Study in Italy 2026: student life guide
Italy has 96 universities, including Politecnico di Milano, the University of Bologna, and Sapienza University of Rome. Students can expect daily life in Italian and English, with major study cities including Milan, Rome, Bologna, Padua, and Turin.
The academic year can vary by university, so first-term planning starts with checking your course dates, language of instruction, and the Italian Student Visa (Visa per Studio) if you need one. Universities here include Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, the University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Padua, and the University of Modena.
Housing is usually part of the first-term checklist, especially in the larger student cities of Milan, Rome, Bologna, Padua, and Turin. Many international students look for accommodation after they have confirmed their course and arrival plans, so it helps to start early and keep your documents ready.
Language in daily life is Italian and English. That means you may use English in some university settings, but everyday tasks and life outside class can involve Italian, so a basic level of Italian is useful when settling in.
Italy used EUR, and in 2023 its price level was 74 compared with the United States. For a new international student, the first term is usually about getting oriented with classes, housing, and daily life in your city, whether you are in Milan, Rome, Bologna, Padua, or Turin.
Questions about student life in Italy
What languages are used in daily life for students in Italy?
Italian and English are both used.
Which cities are common student destinations in Italy?
Milan, Rome, Bologna, Padua, and Turin are listed as student cities.
What is the student visa called for Italy?
It is called the Italian Student Visa (Visa per Studio).
More on Italy: destination overview · universities · scholarships · student visa