Florent Chauvin from France

Florent is an engineer from Lyon, France. Descending from an all-engineers family. As many engineers, he is very practical, but he's got a romantic side as well. He has studied Italian since he was 11, with only one goal: to come and study in Milano. Politecnico, ça va sans dire!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MILANO?

I have always dreamt of "Politecnico di Milano", one of the best – if not the best - university in the world for engineering. Since I was successfully selected for a double degree program between the Polimi and my University in France, I can proudly say that  my expectations have been met so far.

 

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR COURSE AND UNIVERSITY?

My University in France has a double degree program with Polimi. As I told you, I am glad to study here. I can remember, back when I was a fifteen years old high school student, that our teachers were warmly praising Politecnico di Milano.

WHAT MAKES POLIMI SO SPECIAL TO YOUR EYES?

There is a great multicultural environment that makes me learn more about the others and myself.

I enjoy a lot the lessons taught in English.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST OF MILANO?

The spritz! It's a typical Italian drink from Veneto. I tried the ‘Negroni Sbagliato’ - more Milanese- but my favourite is Spritz. Generally speaking, I enjoy drinking well and at a low cost during aperitivo. Here in Milano, the food is good, many student events are organized, Bars and Night Clubs are awesome.

WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING COMING TO MILANO?

Milano is the place to be for study! I was very positively surprised by the quality of teaching in English. By the way, it is well connected and you can go wherever you want with low cost flights from Bergamo and Malpensa. There are no direct flights to Lyon but I hop on SNCF high speed trains from Garibaldi station when I miss home.

HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN FINDING ACCOMMODATION?

I found my accommodation through DoveVivo agency. It is a service that works well and it is flexible. It allows you to easily find accommodation and it doesn’t cost a lot more than do-it-yourself housing hunting. I'm living with 4 Italian roommates. Sharing home with Italians and getting social in Milano is an opportunity to switch from a "classroom" Italian to a more "mother tongue" language.

TELL US YOUR 3 MOST PREFERRED SPOTS IN MILANO WHERE TO...:

chill out with friends & have drinks / have a nice dinner: a path starting from Navigli with a good Aperitivo and then go through bars to end at the Alcatraz next to Maciachini metro stop.

feel active and immerse in nature: Parco Sempione (for nature) and the sports center of the university.

your secret favourite spot in Milano: "Isola" neighborhood where to bring my romantic dates at good restaurants!

HOW DO YOU GET AROUND?

I love move around Milano using my bike, I wish the Municipality goes on creating more and more bicycle paths. And with an ATM public transport pass you can go wherever you want, even late in the night - some Tramways and buses are working all night long.

DEFINE MILANO IN THREE WORDS

Friendly, Dynamic & Spritz!