A Day in Università Bocconi

By Txell Borràs, University of Bocconi, Milan, Italy

Università Bocconi, located in the heart of Milano, has built itself a renowned reputation around its rigorous academic programs, that has set them apart as one of the best economics universities around the world. But, how does it feel to actually spend a day as a Bocconi exchange student?

Morning: Rush Time

Even though Italy is known for their work-life balance and appreciation for free-time, Bocconi students seem to be built differently. You can imagine my surprise when on the first days of visiting the campus, at 8:00 AM in the morning I could see a bunch of Bocconi students jogging around the university’s main park. It was not until a couple days later that I was told that a typical day as a Bocconi student was to wake up really early, jog around Parco Ravizza, take a quick shower, and meet your friends for breakfast at any coffee place near university. You then, take a shot of espresso, eat a cornetto (Italian croissant) and rush to uni for the first lecture at 9:00 AM. When I say rush I mean RUN, because in a couple minutes as many people as you can imagine fill the streets and university halls.

Morning: Lectures

Classes typically begin at 9:00 AM. Whether it’s an economics lecture in the Velodromo building or a finance seminar in the modern Roentgen Building, the professors at Bocconi are leaders in their fields. The classrooms are equipped with similar technology as AMBS, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Students engage in lively discussions, case studies, and group projects, fostering a collaborative and quite dynamic learning environment, which I really enjoy.

Midday: Balancing Studies and Social Life

At around 12:00 PM there is the launch break. Us as exchange students have the opportunity to choose any course we would like, and, hence, we can kind of build our own schedule. Nevertheless, Bocconi students follow a very strict schedule and flood the small cafeteria known as “La Mensa”, which offers a variety of Italian dishes, from pasta to fresh salads. That would be a REAL Bocconi environment: tons of students eating in a rush in the smallest cafeteria, being as loud as you would imagine an Italian being. For those seeking a quicker and quieter bite, there are several food trucks and kiosks around campus offering sandwiches and snacks. This is a great time to catch up with friends and discuss morning lectures or plan for group assignments.

Afternoon: Socials and Networking

After the launch break, lectures continue until 5:00 PM, when students can enjoy their free time. Some students like to engage in some of the many student clubs and organisations that Bocconi offers, ranging from finance and consulting clubs to cultural and sports associations. Afternoon is the prime time for club meetings and workshops.

Moreover, a mid-afternoon coffee break is a MUST. The bustling Via Sarfatti (main street running through campus) is lined with cafés and gelaterias. This is the perfect time to socialize, and recharge your batteries before evening activities. A scoop of gelato from Grom or an espresso macchiato at Dahlia is a popular choice among students.

Contrarily, if during exam period, you will find this buzzing atmosphere quite subdued, as the majority of students spend their day studying. The Bocconi Library is a haven for students seeking for a quiet place, however, if you want to get a sit you will have to fight for them and queue outside first thing in the morning; it kind of feels like the hunger games. In this conditions I see my tiny desk in my room better and bigger than ever!

Bocconi Students Also Have Fun

Firstly, us as exchange students we get to experience the good side of Università Bocconi, without suffering the pressure and strictness that actually comes with it.

However, not all is suffering and pain! Università Bocconi does offer some amazingly fun activities, such as visits to museums, plays, fashion shows or really important guest lectures. My favorite event and probably every Bocconi student’s one is the B-LAB event at Parco Ravizza that takes place every semester. The park floods with live music, food, and games hosted by the university’s societies. It is the perfect plan for a sunny afternoon with your friends!