Student Report
Name of the University: Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
Exchange semester: Autumn 2012
I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before leaving Norway
The University firstly send information about the Exchange program at the beginning of May.
The e-mail contained information about the general online-, housing-, language course application, as well as general information about process handling, such as course selection,
changing period etc. Bocconi provided enough information to get through that process.
However, in case of questions, also BI could help.
Applying for a visa (if applicable)
There was no need of a VISA.
Travel
You can reach Milan by train, airplane, car etc. I have chosen to take the plane from Frankfurt
(as I am German) to Milan Malpensa. Between the airport and the city centre, there are
various shuttle services (to Milano Centrale or Milano Cadorna). The main station (Milano
Centrale) is not that close to the city centre as Milano Cadorna. A taxi from this airport costs
90.00€. I took my flight back to Germany from the airport Milano Linate, the taxi to that
airport is about 30.00€. The third airport is Milan Bergamo – Ryanair provides its services
there. There are many shuttles that cost about 5.00€ (one way).
Housing
I’ve decided to find my own housing. I’ve checked various Facebook groups such as
“International Students at Bocconi - IS@B”, “ESN Bocconi – Exchange students@ Bocconi”
etc. I would recommend to search for those groups. (There are always groups for the
spring/fall semester). There, you can easily find information in general, about housing, Milan,
parties etc. Alternatively, there is the possibility to apply for Bocconi Residence (Don’t apply
for or choose Residence Arcobaleno – it’s pretty far away).
Costs
My room (30m2, 8 minutes walk to Bocconi) has cost 575€ including internet, electricity etc.
I’ve only shared the big kitchen, the big bathroom and the hallway with another person. In
total, I’ve spend 150€ on books and about 400€ on food and drinks (parties excluded). I didn’t
have a transportation card, as, one trip with Metro/Tram/Bus cost 1.50€.
Culture and language
I would strongly recommend to take the language course. One gets a first impression about
the language and learns at least some key sentences. Italians don’t speak that much English;
hence, it is smart to know some basics. Further, you get to know some international students
(and even, if you decide to not finish the course, you know some Italian words )
In general, all people working at Bocconi, or in the faculty speak English. Further, they are
also quite helpful in assisting to translate some things. In the Master level, all students could
speak English.
II. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Universitá Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, is located in Milan, Italy. The school offers several
educational programs for undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students. The school is
located close to a nice park. Around the school, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and
shops. Further, all network providers for cell phones are located close to the school (there,
they all speak English ). The University has several building, some more modern, some
more old fashion. But in general, the school has relatively nice facilities. Around 14,000
students visit the school, a high percentage of those students are from abroad.
Course registration
Shortly before my arrival, there was an official registration period for the courses. After the
first study week, students had the possibility to change courses, as they could get a first
impression about content structure etc. This procedure was quite easy and did not cause any
troubles. In case of questions, the International Student Desk of Bocconi provides always
quick answers.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
Start Language Course
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
Any special events/holidays:
31. August 2012
3. September 2012
10. September 2012
6. December 2012
10. December – 20. December 2012 (my exams: 17.,
19., 20. December)
1. November, 6. 7. December
Arrival
There was an official period where all exchange students could pick up their ID-cards,
information, welcome kit etc. Further, there was an info-desk at the entrance of the main
building where exchange students could get information about the city, the school etc.
Further, several tours were offered, such as campus tours, sightseeing tour etc. Besides that,
the ESN (Erasmus organization) organized some parties, events, trips.
The International Office
The international office of Bocconi was always helpful. Further, there was no problem talking
in English with them.
Social activities
ESN organized at the beginning a lot of parties, trips and other events to help exchange
students to get in touch with other students. Further, the language course is a good opportunity
to meet new people. It is quite easy to get to know other people, also native students.
III. ACADEMICS
In the classroom
The course level and teaching style differs from course to course. Some courses were really
interactive and practical, while others were quite theoretical. All courses were taught in
English on a relatively good level. The workload compared to BI was lower, (especially less
term papers). Professors were generally available and quite supportive in case of questions.
The course itself was often a mix of case studies, group work and “normal” lectures.
Course materials
The course material was consists of books, short articles, power points, and cases. Everything
is available online and downloadable for the students.
Exams
Course evaluation depends on the course. There are group works, mid terms, final exams,
class participation, peer evaluation. I cannot give further details about the Exam, as I did not
have my exams yet.
Description of courses
All courses I’ve chosen were on a Master-level and were as electives approved. Further, there
were no prerequisites needed. The grading system is different from the one at BI. The best
grade is 30/30 – in order to pass a course, one has to have 18/30.
Course code & name
Management of
Fashion and Luxury
Companies
Pricing Management
Social Life of
Information – Internet
in companies
Sales Management
Exam form
50% group
assignment,
50% exam
Comments
The course provides an overview of the global
luxury and fashion business and an in-depth
understanding of market drivers, business
models and brand management strategies.
I personally would not choose this course again.
The content was not really interesting, and not
really “new”. A lot of known marketing theories
were integrated and used.
The group assignment was a product (fragrance)
development for Diesel (L’Oreal), including
Industry analysis, brand positioning, brand
territory, and new concept development and line
extension strategy. The best 3 concepts were
presented in front of L’Oreal.
50% group work Interesting subject that deals with pricing theories,
(four
cost strategies, price measurement possibilities,
assignments),
price segmentation, price promotion etc.
10% individual
I would take the course definitely again. The
assignment,
professor made the subject interesting and (in my
10%
opinion) relevant for my future.
participation,
30% exam
90% group
The subject deals with the usage of Internet in
work, 10% peer companies. Best practises related to the company
evaluation
usage of these tools, trend discovery on the
Internet or in the company knowledge base.
It was an interesting and relatively easy going
course. The professors are really nice and
supportive.
Group assignment: a traditional multinational
company had to be chosen. For this company, a
new product had to be developed and an
Enterprise 2.0 plan had to be developed.
About 10%
This course deals with the methods and practical
(depends on the tools for human resource management in sales
final
processes.
performance)
The goal of this course is to foster analytical and
sales simulation decision-making skills of the students, by using
(group work),
about 90% final
exam
theoretical models and decision-support tools in
lectures and case studies.
A business game (sales simulation) will be used to
help students apply the concepts and models
covered in the course.
Interesting topic, however, the teacher could not
often convey this message. The sales simulation
was quite interesting, there I’ve learnt a lot. The
grade of this simulation depends on the final
performance (between 3-5 points).
A final tip – never cross the Lions in the main building. There is the rumour that people who
cross these lions will be jinxed and will never graduate. Further, watch out for your
belongings. I know a lot of people that had problems with robbery. Flats were broken into,
cell-phones and wallets were stolen out of bags etc.
For any further questions, please contact me through the international office.