunities to its students, I particularly like the lecture halls as they are very well equipped for the students’ comfort and maximize our learning experience; moreover, professors are usually very keen on allowing for short breaks in case of very long sessions. Libraries and study rooms are very quiet and spread across the city centre, this means that, if you live in Bologna, you’ll always find a nice calm place to study near you.
The International Desk will become your spouse! You will need them every step of the way and they’ll be glad to be of help whatever issues you may have, just send an email to them and they will assist you like a life-coach!
Bologna, a good-hearted city
Bologna has a very welcoming culture. I have been here for more than one year now and did not face the slightest hint of racism!
Here in Bologna, public transport usually gets me wherever I need to go, and I bought an annual bus pass that is very convenient. Using public transport is surely an option, but I prefer walking: Bologna is a medium-size city and, if you live within its urban area, everything is within reach with a 30 minutes' walk – just remember to take an umbrella with you, Bologna may surprise you with some unexpected showers.
What I particularly like about this city is its international atmosphere that melts so perfectly into its great cultural-historic roots. It’s a sophisticated city that and, at the same time, a place where you can enjoy simple things, especially food and, of course, “aperitivo”! I was pretty surprised to find such a multi-ethnic milieu here in Bologna and enjoy such a variety of food choice, from pizza to felafel and having artisanal ice-cream for dessert. But there’s more than a rich food culture here, Bologna’s nightlife is the best and there are many museums and green areas to enjoy.
In Italy, communication can sometimes get tricky for non-Italian speakers. I have personally noticed that most young people in Bologna can understand and communicate well in English. However, learning Italian is important if you want to live this experience to the fullest. Besides, speaking Italian allows you to be more independent in your daily chores. I speak Italian with my friends and flatmates, but I also attended Italian A2 at the University’s Language Centre - this helped a lot.
Living the student life in Bologna
Before coming here, I friended some people through social media, and this helped me get familiar with this city and the Italian culture. As a result, it did not take me very long to blend in and enjoy the atmosphere of Bologna. Moreover, I think that having some contacts from your own country is very helpful as you can get first-hand information about local administrative procedures.
Finding accommodation in Bologna it’s hard but possible. There are essentially two ways of doing that: online agencies and word of mouth (i.e., personal recommendations and contacts).
During my 1st year, I lived in a room that the SAIS agency found for me, now, however, I am staying in a room that I rent from a private owner. I have had flatmates in both accommodations and I truly think that’s the best thing: you get to know people from all around the world. Everyone has different personalities, behaviour and eating habits. This gives you a brilliant and wholesome international experience!
Quick tips
If I were asked whether I would recommend the University of Bologna to other students, I would say: totally. This is one of the most ancient universities of the world with futuristic and innovative visions about everything - this is something very rare and valuable. This University provides real-life knowledge of current industrial & market trend in every field of study and, at the same time, keeping its tradition and history alive.
Here are some tips for prospective students:
