Studying in Italy is not just about getting a degree — it’s about living in a country rich in history, art, and culture. Home to some of the oldest universities in the world, Italy offers international students a chance to experience world-class higher education while enjoying diverse lifestyles across different cities in Italy.
Adjusting to life in big Italian cities can be both exciting and challenging. Places like Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Turin offer endless opportunities, but they also come with their own cost of living and housing challenges.
This guide is your city companion, offering tips on finding housing, getting part-time jobs in Italy, and making the most of your study in Italy student life.
🏛 Rome: The Eternal City for Culture Lovers
Housing
- Popular Student Areas: San Lorenzo, Trastevere, Pigneto
- Average Rent: €350–€600/month for a shared apartment
- Tips: Use student Facebook groups like Rome International Students or websites such as Uniplaces and HousingAnywhere for verified listings.
Part-Time Jobs
- Opportunities: Tourism, language tutoring, barista/waiter roles, retail in central Rome.
- Average Pay: €7–€10/hour
- Pro Tip: English tutoring is in high demand, and if you speak the Italian language, you can earn even more.
💼 Milan: Italy’s Fashion & Business Capital
Housing
- Popular Student Areas: Città Studi (near Politecnico di Milano), Navigli, Porta Romana
- Average Rent: €500–€800/month for shared flats
- Tips: Start your search early as Milan’s housing market is competitive. Student residence halls provided by Italian universities can be more affordable.
Part-Time Jobs
- Opportunities: Fashion retail, hospitality, event staffing, internships in design or business sectors.
- Average Pay: €8–€12/hour
- Pro Tip: University career centers can connect you with internships that may lead to full-time roles after graduation.
🎨 Florence: The Heart of the Renaissance
Housing
- Popular Student Areas: Santa Croce, San Frediano, Campo di Marte
- Average Rent: €350–€550/month for shared flats
- Tips: Florence is walkable — living near the city center can save on public transportation costs.
Part-Time Jobs
- Opportunities: Museum ticketing, art tour guiding, café work, English teaching.
- Average Pay: €6–€10/hour
- Pro Tip: If you know art history, certified tour guide roles can be highly rewarding.
📚 Bologna: Italy’s University City
Housing
- Popular Student Areas: Via Zamboni, San Donato, Saragozza
- Average Rent: €300–€500/month for shared flats
- Tips: Demand spikes in September — secure housing by summer. Regional scholarships sometimes include student residence options.
Part-Time Jobs
- Opportunities: Bookstores, tutoring, cafés, student assistant roles at Italian universities.
- Average Pay: €7–€9/hour
- Pro Tip: The university job board lists roles tailored for students.
🏭 Turin: Affordable & Student-Friendly
Housing
- Popular Student Areas: San Salvario, Vanchiglia, Crocetta
- Average Rent: €250–€450/month for shared flats
- Tips: Turin has a lower cost of living than Rome or Milan, so you can live centrally at reasonable rates.
Part-Time Jobs
- Opportunities: Retail, language teaching, café work, internships in the automotive or tech industries.
- Average Pay: €6–€9/hour
- Pro Tip: Turin’s growing tech scene offers valuable experience for students in STEM fields.
🌟 General Tips for International Students in Italy
- Learn Basic Italian Language – Improves job prospects and everyday communication.
- Understand the Average Costs of Living – Housing, food, and public transportation costs vary depending on the city.
- Balance Work & Study – International students with a residence permit can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Use Official Housing Platforms – Minimize scams by using verified websites or your university’s housing services.
- Leverage Student Discounts – Transport, museums, and restaurants across European countries often offer reduced prices for students.
- Stay in Italy Legally – Keep your student visa and residence permit updated.
✅ Conclusion
Living in Italy as an international student is a rewarding journey — whether you’re walking among Rome’s ruins, exploring Milan’s fashion districts, admiring Florence’s art, studying in Bologna’s academic hub, or enjoying Turin’s affordability.
By planning for the cost of living, finding reliable housing, and making the most of Italy offers like scholarships, public transportation discounts, and affordable options, you can enjoy a comfortable and enriching life while pursuing higher education at some of the most prestigious Italian universities in Europe.
📢 Inforens Tip
Planning to study in Italy and want expert help with university selection, housing, scholarships, and job guidance?
Inforens offers tailored advice for international students to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
💡 Start your Italy journey with confidence — Contact Inforens Today!