Ciao! If you’re looking for student residences in Catania and you still don't know which is the best option for you, don't worry! In this article we’ll tell you all the essentials you need to consider about the accommodation in this Sicilian city. We’ll provide you with key information on the pros and cons, details of private and university residences, how to find affordable options easily, and answer some FAQ. Let's get to it!
We’ll tell you the most important pros and cons of this type of accommodation in the city of Sicily:
In Catania, student residences offer a wide variety of options. They are usually located in convenient locations for students, i.e. close to institutions and/or the most frequented leisure spots for students. For example, some of the neighbourhoods where you can find private residences in Catania are the centre, Borgo Sanzio and Ognina-Picanello. In addition, some of these residences are located in areas with breathtaking views of the sea or Mount Etna, which adds value to the experience of living in Catania.
Types of accommodation available in private residences vary, but usually include single rooms, shared rooms and studio flats that are compact and fully equipped for greater independence. Single rooms are usually designed for those seeking privacy, while shared options offer a more social atmosphere and are ideal for those who wish to interact with other students and save on the rent.
In terms of facilities, private residences offer modern and well-designed spaces. Many of them have access to common areas such as gyms, libraries, study rooms, terraces and leisure areas with sofas and televisions. In addition, some include services such as a shared dining room or kitchen, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning and maintenance. Bicycle facilities and 24-hour security services are also common.
The term 'university residences' refers to those offered by the institutions themselves. In Catania, these halls of residence are not directly owned by the University, but are usually managed by entities such as the ERSU (Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario). This regional governmental organisation is responsible for providing accommodation and support services to university students in Sicily. They are designed to accommodate students enrolled at institutions such as the University of Catania, although they have limited places for international students in Catania.
The type of accommodation available in these residences are usually single and shared rooms. Single ones offer more privacy, while shared ones have a cheaper monthly fee. In addition, some even have small studio apartments equipped with a kitchen, perfect for those who want more independence and comfort during their stay.
The facilities in these residences may include study rooms, common areas for recreation, gyms, and in some cases, gardens or terraces that allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. In addition, they are often equipped with services such as internet access, weekly cleaning of rooms, laundry and maintenance of facilities.
This institution has agreements with ERSU to provide accommodation for its students. However, please note that places for international students are often limited, so it’s better to apply as soon as possible.
If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Catania, read this article.
A great way to find cheap student residences in Catania is to use our Erasmus Play search engine. With this tool you’ll be able to compare all the verified options available, filtering according to your preferences, such as price and type of accommodation. In addition, through the platform, you’ll have the possibility to book your residence completely online and with total security.
Residence requirements usually include being enrolled in a University or educational institution in the city, and in some cases, academic documentation is requested. In addition, financial or academic merit criteria may apply, especially if the residence is associated with institutions that promote access to students with limited resources.
Yes! In Catania there are scholarships for student residences, mainly managed by the ERSU, which offers grants based on economic and academic criteria. These grants cover part or all of the cost of accommodation for eligible students. In addition, international students in the Erasmus programme can also access grants to help finance their stay, including accommodation in halls of residence.
In general, a room in a shared flat in Catania is usually cheaper than a student residence, especially if you are looking in areas away from the centre. Residences offer additional services such as cleaning and security, which increases the cost. However, prices may vary according to location and facilities, so it’s better to compare options and calculate the additional costs of each.
It’s better to book several months in advance, ideally between May and July, to make sure you get a place before the start of the academic year in September. Demand tends to be high, especially for halls of residence closest to Universities. In addition, some residences managed by institutions such as the ERSU open specific calls for applications that should be followed closely in order to meet the established deadlines.
In our Erasmus Play search engine you can compare among the verified and available residences in this Sicilian city, filtering by price, for example.