My Exchange at The Bocconi University
I first learned about the 360 International exchange program during O-Week in my first year at the University of Auckland. From that moment, I knew I wanted to participate in the program during my fifth year, and I eagerly anticipated the opportunity.
When I finally arrived in Milan, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Having never been to Europe, this was the furthest I had ever travelled, and I didn’t know anyone in the country. The idea of being alone in a new city was intimidating, but Milan quickly won me over. The city itself is vibrant and full of life, and once university and orientation week events started, it became much easier to make friends and settle in.
I was fortunate to secure student housing at Bocconi University, which is a competitive process. The application process is intense, with spots filling up within 10 minutes of opening at 3 am NZT! I managed to secure a single room with a private bathroom and shared a kitchen with ten others. My accommodation was just a five-minute walk from the campus, making it incredibly convenient. Having never stayed in university housing before, I found it exciting to live in the same building as many of my friends, which added to the overall experience.
Bocconi University organized a multitude of orientation events, which were invaluable in helping me settle in. The university held speed-friending events during the day, which, although a bit overwhelming, were great opportunities to meet other international students. Most of us were in the same boat—new to the city and eager to make friends. Evening events, like karaoke nights organized by student groups, were also fantastic for socializing and meeting new people. One piece of advice I received before leaving was to attend as many orientation events as possible, as these would be the best opportunities to make friends, more than in classes.
Academically, I found the courses at Bocconi University to be well-taught, with passionate and knowledgeable lecturers. A significant difference between the University of Auckland and Bocconi is the assessment structure. At Bocconi, there are typically no assignments for most courses. Instead, students have the option to choose between two 50% exams or a single 100% exam at the end of the course. This was a new experience for me and required some adjustment.
Living in Milan was a unique experience. The city itself is much like other major cities where people actually live, but Italy as a whole is quite different from New Zealand. The rich history and incredible food were the highlights for me. Milan’s location is ideal, with easy access to many major tourist destinations via short flights or train rides. Traveling within Europe is also much cheaper compared to New Zealand. I once found a flight from Milan to Vienna for just 15 euros!
When comparing the cost of living between Milan and Auckland, I found it to be about the same. While student housing and public transport in Milan were slightly more expensive, food was generally cheaper. Speaking of food, Italy did not disappoint. The cuisine was amazing, and I still miss my gelato runs!
The highlight of my exchange experience was undoubtedly the people I met. Before leaving, I didn’t expect to make many close friends in just five months, but I ended up forming some of my closest friendships during that time. Our friend group, which spans five continents, continues to stay in touch regularly. It’s fascinating to learn about the similarities and differences between our home countries.
For students considering the exchange program, my biggest piece of advice is to take every opportunity that comes your way—whether it’s travelling, hanging out with friends, or trying new experiences. I was initially nervous about the prospect of 100% exams and spent a lot of time studying, but in hindsight, I wish I had taken more time to travel with friends.
Overall, I had the best time on exchange! These are memories and friendships I will remember for the rest of my life.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
I really enjoyed the Risk Management and derivatives course as the lecture was so passionate and enthusiastic that it made the learning more fun for everyone in class.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
There is a group called Erasmus Student Network that plans events and activities for exchange students. I highly recommend that! Travelling with them is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Go to all the orientation week events!
- Take every opportunity that comes your way! Once you’re back you’ll never think that you wished you studied more.
- Get your accommodation sorted early.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
The main thing I forgot to account for was a $1.5k deposit for my accommodation, which I didn’t get back till 2 months after I had left. I budgeted $26,000 for my trip over all, including the deposit, but I spent closer to $23,000.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Moving to a new country, especially one where I didn’t know anyone, was initially daunting. However, it pushed me to adapt, be more open, and actively seek out new experiences and friendships. This helped me grow more confident and independent.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
In my time in Europe, I made it to France, England, Germany, Netherlands (twice), Italy, Vatican City, Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Greece and Belgium. My favourite small city I visited was Menton, a city on the Southern Coast of France that makes massive sculptures of lemons!