Housing in Italy varies greatly depending on where you are. Living arrangements in large cities like Rome and Milan will be more expensive than in rural areas, but the volume of available rooms in larger cities will give you more choice.
Types of student accommodation in Italy
Student Housing through an Institution
Some institutions provide housing for students, but not many. Check with your university or programme early to see if housing is available and affordable.
Shared Student Housing
Many students choose to share flats or houses with other students. These accommodations are generally cheaper, ranging from €250-700 per month based on size, amenities, and location.
Students at different institutions often post rooms for rent online, so you do not need to know any other students in order to purchase a room! Many universities offer services to assist international students, but may charge a fee to help you find housing. Check with your institution’s accommodation services office.
If you are studying through an Erasmus programme, there is a free service offered called Sportello Casa to help you find housing in specific areas. This service is sometimes offered to international students not on an Erasmus programme, but make sure to check before utilizing their services.
Private Housing
It is always an option to look for independent housing, but this is often the most expensive choice. Housing in Italy can range anywhere from €300 to over €1000 per month, but it is up to you to find a place that fits your needs.
Important Things to Note
- Housing in the northern, industrial part of Italy is generally more expensive than in the southern, agricultural part of Italy.
- Make sure to check with your programme to see if they offer housing or housing assistance. This may be a valuable resource for you!
Things to consider when choosing student accommodation in Italy:
- Proximity to institution
- Where you want to live (in a city, on a lake, in a house, in an apartment, etc.)
- How long you want to spend travelling to school every day? (this can help you determine how close you want to live to your institution)
- Do you want to live with other people? If so, how many other people?
- Do you want to live with people of the same gender or any gender?
- Do you want your own bathroom, a full kitchen, a good view, or anything special in your home?
- Any additional expenses of your house or flat
Additional Expenses
Additional expenses are expenses that you pay in addition to your monthly or weekly rent. This often includes:
- Water
- Heat
- Electricity
- Waste Management
- Parking (if you have a car)
- Transportation (a bus pass, train pass, etc.)
You must factor in these expenses in addition to what you will be paying for rent in order to know how much money you will need.
Tips to get the best student accommodation in Italy:
- Shop around! Don’t feel pressured to buy from the first person you speak to. Housing is important and you should take your time in finding a place to live.
- Begin early. Start looking for apartments well before you expect to move in. You don’t want to be caught without someplace to live by the time your programme begins.
- Don’t forget to read the fine print. Make sure you look at each housing contract carefully in order to see what is included and what is not included in your rent.
Chat with Couru
