Finding Accommodation at an Italian University or Halls of Residence
University accommodation is usually less expensive than other properties because it is funded by foundations, national and regional organisations which protect students' right to study, such as 'Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio'. The 'Ente Regionale per il Diritto allo Studio', in particular, is a good organisation to contact if you need a place to live. You should be able to contact them in person or via telephone: details are found on the home page of most Italian universities. This organisation also offers scholarships for students with good marks who have financial problems.
Other public institutions, such as CEUR, help Italian and foreign students to find accommodation in the city where they study, with the offer of special residences for students with high marks and low incomes. CEUR also operates several student programmes, including the SAIS and 'La Bussola'. SAIS assists foreign students studying in Italy with an international study programme such as Erasmus, Socrates or Leonardo. SAIS offers every kind of service and support for university life such as detailed information on lectures and support with paperwork. La Bussola is an accommodation service for students, enabling you to search for and compare accommodation advertisements with the assistance of a team of qualified staff.
Accommodation is also offered by some Christian organisations in the main Italian cities. The R.U.I. Foundation offers students throughout Italy scholarships and places in organisation-owned residences, depending on their income. Together with CEUR, this Foundation is recognized as the biggest organisation for public university accommodation in Italy. Naturally, there are a number of smaller private and public organisations which offer students accommodation and financial assistance: ask your university for suitable contact details.
The cost of university accommodation will depend on your income. If you are an average student with an average income, you should expect to pay about €350 for a room with broadband internet connection and the use of a washing machine. There will often be a community centre available to residents, typically with a games room and large screen televisions. You should be prepared to share facilities with other students and abide by the community rules; bathrooms and kitchens will be shared and this makes interaction with your flatmates essential. Overall costs can be high, but there are several sources of financial assistance available if you are trying to survive on a low income.
