Most teaching still takes place in large lecture halls but this will depend very much on the single course of study. Students are also expected to carry out a considerable amount of self-study outside the classroom in order to prepare for exams. Most commonly there are two teaching methods: formal lectures where students listen to Professors speech while taking notes; seminar lectures where students are able to discuss and further analyze some specific subjects with some assistants. Some classes also provide competitive seminars.

Exams are held after the teaching period and are mainly oral exams although some courses will have written tests taking place during the semester or before the oral exam. Each exam will have a number of dates offered during the exam period and students can choose which date they wish to take the exam. They are also entitled to turn down a mark and take the exam again if they are not satisfied with the result. Rules apply as to how often a student can take an exam within an examination period. Credits are earned once the student has passed the assessment for each course or activity.

Italy has played an important role in European higher education: it is one of the four countries that first engaged to create “European Area of Higher Education”, thus starting that type of higher education reform which, known as “Bologna Process” is being implemented all over Europe.
Today Italy ranks among the 8 most industrialized countries in the world. Alongside some big companies, both state-owned and private, it has developed a sound network of small and medium-sized undertakings, promoted a few scientific parks, and isincentivating basic and applied research in a great variety of fields.
Italy is situated on the West Southern border of Europe; the peninsula, along with its surrounding islands, stretches out southwards almost to the coasts of North Africa, while eastwards it faces the Slav-Balkan territories.

Indian students are required to obtain a study visa prior to entering Italy. Visa applications should be sent to students’ nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate. Always start these procedures well in advance of the intended date of entry. Visa procedures are subject to change, so it is worthwhile to contact the Italian Embassy for information to confirm current visa requirements. Indian students may work while they study in Italy if they obtain a work permit, which is quite difficult, so it is not recommended to rely on getting a job upon arrival to Italy.In addition to having a valid ID or passport (with visa if required) upon entering Italy, students should also carry the following documents with them:
1. Letter of acceptance from the university
2. Proof of adequate financial means of support, including the amount necessary to travel back to their home country or have already purchased a valid return-ticket.
3. Health documents.

How much you spend on accommodation in Italy as an undergraduate depends on where you study and the type of accommodation you want. The two most popular types of housing for international students are:
1. University accommodation – such as halls of residence
2. Private accommodation – such as house and flat rentals
Many international students will opt to live in private accommodation on arriving in Italy, although halls of residence are good for meeting fellow students and settling into university life more easily.
Living costs/rent: Italy is one of the more expensive European countries in which to be an international student, so you should expect your rent, food and partying to cost more than most places. The north of the country is generally more expensive than the south, while cities will eat up your cash quicker than towns or villages.
• Big Mac meal at McDonald’s: £5.50
• Pint of domestic beer: £3.20
• One litre of unleaded fuel: £1.50
• One litre of milk: £1.10-£1.20
• Coffee in a café: £0.80
• Monthly internet subscription: £20
• Pack of 20 cigarettes: £4
• Cinema ticket: £6

Many students’ biggest concerns when considering whether or not to study abroad is the same: How will I pay for this? While this is a very real and legitimate apprehension, with a little research, many students are able to obtain the funding they need in order to study abroad.
There are hosts of scholarships and grants available for studying abroad:
• Big Mac meal at McDonald’s: £5.50
• Pint of domestic beer: £3.20
• One litre of unleaded fuel: £1.50
• One litre of milk: £1.10-£1.20
• Coffee in a café: £0.80
• Monthly internet subscription: £20
• Pack of 20 cigarettes: £4
• Cinema ticket: £6

Find out about the various illnesses that might be more common in Italy or the regions and countries to which you will be traveling. Get the appropriate shots and pills, and take the appropriate medications with you if your doctor thinks it’s necessary. Find out about any potential side–effects of shots and pills that you may take. Get a complete physical, eye exam and dental check–up before going to in Italy. While health care is generally good in Italy, the quality of dental and medical care might be different in the various countries or regions you may visit. Also, they could possibly be more expensive than similar care in India.
In common with much of Europe, urban crime is a fact of life in Italy and the latest government statistics do show that there has been an increase in the number of crimes reported to police over the past year, particularly bag-snatching and burglary. Don’t carry too many valuables around with you and use common sense in large cities to avoid petty crimes.