Living in a shared flat is the most option chosen by young people in Palermo, as it allows you to share the experience with other international students and makes it more fun. Also, if one of your roommates is Sicilian, you will surely be able to immerse yourself in the culture of the island even more because they are very open and friendly people.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Palermo
These are the pros and cons of living in shared flats in the Italian city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Palermo
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The cost of renting shared flats in the capital of Sicily is quite cheap, so you will be able to have a large part of your budget to carry out other activities that enrich the exchange, such as touring the island or travelling to other nearby cities such as Naples.
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In Palermo, there is the possibility of choosing between single and shared rooms.
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There are shared apartments in different parts of the city. For example, if you want to live in the historic centre and close to the universities, you can consider Borgo Vecchio. On the other hand, if you have no problem living a little further from the centre and paying less for rent, Oreto-Stazione is a good option.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Palermo
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The city itself is chaotic and there is usually a lot of movement in the streets, including various events and parties. If you are a quiet person, maybe arriving at a shared apartment can be overwhelming, since the only space you will have for yourself is your room.
Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Palermo
There are several apps for Erasmus+ that help make the planning and experience of the exchange easier. In them, there is information of all kinds, about the procedures, the university and life in the city. For example, one of the tips that students from previous years usually give is that you take advantage of the weekly markets to buy fruit, vegetables and fresh meat. The quality is better than in supermarkets and the prices are usually lower.
How to meet people in Palermo
We recommend that you befriend your roommates, who will surely become some of the closest people to you in the exchange. You can also meet people in the following ways:
Student associations in Palermo
The Erasmus Student Network has one of its associations in the city of Palermo. At ESN Palermo you will not only be able to meet other international students, but also enjoy a large number of activities and events. In this association, they also provide help when students arrive in the city, so you can take the opportunity to solve your doubts with its members.
Facebook groups for Erasmus in Palermo
There are several Facebook groups that you can join. Some are organized according to the academic year, such as Erasmus Palermo 2022, and there are others from the student associations. For example, in the ESN Palermo, they post their activity calendar in which you will be able to meet people and also photos of previous events.
Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Palermo
In most cases, WhatsApp groups are created from Facebook groups so that communication is more fluid and direct between students. For example, on the social networks of ESN Palermo, you will find links to their WhatsApp group.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Palermo
Keep in mind these tips for living in shared flats in Palermo:
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In most cases, rental prices do not include service charges. You should ask the landlord for a monthly estimate of the amount, so you take it into account in your budget.
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Public transport in the city is not usually very punctual or abundant. Take a good look at the connection you will have with the centre and your university if you choose a flat that is further away.