Of Matthew Castagnoli
The Marches student, a doctoral candidate in physics at the Polytechnic, after returning from Erasmus in Sweden, looked for a house for 20 days. He now he lives in a studio in Porta Venezia. “The shower is over the toilet”
Sixth floor of the building, attic. Once through the front door, the kitchen on the left, a closet on the right. On the bed. Opposite, the shower that serves as a bathroom, next to a micro lounge. Total, 9 square meters. And the Study in which he lives Alejandro CerioniPhD candidate in physics at the Polytechnic of Milan. Twenty four years, two degrees in physical engineering always at the university in Piazza Leonardo. “I had to look for a house in twenty days. I had trusted the agencies, but only figured it out when I published a story about instagram». The solutions, few, the time even less. “So I took what was there”. now pay 650 euros per month, condominium expenses and utilities excluded. But she had a house in Milan. In Via Teodosio since 2017, when she moved from her Jesi for study. He then had to leave her for an erasmus in Stockholm.
Was it more difficult to find accommodation the second time?
“Everything has changed radically in 6 years. Previously, for 55 square meters you paid 350 euros. Now for a sixth of the space, about twice as much. And then you found it in no time.”
Another world.
“Definitely. At the beginning of my university career I kept repeating ‘Maximum 400 euros’. Now I have found another one at 630 and I am very happy».
So, will you move home?
«Yes, I will go to Piazzale Gorini. I will have only one in a shared house.
And how do you live in 9 square meters?
“Simple: the bed is so close to the ceiling that you hit your head every time you wake up. So I don’t have a washing machine or dishwasher. I was tired, so I decided to change as soon as I could. I felt crushed.”
How was the situation in Sweden?
“Universities had more places in student residences. Costs don’t change much, but salaries are higher. At least 500 euros difference.
Do you have anything left over at the end of the month with the PhD scholarship?
“I am at the breakeven point. And mine, at 1,400 euros, is the highest of the dice. You cannot afford many exits.
Do your parents help you?
“They give me something. But to some extent I would also like to be independent. So what happens to me I put aside.
In Piazza Leonardo, at the Polytechnic, since May 2 there have been children in tents to protest against high rents. Have you met them?
«Yes, I congratulated Ilaria Lamera. Welcome to these protests.
Solutions?
«The agreed rate agrees with me. I think the owners put a little the price they want “.
For example?
“My. He wanted to rent me the studio for 700 euros».
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