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Housing in Italy

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Introduction to Student Housing in Italy

Finding suitable accommodation is a critical step for international students moving to Italy. The Italian student housing market is divided into two primary sectors: public/university-managed residences and the private rental market. Due to high demand in major academic hubs such as Milan, Bologna, Rome, and Padua, students are advised to begin their search at least four to six months before the start of the academic year.

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Types of Student Accommodation

Accommodation options in Italy vary based on the provider, the level of service, and the cost. Most international students choose from the following categories:

University Residences and DSU

Public universities in Italy offer housing through the Diritto allo Studio (DSU) office. These rooms are primarily allocated based on financial need and academic merit. Because places are limited, preference is often given to students meeting specific "Income and Asset" criteria (ISEE).

  • Eligibility: Based on the ISEE Parificato (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) for international students.
  • Application Deadlines: Typically between June and August for the following academic year.
  • Costs: Subsidized rates range from 150 EUR ($158 USD, Jan 2026) to 400 EUR ($420 USD, Jan 2026) per month, depending on the region and the student's financial status.

Private Student Residences

Private "Studentatos" or luxury residences are becoming more common in large cities. These are managed by private companies and often include all-inclusive utilities, Wi-Fi, gym access, and 24/7 security.

  • Average Costs: 600 EUR ($630 USD, Jan 2026) to 1,200 EUR ($1,260 USD, Jan 2026) per month.
  • Availability: Can be booked directly online; usually requires a deposit of one to three months' rent.

Shared Apartments (Private Rentals)

The most common choice for international students is renting a room in a shared apartment (appartamento condiviso). Rooms are classified as:

  • Stanza Singola: A private single bedroom.
  • Stanza Doppia: A shared bedroom with another student (usually cheaper).

In Italy, all rental agreements exceeding 30 days must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Tax Office). For students, there is a specific type of contract designed to provide flexibility.

The Student Rental Contract

The Contratto di locazione abitativa per studenti universitari (Law 431/98) is a temporary contract ranging from 6 to 36 months. It requires the tenant to be enrolled in a university degree program or a recognized higher education institute.

Important: Renting "under the table" (in nero) is illegal. Without a registered contract, students cannot use their housing address for residency applications or to obtain certain local benefits.

Registration Costs

The registration fee is generally 2% of the annual rent, plus stamp duty (marca da bollo). This cost is usually split 50/50 between the landlord and the tenant, though specific terms depend on individual situations.

[IMAGE: A close-up of an official Italian rental contract document with a Codice Fiscale card]

Estimated Monthly Costs (2025/2026)

Living costs vary significantly by city. Prices below represent an average for a single room in a shared apartment, excluding utilities (spese escluse) unless stated otherwise.

  • Milan: 650 EUR - 850 EUR ($683 - $893 USD, Jan 2026).
  • Rome: 500 EUR - 750 EUR ($525 - $788 USD, Jan 2026).
  • Bologna/Florence: 450 EUR - 650 EUR ($473 - $683 USD, Jan 2026).
  • Turin/Padua/Pisa: 350 EUR - 550 EUR ($368 - $578 USD, Jan 2026).
  • Southern Italy (Naples, Palermo, Catania): 250 EUR - 450 EUR ($263 - $473 USD, Jan 2026).

Practical Steps to Find Accommodation

Foreign nationals should follow these steps to secure housing safely:

  1. Obtain a Codice Fiscale: This is the Italian tax code required for all contracts. It can be requested at the Italian Consulate in your home country or at the Agenzia delle Entrate upon arrival.
  2. Verify the University Housing Office: Check the "International Office" or "Welcome Desk" of your specific university for a list of vetted providers.
  3. Search Official Platforms: Use reputable websites such as Immobiliare.it, Idealista, or university-partnered platforms like HousingAnywhere or Uniplaces.
  4. Book a Viewing: If possible, book temporary accommodation (hostel/hotel) for the first week to visit apartments in person and avoid online scams.
  5. Review the Inventory: Ensure the Verbale di Consegna (inventory list) is accurate before signing to avoid losing your deposit (cauzione).

Exceptions and Special Cases

Some factors may change the standard housing process:

  • Short-term stays: For stays under 30 days, no formal contract registration is required.
  • Non-EU Visa requirements: To obtain a study visa, the Italian Embassy may require proof of accommodation (e.g., a hotel booking or a declaration of hospitality).
  • Guarantors: Many private landlords require a guarantor (fideiussione), usually a parent with a verifiable income. If the parent is abroad, some landlords may accept a larger security deposit or specialized insurance policies.