Top 5 student cities in Italy

Discover the favourite university cities for students in Italy and what makes them unique.

If you’re planning your exchange, discovering the 5 best cities to study in Italy is an excellent starting point. The country is a favourite destination among international students for its incredible food, history, welcoming atmosphere, and, of course, its top-notch universities. Each city has its own charm: some are more artistic and peaceful, others more modern and bustling.

In this guide, you’ll discover the five best university cities in Italy, with their pros and cons, notable universities, and rental prices for students. This will make it much easier for you to choose the ideal destination according to your budget and lifestyle.

What's more, through our platform you can search for verified student accommodation throughout Italy, compare prices and find your perfect room near campus or in the most popular neighbourhoods for young people.

Bologna

Known as the university city par excellence in Italy, Bologna has a student energy that can be felt in every corner. Its streets are full of history, cafés, bars, and libraries where students from all over the world come together. It’s an ideal city if you want to experience the authentic Italian university atmosphere, with an active cultural life and a size that allows you to get around easily on foot or by bike.

Pros and cons of studying in Bologna

Studying in Bologna has many advantages, although there are also some aspects to consider before deciding whether it’s your ideal destination.

Pros of studying in Bologna

Incredible student atmosphere.
Prestigious university in all its faculties.
Excellent location for travelling around Italy and Europe.
A wide variety of cultural activities.

Cons of studying in Bologna

Rental costs can be high in central areas.
Demand during peak season and before the start of term may exceed supply.
Winters are cold and rainy.

Top Universities in Bologna

This city has one undisputed star:

Università di Bologna

The University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in Europe and one of the best in the country. It offers programmes in almost all areas, including many bachelor's and master's degrees in English. In Bologna, the campus of this institution is located in the city centre, in the Città Universitaria.

Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the guide to accommodation near the University of Bologna

Student housing in Bologna

The price of accommodation depends greatly on the area. Furthermore, its popularity makes finding housing in Bologna a real challenge. Therefore, we recommend that you look for it in advance. A room in a shared flat usually costs between €350-600 per month, while a studio flat costs around €800 or more.

Are you looking for accommodation in this Italian city? Read our guide to student accommodation in Bologna, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Turin

Turin is an elegant, orderly city with a lively university scene. It has history, modernity, and a very active student life, with a quieter atmosphere than bigger metropolises like Rome or Milan. Furthermore, it’s surrounded by mountains and close to the Alps, making it perfect for those who enjoy nature or winter sports.

Pros and cons of studying in Turín

This city has many advantages, although not everything is perfect for those who come here to study.

Pros of studying in Turin

Prices are more affordable than in other large Italian cities, offering good value for money in terms of quality of life.
Growing international atmosphere.
A city that’s safe and well connected to the rest of the country.
Opportunities for internships in technology and automotive companies.

Cons of studying in Turin

The nightlife is not as intense as in other cities.
Winters are long and cold.
The weather can be rather grey for much of the year.

Top Universities in Turin

It has a well-recognised institution:

Università degli studi di Torino

The University of Turin is another of Italy's most prestigious and historic universities. It has several campuses scattered throughout the city, such as the Luigi Einaudi Campus in Vanchiglietta and the campus in the San Salvario neighbourhood.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the University of Turin.

Student housing in Turin

The cost of accommodation in Turin is more affordable than in Rome or Milan. A room in a shared flat costs around €350-500 per month, while a studio flat can cost between €600-750.

If you’re interested in this city as a destination in Italy, you can read our guide on student accommodation in Turin and find answers to your questions.

Florence

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and a unique place to experience the art, history and culture of Tuscany. Every corner has something to tell, from its museums and squares to the cafés where students and artists gather. It’s true that it’s a relatively small and quiet city, but its energy and atmosphere are incredible.

Pros and cons of studying in Florence

Studying in Florence is a unique experience, although it also has its challenges.

Pros of studying in Florence

A unique city in terms of art and architecture.
It has a very pleasant climate practically all year round.
People are very friendly and open.
Excellent teaching quality in areas such as humanities, art, and design.

Cons of studying in Florence

The cost of living in central neighbourhoods is usually high.
It receives many tourists throughout the year, so it can feel crowded.
You have to look for accommodation well in advance due to high demand.

Top Universities in Florence

This city is home to a leading academic institution in Italy:

Università degli Studi di Firenze

The University of Florence is one of the oldest and largest universities in the country, welcoming around 60,000 Italian and international students every year. It has several buildings in the centre of Florence and other campuses (called "polo") in neighbourhoods such as San Marco and Sesto Fiorentino.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near the University of Florence.

Student housing in Florence

As it’s an important tourist destination, the cost of accommodation in this Tuscan city depends greatly on the location. However, as a reference, a room in a shared flat usually costs between €450-650 per month, while a studio flat costs around €750 per month.

Are you planning to study in Italy? Don't miss our guide to accommodation for students in Florence, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Rome

Rome is the capital and one of the favourite destinations for international students who decide to do their Erasmus in Italy. With its history and cultural monuments, it has a lot to discover and a special atmosphere. It’s a very large city and each area has its own charm.

Pros and cons of studying in Rome

Rome has a lot to offer, but there are also some things to consider before moving there.

Pros of studying in Rome

Very lively cultural and social life.
Large number of Italian and international students.
A good starting point for travelling around Italy and Europe.
Lots of art and history in every corner.

Cons of studying in Rome

Rental prices are usually higher than in other cities.
Distances can be long and traffic heavy.
It receives millions of tourists every year, which can be overwhelming.

Top Universities in Roma

Rome is home to universities with excellent reputations.

Sapienza Università di Roma

The Sapienza University of Rome is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, known for its large student community and international atmosphere. Its main campus is located in the Città Universitaria in Rome, in the San Lorenzo neighbourhood.

Find out more details in the guide on housing near the Sapienza University of Rome.

Università degli Studi Roma Tre

Roma Tre University is relatively young, but it has an innovative approach and an international atmosphere that stands out. Most of its faculties are located on a campus situated between the Ostiense and Marconi neighbourhoods.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find accommodation near Roma Tre University.

Student housing in Rome

Living in Rome can be quite expensive, but if you search early enough, you can find something to suit all budgets. A room in a shared flat, the favourite type of accommodation for international students, usually costs between €400 and €700 per month.

If you’re going to study in the Italian capital, check out our guide to accommodation for students in Rome with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Milan

Milan Cathedral (Duomo) under clear skies, ranked among the best cities to study design and economics.

Milan is the design, fashion and innovation capital in Italy. It’s a modern city, perfect for those seeking a more cosmopolitan university experience. It has a fast pace of life, a huge cultural offering and a large international community, making it one of the favourite destinations for students from all over the world.

Pros and cons of studying in Milan

Milan offers an academic experience with advantages and disadvantages that are worth knowing about.

Pros of studying in Milan

International atmosphere in every sense.
Very active cultural, artistic and leisure life.
Excellent job opportunities.
Worldwide recognised universities.

Cons of studying in Milán

The cost of living is high, particularly housing and nightlife.
It’s a city with a very fast-paced lifestyle.
Winters are usually cold and cloudy.

Top Universities in Milan

This city boasts prestigious institutions such as:

Politècnico di Milano

It’s one of Europe's most prestigious institutions for engineering, architecture and design. It has a total of six campuses, three of which are located in different areas of Milan.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods and tips in the guide to accommodation near the Politècnico di Milano.

Student housing in Milan

Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy, but there are many options for different budgets. A single room in a shared flat usually costs between €500-€800 per month, while shared rooms are typically between €300-€500 per person per month.

With our guide of student accommodation in Milan, you can learn more about the most important information to consider when choosing the ideal place for you.

Find accommodation in Italy with Erasmus Play

Now that you know the 5 best cities for students in Italy, all you have to do is choose the ideal one for you and get ready for a unique experience! On Erasmus Play, you can search and compare verified student accommodation throughout Italy, from rooms in shared flats to studios and residences.

Our platform allows you to filter by price, location and type of accommodation, so you can find the option that best suits your lifestyle and budget. This way, you'll arrive in your new city with everything ready and be able to enjoy your student experience in Italy from day one.

Other guides on studying and living in Italy

If you’re still deciding between the best cities to study in Italy, explore more guides on how to live and find accommodation in each destination.