Italy is a dream destination for students who want to combine high-quality education with an unforgettable cultural experience.
But with so many beautiful cities to choose from, deciding where to study can feel overwhelming. Are you drawn to the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis? Perhaps the artistic charm of a Renaissance city? Or the tranquil beauty of a coastal town?
Go! Go! Italia is here to help you choosing the right city to study in Italy!
It’s essential to find a city that fits your academic goals and lifestyle. By considering these key aspects, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect place to begin your Italian adventure.
1. Cost of living
The cost of living in Italy varies significantly between cities. Larger and more popular cities like Milan and Rome are more expensive, while smaller towns like Salerno or Genoa offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
When choosing a city, it’s important to factor in accommodation costs, transportation, and daily expenses such as groceries and dining.
- Milan: One of Italy’s priciest cities, especially for accommodation and dining.
- Rome: Slightly more affordable than Milan but still on the high side.
- Salerno: Known for being more budget-friendly, especially for students.
- Genoa: Offers a reasonable cost of living with a mix of city and coastal life.
2. Cultural aspects
Italy is a country rich in culture and history, but each city offers a distinct experience. Some cities are famous for their ancient ruins and Renaissance art, while others are modern hubs of fashion, art, and local traditions. Your personal interests in culture and history may help you decide which city to choose.
- Rome: Filled with ancient history and world-renowned landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City.
- Florence: The heart of Renaissance art and culture, perfect for art history enthusiasts.
- Venice: Known for its canals, historic beauty, and cultural festivals.
- Taormina: A small town with stunning views and beach, ancient ruins, and a unique Sicilian culture.
3. Size of the city
The size of the city affects the pace of life and the range of available activities are the key factors when choosing the right city to study in Italy. Larger cities provide more opportunities for socializing, working, and exploring, but they can also be overwhelming. Smaller cities, on the other hand, offer a more intimate, relaxed environment and a close-knit community.
- Rome: A sprawling metropolis with plenty of opportunities but may feel overwhelming.
- Milan: Another large, fast-paced city that’s ideal for those who enjoy a busy, urban lifestyle.
- Verona: A medium-sized city that balances cultural richness with a quieter atmosphere.
- Siena: A smaller, picturesque city with a laid-back vibe and a tight student community.
4. Proximity to other regions
This might seem minor, but it’s an important factor to consider when choosing the right city to study in Italy. Depending on how much you want to explore Italy and beyond, you might want to choose a city that offers convenient travel options. Some cities are well-connected to other regions of Italy or even other European countries, making weekend trips or short vacations easier.
- Milan: Close to Switzerland and France, making international travel convenient.
- Rome: Centrally located in Italy, making travel to other regions in Italy quick and easy.
- Genoa: Ideal for coastal exploration and well-connected to northern Italy.
- Venice: Offers great proximity to Austria and Slovenia, perfect for exploring Eastern Europe.
5. Climate
Italy’s climate varies from the cooler northern regions to the sunny, warm south. The city’s climate can affect your daily life, from the activities you engage in to how comfortable you feel during different seasons. Check climate of each cities thoroughly when choosing the right city to study in Italy for you.
- Milan: Cold winters with snow and hot, humid summers.
- Florence: Mild winters and hot summers, great for those who enjoy moderate weather.
- Taormina: Warm Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
- Genoa: Enjoys a mild coastal climate with temperate conditions year-round.
6. Educational institutions
Italy is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. However, different cities are known for different areas of study, so it’s important to choose a city with a university that excels in your field of interest.
And to know more about how entry exams work for universities in Italy, make sure to check our dedicated article.
Milan
Famous for its world-class universities in fashion, design, music, and business. Some top institutions include:
Politecnico di Milano: Renowned for engineering, architecture, and design.
POLIMI Graduate School of Management is a part of Politecnico di Milano, renowned for its high-quality business programs and global network, offering a range of MBA and specialized master’s degrees. Contact Go! Go! Italia if you need assistance applying and navigating the process to study in this institution.
Università Bocconi: Known for business and economics, considered one of the top business schools in Europe.
Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera: Focuses on fine arts and design.
Rome
Known for its wide variety of academic fields and top-ranking universities that cater to diverse interests.
Sapienza University of Rome: One of the oldest universities in the world, offering programs in science, humanities, engineering, and more.
LUISS Guido Carli: A private university specializing in social sciences, law, and business.
Roma Tre University: Another highly regarded institution with a strong emphasis on humanities and social sciences.
NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti): Italy’s largest private art academy, specializing in design, media arts, and fashion. If you’re interested in studying at NABA in Rome or Milan, Go! Go! Italia can help you with the entire application process, from finding the right program to assisting with paperwork.
Florence
Ideal for students of the arts and culture.
University of Florence: Offers a wide range of programs but is particularly known for its humanities, architecture, and fine arts departments.
Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze: An art academy that focuses on painting, sculpture, and visual arts, deeply connected to the Renaissance legacy.
Verona
Known for its quality programs in the humanities and social sciences, with a focus on fostering critical thinking.
University of Verona: Offers excellent programs in law, literature, philosophy, and foreign languages.
7. Transportation options
Public transportation is an essential factor, especially in larger cities. Some cities offer extensive metro or bus networks, while others rely more on regional systems. Make sure to consider how easy it will be to get around both locally and when traveling outside the city.
- Milan: Extensive metro, bus, and tram networks make getting around easy.
- Rome: A well-connected city, though traffic can be a challenge.
- Venice: Relies on boats and water taxis for public transport, adding a unique charm to the city.
- Genoa: Offers buses, funiculars, and ferries along the coast for easy travel.
- Taormina, Siena: easily accessible on foot.
Choosing the right city to study in Italy with Go! Go! Italia
Choosing the right city to study in Italy is about finding a place where you’ll thrive both academically and personally. We are confident that you will find an Italian city that’s the perfect fit for you. Take time to reflect on what matters most to you – from cost of living and culture to climate and travel options.
Remember, this is your chance to make the most of an incredible experience. Contact Go! Go! Italia to get free help choosing the right city to study in Italy! With our guidance, you can confidently choose a city and language school where you’ll not only grow academically but also fall in love with the Italian lifestyle.
