ELAN: University of Siena

The University of Siena is a destination within the European Liberal Arts Network (ELAN) for University College Utrecht students, located in Siena, Italy. UCU students are welcome to choose courses from the following departments:

  • Department of History and cultural heritage:
  • Department of Philology and literary criticism:
  • Department of Social, political and cognitive sciences:
  • Department of Education, human sciences and intercultural communication.
Semesters available

We recommend going in the Spring semester, because the academic calendar matches UCU’s semester dates better in Spring.

Webpages
Number of places available

2 students per semester

Academic calendar

Fall semester: End of September – End of February
Spring semester: Early March – End of July

Language of instruction

This destination has a language of instruction other than English. This means that you need to have at least a language proficiency level of CEFR B2 Italian. You need to complete Italian Language and Culture II (UCHUMITA21) or get an exemption from the UCU Language & Culture coordinator, and it is your own responsibility to achieve at least B2 Italian. This language requirement is partly for your own protection, so you can take courses at the same level as you do at UCU, and partly because we believe it allows you to have an experience abroad that is more immersive, enriching and culturally valuable to you.

At the University of Siena, courses are taught primarily taught in Italianm but there are also English courses available. 

Course offerings

UCU students are welcome to take courses at the following departments: 

  • Department of History and cultural heritage:
  • Department of Philology and literary criticism:
  • Department of Social, political and cognitive sciences:
  • Department of Education, human sciences and intercultural communication.

You can find the course catalogue here. Click here for English taught courses. 

Credit system

ECTS, like UCU.

Grade system

University of Siena uses the same A-F grading system.

Siena grade

Grade Description

Letter grade

29.00 - 30.00

Ottimo - Cum Laude (With honors and commendations)

A+

27.00 - 28.99

Molto Buono (Very Good)

A

24.00 - 26.99

Buono (Good)

B

19.00 - 23.99

Soddisfacente (Satisfactory)

C

18.00 - 18.99

Sufficiente (Sufficient)

D

0.00 - 17.99

Respinto (Fail)

F

Housing

The University of Siena has a limited amount of Student Residences  (€300 per month) as well as advice about private housing

Costs

The average cost of living for a student in Siena amounts to approximately € 500 per month, the main expense being accommodation. 

  • University accommodation: Double room: € 297.00 
  • Private accommodation: Single room in centre: € 400.00  

Costs of living in Siena 

  • Full meal at the canteen € 4.50 
  • Meal in a pizzeria € 20.00 
  • Breakfast in a bar € 2.00 
  • Bus ticket (valid for 1 hour) € 1.20 
  • Student season (three-month) ticket/bus pass € 56.00 
  • Specialist medical visit € 36.00 
  • Cinema € 8.00 
  • Newspaper € 1.20TBA 
Orientation

A Welcome Week is organised both for Fall and Spring semesters. Siena also offers a buddy program with local students.

Situation

The university is located in Siena, a town of around 50,000 people, half of which are students. Siena is a town with a medieval city center which in its entirety is a UNESCO world heritage site. It also has a cathedral and dom tower.  

Student life

The university doesn’t have a campus. Instead, its facilities are spread throughout the town. There is a University Sports Center which offers cheap or free sports classes and teams. The university also offers reduced rates for students at various cultural activities in the region such as cinemas, theaters, and museums. 

The university has a canteen which offers cheap meals. The university offers personalized counseling and support services

Student experiences

The University of Siena is a new destination, and therefore we have not received feedback from our students yet. Be the first UCU student to explore Siena!

More information

For information about the requirements for studying abroad, the application procedure and more, go to UCU's Study abroad page. 

You can browse through all UCU exchange destinations and UU exchange destinations in the exchange catalog.