Why You Should Consider Studying in Pisa

Guest post: Gracy Rigano

Pisa is most famous for the leaning tower that rises in the beautiful Piazza del Miracoli (‘Miracles Square’), and for the great scientist Galileo Galilei – who reputedly conducted one of his most famous scientific experiments from the top of that tower. It’s a popular tourist destination, but also a great place to be a student.

So, why should you choose a to study in Pisa? There are lots of reasons, but here are five to get you started:

1. Excellent universities

The Pisa University System (which is made up of the Università di Pisa, Scuola Normale Superiore and Sant’Anna School, is recognized as one of Europe’s leading education hubs.

2. Density of students

Pisa may not be a huge metropolis, but it does have a lot of students – more than 50,000 at the University of Pisa alone. So as you’re travelling around, you won’t be able to avoid bumping into people you know – it’s pretty much impossible not to make lots of close friends.

3. Stress-free travel

Rather than cramming yourself onto overcrowded public transport, or running to get to lectures on time, imagine a city where you can simply walk or cycle to your destination – enjoying historic narrow streets and views of the River Arno along the way.

4. Relaxed and friendly lifestyle

The majority of the student population in Pisa loves nothing meet than taking a seat at a table in Vettovaglie Square, sipping a cool drink and unwinding with some light conversation at the end of a day of lessons. In fact, passing the time meeting up in squares and enjoying the atmosphere is really the best way to enjoy Pisa. The most beautiful square, in my opinion, is Cavalieri, where the Scuola Normale Superiore is located, and where you’ll often come across a musician playing.

5. Nightlife

While you shouldn’t expect any huge clubs, there are plenty of smaller venues, and on weekend evenings you’ll find lots of people gathered around the historic centre of the town, around the lively Corso Italia high street. And of course, with so many students around, there’s always a party to go to!

Gracy is a business economics student based at the University of Pisa, but currently visiting QS in the UK as an Erasmus intern.

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