Living in Italy – Postgraduate Guide

Italian universities will provide students with long-term and short-term accommodation solutions, either directly or through arrangements with public or private organisations. They often have a housing office which will advise students on accommodation alternatives, such as those listed below. They will offer you a legal advice service if you choose to live in privately-owned apartments and need help in negotiating, understanding and fulfilling tenancy contracts.

University residences

Not all universities offer these but when universities have their own residences, they tend to be close to the campus and provide all the facilities, social and academic, that students need. In general, to be eligible for this type of accommodation, you will have to meet certain criteria of academic merit and to demonstrate financial need.

Prices for university-owned accommodation range from €300-600 per month depending on size and location, with cost generally highest in big cities.

Student residences (not managed by universities)

These organisations can be public and private but tend to have dedicated arrangements with universities which reserve rooms for their students.

• ESU is a regional agency for the right to study. It manages the university halls of residences for “commuting” students who have enrolled at “local universities” and have been awarded a regional grant (which international students can apply for but which are means-tested). There are two tariffs, one full-price and one reduced (taking into account regional housing bursaries). At full rate, the cost ranges from €4,000 per academic year for a shared triple room with communal facilities, and up to €10,000 per academic year for a single room with your own facilities.
• Other organisations such as the ones designated “Collegio Universitario” offer small student residences with all the amenities you would expect (although the quality may vary), including libraries and sports facilities. These organisations are connected to one or several universities in their area and tend to be not-for-profit organisations. Prices will vary considerably depending on the location and the type of building (anything from €250 per month for a shared double room with shared facilities to €500 or more per month for private rooms with private facilities).

Student accommodation offered by religious orders

Although this may sound unusual, this type of accommodation tends to be very well located. You may not need to be a practicing member of the order’s faith but you will be expected to be respectful of others. If you are of the quieter type, this can be a good option, although you will have to adhere to certain rules (such as a curfew). You’ll also find a strong sense of community (generally based around a common religious set of beliefs, if that’s what you are looking for).

There may be additional criteria to be eligible to reside in these residences, such as gender (some are female-only), or study-level (Masters-only or all graduate levels).

Private flats/apartments

Rent for private accommodation will vary widely, depending on location and size. As an indication, you’ll be expected to pay an average €600 per month for a 1-bed flat. If you are going through a letting agent, an admin fee will be charged. In addition to rent, tenants must have compulsory insurance and pay service charges (spese). Service charges usually include heating, hot water, rubbish removal, upkeep of grounds and gardens, use of lift, communal lighting and maintenance, and possibly a caretaker service. Service charges will range from €20 to €200 per month (and it is wise to ask to see a copy of the bills from the previous year).

You are strongly recommended to check exactly what is included in the rent. As a general rule, you will be responsible for utilities such as gas, electricity and water. On signing a lease, you should ask to see proof that the utility bills have been paid by previous tenants to avoid being liable.

Not all has to be done through rental agents or private landlords. Why not check noticeboards at your university for rooms available in shared flats? Also organisations such as the association “Sportello Casa” in Turin, offers international students free assistance in finding apartments and rooms in the city. Check online or with your university’s housing office if there is something similar in the city you’re going to live in.

Cost of living in Italy

You may think that living costs in Italy are expensive. Well, if your idea of living in Italy is to have your morning coffee on St Mark’s Square in Venice, you’re likely to be right. Secondly, compared to other European countries and certainly compared to destinations such as Singapore or Japan, Italy is relatively cheap. Obviously, how much it costs to live in Italy is largely dependent on your lifestyle and where you choose to study. Eating local produce and using public transportation makes living in Italy very affordable. Outside of the tourist hotspots (and therefore where you’ll get to experience a much more genuine Italian culture), you don’t have to spend a fortune. Well-known for their cuisine, Italians are passionate about good food, even in markets and small establishments. If you like to eat out, restaurants are very accessible to most budgets and you can get a decent two course meal for two with drinks for around €20-30.

Working whilst studying

Finding work in Italy is not particularly easy, especially if you cannot speak fluent Italian. There’s no general statutory minimum wage, so it is not particularly well-paid either.

EU/EEA students

If you are an EU or EEA national, you will not need to apply for a work permit in order to work in Italy.

You are permitted to undertake up to 20 hours work per week during term-time, and in certain circumstances may be allowed to take up more hours during vacation periods. This does however depend on your academic record at your university.

Teaching English or a position as an au pair are quite common roles for international students in Italy. Cafe and bar work is also popular.

Non-EU nationals

International students from outside the EU/EEA will need to obtain a work permit to access the job market, which is not an easy process. Strict rules are set whereby positions are only offered to you if you can prove that it could not be performed by an EU or Italian citizen.

There are also more limitations on the hours that you can work. Though the weekly amount you are permitted to work is 20 hours, in most cases you cannot take up extra hours during vacation periods.

If you do manage to find a job, your employer must present a letter of employment to the Italian Police Station (Questura).

Further information