ITALY | Accommodation | Finding accommodation

General (student) housing situation

You have to take 4 things into account when choosing accommodation in Italy:

1. the duration of stay;
2. the location;
3. the reasons for your trip;
4. your financial resources.

Before you start looking for an accommodation, you should ask yourself a few questions:

• Would I prefer to live on my own or share accommodation with others?
• What is my budget?
• Do I already have a preferred area where I would like to live?

Types of accommodation

There are several types of accommodation available in Italy. The most appropriate for students are described below:

• Youth Hostels: This can be a good choice for temporary accomodation when the trainee first arrives. They are the cheapest form of accommodation and are a very common choice for young people because of the possibility of meeting others from many different nations. In Italy, there are more than 50 Youth Hostels. For admission to a youth hostel, a card you can buy from the hostel is necessary. The stay can last for only a few days and you must observe the times set for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Religious residences known as Conventi: Among the temporary solutions, these houses have a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere that is not to be found in a hotel. You inevitably meet other guests from countries like Australia and England who discovered the charms of Italy's religious houses years ago. Whatever will be your choice among Italy's convents, monasteries, and religious houses, you can be sure your room will be clean, comfortable, and simple. Most have a private bath. Spacious lounge areas and secluded gardens and terraces are standard features.
• Flats/room sharing: Information about apartments can be found on the students' notice boards at the Universities and in the local newspapers. You can also contact student networks or International Relations Offices of universities. The price for a bed or a bedroom is very high: about 250€-350€ per month including the use of the kitchen and laundry. The price for renting a house can vary from about 600€ to about 1000€ per month, so it is more convenient to share a house with someone. The best period to find an accommodation is in May or June, when the students move away or change houses.
• University halls of residence: Finding university accommodation for internships in Italy is highly dependent on your specific university and location. Uni dorms generally prioritize students enrolled in Italian universities. Because many public dorms close during summer months or have strict residency requirements, most interns opt for private rentals.

Once you have found suitable accommodation that meets your needs and preferences, you should consider the following:

• Is the accommodation secure? (Check the locks on doors and windows)
• Is the accommodation multicultural?
• Is the accommodation located near you place of work?
• What is the public transport like?
• What equipment is available in the accommodation (furniture, appliances), and is everything working?
• What type of heating is it, and is there an extra charge for it?
• Are there extra charges for electricity and water?
• Do I have any allergies, for example to animals?