Erasmus in Rome

Cost of living in Rome, Italy

If you're thinking of going to Rome on Erasmus, you should be aware that it's a city with a lot of student demand, a good thing when you're trying to make a group of friends. However, this also means that some prices are higher than in other countries. But don't worry, we'll give you some options to cut costs if you want to!

In most European countries it’s very common for exchange students to live in residences. In Rome, however, it’s more common to find a room in a shared flat, which costs around €300-€500. There are also many university residences scattered throughout the city, although they tend to be more expensive. The average price for a room is between €450-€650 per month, although they can be as high as €1,100. It all depends on your location and the amenities you are looking for.

One cost you can add is public transport. If you want to live in university areas, this will be very useful. The monthly pass costs €30, is nominative and can only be used by one person. A cheaper option is to pay €46 for a pass, which can be used by more than one person and you can share it with friends to split the cost. As for "extra expenses" (eating out, partying, etc.) we recommend you spend wisely. There are plenty of restaurants with great food at very affordable prices and with discounts for students.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Rome

As you can imagine, the fact that the Italian capital hosts so many students every year means that the city is always full of life, partying, music, diversity and adventure. You're going to have a great time, don't doubt it. You have options for every day of the week: you can go to bars or clubs and have a good time while meeting new people. One option you can't miss is the well-known Bar San Calixto. It's the bar with the cheapest drinks in Rome, it's in Trastevere and has a terrace where you can enjoy a drink with your friends. If you're looking for nightclubs, you have to go to the Testaccio area, the liveliest place at night! It's a small hill in the middle of the city, surrounded by clubs with lights and festive atmosphere, and on Wednesday and Thursday nights it's a real Erasmus zone! The most famous clubs are Akab, Coyote, Radio Londra and On The Rox.

Culture and gastronomy in Rome, Italy

If you prefer a quieter plan, we recommend a walk through the Trastevere area. Its streets are beautiful and it's full of life and places to sit and have a drink. There are many ice-cream parlours in this area that have won awards for the best gelato. Don't leave without trying one!

Another very tempting plan with good weather in Rome is to buy some dinner; for example, a typical Italian focaccia, and enjoy it sitting in an open-air square.

Strolling through the streets of Rome will be incredible. It's true that there are some places that are very touristy, but you have to visit them. Here is a list of the must-see places:

• The Roman Colosseum
• The Capitoline Museums
• The Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II
• The Jewish Quarter
• St. Peter's Basilica
• The Vatican Museum
• The Sistine Chapel
• The Piazza Navona
• The Pantheon of Agrippa
• The Fontana di Trevi

Italian cuisine, on the other hand, is full of delicious dishes. You're sure to know the main ones, and you’ll taste pasta, pizza and lasagne like never before, but we'd like to give you some other local facts about Rome. The best known ingredients in the capital are ‘Pecorino Romano’ (sheep's milk cheese with a hard consistency and salty flavour, the most commonly used to make all kinds of sauces) and ‘Guanciale’ (a kind of bacon used to make the famous pasta carbonara). Other typical, but perhaps less-known dishes are ‘Carciofi alla romana’ (confitted artichokes) and ‘Saltimbocca alla romana’ (thin veal fillets topped with ham and sage leaves, fried and served with wine sauce).

Some of the best known restaurants not to be missed are: Da Enzo al 29, Osteria Da Fortunata and Quel che c'è laboratorio Di Cucina.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Rome

Advantages

• Learn about the culture and history of Rome, the eternal city.
• From Rome you can travel easily around Italy and Europe, either by train, bus or plane.
• Learn Italian! A beautiful language that will surely be useful in your personal and professional life.
• There are several associations that prepare visits on important dates in the city, so that students can discover Rome's festivals and traditions.
• There are lots of Erasmus students and a very lively university atmosphere, with bars and events going on all the time.

Disadvantages

• Although cheaper than other European capitals, rent in Rome can be expensive, especially in central areas.
• Rome receives millions of tourists each year, which can mean that certain areas are always crowded and prices in restaurants and bars can be higher.
• University and administrative procedures can be complicated and take longer than expected.
• Public transport is unreliable, buses are often full and delays are common.

Cheap student accommodation in Rome, Italy

Do you need accommodation in Rome? Don't worry, at Erasmus Play we’ll help you compare the best student flats, rooms and residences in the Italian capital - finding accommodation to rent in Rome has never been easier!

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Rome