A Week in the Life: Milan Edition

By Anna Calder

Sunday to Sunday

For the first half of my year abroad, I decided to go to Milan to study at the Università degli Studi. If you ask any Italian, they’ll tell you that it’s the most ‘ugly’ city in Italy, and here’s where I’d have to disagree. Scrolling through pictures of a typical week of my milanese life, I hope these pictures will serve as evidence to prove otherwise.

Milan’s famous Duomo, built in 1386. Credit: Anna Calder

Milan’s famous Duomo, built in 1386. Credit: Anna Calder

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Having an espresso on my window ledge overlooking the Naviglio Pavese.

Credit: Anna Calder

Milan is perfectly placed to be able to visit the Italian northern lakes. This weekend I visited Lake Garda for the first time, specifically the idyllic town of Desenzano. I sat on the pebbled beach, reading a book whilst listening to the waves lap up onto the shore. 

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A picturesque view of Desenzano’s harbour.

Credit: Anna Calder

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Looking out over Lake Garda.

Credit: Anna Calder

Back to reality, I find myself babysitting and teaching English on a Wednesday evening. It’s not all bad though, given the amazing view from the apartment of the canals in Navigli. Living near the Navigli is definitely a perk seeing as you can get a mighty fine aperitivo and enjoy the sumptuous sunsets.

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Looking out over the Naviglio Grande, watching boats row by.

Credit: Anna Calder

The main quad of the campus at university. Credit: Anna Calder

The main quad of the campus at university. Credit: Anna Calder

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One of the many lecture halls at Università degli Studi di Milano.

Credit: Anna Calder

Having managed to get through my 8:30am Thursday lecture on Italian Literature (no one told me I’d have to do that on my year abroad), I treat myself to my favourite Italian breakfast at the cafe on university campus: a pistachio croissant with an espresso. The Italian lecture halls make the Raised Faculty Building seem even more brutalist and ugly - who knew that was possible.

Sitting in ‘C’era una volta’, my favourite café next to the university. Credit: Anna Calder

Sitting in ‘C’era una volta’, my favourite café next to the university. Credit: Anna Calder

After my lecture and breakfast I met up with some friends and ambled over to Milan’s famous Parco Sempione whilst the sun was shining. The park is behind Milan’s Castello Sforzesco, the former home to the iconic Sforza family.

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Soaking up the sun in Parco Sempione.

Credit: Anna Calder

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Chatting away sat on the fountain in front of the Castello Sforzesco.

Credit: Anna Calder

When I caught the train to Lake Garda last Sunday I was fined for not having validated my ticket (ricorda di convalidare bimbi!)... but on the plus side this meant I still had a ticket going spare, so obviously made my way back there to enjoy the lakes again. This time I managed a swim - and was looked at very strangely by the locals!

Boats moored in Desenzano marina. Credit: Anna Calder

Boats moored in Desenzano marina. Credit: Anna Calder

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Erasmus friends and I back in Desenzano.

Credit: Anna Calder

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Floating about in Lake Garda, receiving many weird glances from the locals.

Credit: Anna Calder

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Heading back to Milan from Desenzano train station.

Credit: Anna Calder

December Christmas lights and a spectacular sunset over the Naviglio Grande. Credit: Anna Calder

December Christmas lights and a spectacular sunset over the Naviglio Grande. Credit: Anna Calder

Whilst reminiscing on my time in Milan and looking back at when I was free to roam around northern Italy, it’s easy to feel as though I’m currently trapped at home away from friends. However, I prefer to see this period of my life as something to look forward to in the future. There will be more adventures, more food, more friends and more happiness.

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