Study at Politecnico di Torino

The education system in Italy is highly ranked in comparison with other European nations. Study is basic right which is provided to every citizen and the costs are minimal. State grants the aid to make education cheap. As compare to last decade, Italian universities are attracting many international students and this number is increasing year by year. However costs are still much for a student from third world country who is studying here without any scholarship or mean of support.

My main topic here is to describe the studies in Politecnico di Torino, as I'm studying here too. So you may be find it boring, but for the students who are planning to pursue studies in Politecnico di Torino, this post could be helpful.

Politecnico di Torino is an engineering and research institute. Politecnico di Torino entertains international students in all three levels of study; Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral programs. There are also few specializing master courses of one year; 1st level and 2nd level of specializing masters. Politecnico di Torino have 5 campuses in Turin city, one in Alessandria, one in Mandovi, one in Biella and one in Verres. You can find out the the details of these campuses on the university website, which courses are offered, are these research centers only or courses are offered too.

Politecnico di Torino is one of the big universities in Italy, according to number of students enrolled. There are more than 30,000 students, and around 15% international students. International students are enrolled in every level. Large sum of students come from China and Pakistan.

Starting your first year at Polito within deadline is very important. You can't miss your classes. Education here at bachelors level is all theory, very few practical lessons. Like in Pakistan large portion of lessons are done in labs and workshops which give you practical experience. On the other hand if you are coming after last week of September, it will be impossible for you to apply for regional scholarship. So starting your first year of education at the right time is quite important.

First year lessons are done in big halls, where all the engineering students attends their classes. As first year of education for all the disciplines is same. Which gives you adequate knowledge to pursue any stream. So if you change your mind after a year to change your faculty or discipline, you can take any other major you like.

Regarding the exams you have 4 attempts to pass the single exam, 2 attempts are given in the *running semester, 1 in the *not-running semester and finally one in the fall term which lasts for fifteen days in the first half of September. You can attempt all or attempt just one to pass the exam.

All the students have university portals which have all your teaching material and a bridge between you and your teacher. You can use personal student email. WiFi coverage is provided in every corner of university premises. You can stay connected all the time to your studies.

To be continued....
 
*Running semester = The semester in which lessons of the concerning course are delivered
*Not-Running semester = The semester in which lessons of the concerning course are not delivered

Exam and Fun

I came across this picture when my brother send me this early in the morning. I was sleeping and didn't notice it. When I read it later, I found it very interesting and funny.

Exams are stressful, all of you will agree. You study a lot for months, and in just few hours you have sum up your knowledge for

evaluation. A few comments like these release your stress and cheer you up.

I really appreciate the efforts of the professor who prepared this. It make you laugh and realize the importance of exam. You should be prepared for it. Meanwhile it also appreciates your effort to make you less nervous and stressed. 

One in all these few lines sketch the scenario of exam hall, what happens there. How the students get nervous.

I hope you like it and will leave your comments.

Living in Turin

Turin was the first capital of Italy when Italy unified in year 1861.Turin is quite famous with attribution of Shroud of Turin. The city has a rich culture and history, and is known for its numerous art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, opera houses, squares, parks, gardens, theaters, libraries, museums and other venues.

Turin is one of most beautiful cities in my view. It's a business and cultural center in front of Susa valley and surrounded by Alpine arch.  Also capital city of region Piedmont.

Most of the city's historic structure was built in 16th to 18th century, like squares, gardens and castles. Turin is sometimes called "the cradle of Italian liberty", for having been the birthplace and home of notable politicians and people who contributed to the "Risorgimento", such as Cavour. The city used to be a major European political center, being Italy's first capital city in 1861 and being home to the House of Savoy, Italy's royal family.

The city currently hosts some of Italy's best universities, colleges, academies, lycea and gymnasia, such as the six-century-old University of Turin and the Turin Polytechnic. Also prestigious and important museums, such as the Museo Egizio and the Mole Antonelliana are also found in the city. Turin's several monuments and sights make it one of the world's top 200 tourist destinations, and the tenth most visited city in Italy in 2008.

It is often referred to as the Capital of the Alps. Also the home of the Shroud of Turin, the football teams Juventus F.C. and Torino F.C., the headquarters of automobile manufacturers FIAT, Lancia and Alfa Romeo, Iveco and as host of the 2006 Winter Olympics and, in the same year, the 37th Chess Olympiad. Several International Space Station modules, such as Harmony and Columbus, were also manufactured in Turin.

Turin is calm city, on one hand you'll see cheerful night life but you'll also see mildness. Turin provides a good atmosphere for studies. You can live and study easily. Living costs are low outside city center. Apartments are available for rent. You can search them in your university advertising board or search on internet.

There are many study rooms, where you can study after your university lessons. There are also public libraries.

Food expenses are low, you can have a good meal from 5 - 10 euro in restaurants. There are restaurants where you can buy food with discounts. These restaurants are run by regional body EDISU in Piedmont.

Living in Turin could be adventurous if you are fond of cycling or trekking. You can go to near by cities for a weekend. You can do camping, do cycling or trekking. Turin is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

In Turin rains a lot and you'll never know when it's going to rain so always take umbrella with you. Banks you find everywhere so don't bother to keep cash. Cards are expected everywhere more than 85% of stores and restaurants. There are also some few supermarkets which are open 24h. Transport in Turin is very smooth, available from 4 am till 1 am mostly. There is also a metro line underground and the other line is under construction.

Overall Turin is a good city to live in and study.