Bologna is perhaps one of the most university-centered cities in Italy, and maybe even Europe, making it an excellent location for those looking to truly live the life of an Italian university student. Each year, about 100,000 students overtake Bologna’s winding, cobblestoned streets, and the pulse of the city matches that of its young citizens.

Bologna itself holds most of its charm in its expansive historic center, which is still marked by original medieval walls and infamous porticoes. These covered walkways are the longest stretch of continuous porticoes in the world (over 30 miles long); aside from the constant coverage from rain, it is under these porticoes that you will find most of Bologna’s young population thrives. Those who study abroad in Bologna will find that the porticoes are a great place to meetup with friends, compare notes, or peruse the tables of antique street vendors.

The city of Bologna also happens to be the food capital of Italy, famous for its tagliatelle al ragu (a slow-cooked Bolognese sauce), cheese, and hand-folded pasta, but also for its obsession with social gatherings. Students often meet for aperitivi: a happy hour that begins just before dinner, with a few drinks and small appetizers. On a budget? Bologna caters to the struggling student in its Osteria’s, where students purchase bottles of wine from the Osteria, but bring their own food to be shared along communal tables where you may have to shout to be heard over the cheerful voices and live music.

Although Bologna has many historical sights, numerous museums, and famous Catholic churches that students may explore, it is also centrally located in Italy, making it easy to travel to rest of the country by train or to other parts of Europe; Bologna also has its own international airport.