Practical Italy

Practical Italy.

The paperwork and the plumbing, in plain language. The goal is simple: make complicated things easier to understand.

Documents
Use this when you are preparing your application or visa.
Housing
Use this when you are looking for a room or about to sign.
Transport
Use this when you need to get around the city or the country.
Banking
Use this when you need to pay rent or receive a scholarship.
Healthcare
Use this when you need insurance or a doctor.
University procedures
Use this when you are enrolling or need your student card.
Everyday expenses
Use this when you are planning a monthly budget.
Local services
Use this when you need a post office, a pharmacy or a copy shop.

How we mark information

Official information comes from the institution and links to it. From students is what people say it was like. We never mix the two.

Official

Shared by students · not verified

Use this when you are preparing your application or visa.

Passport, diploma, transcripts, translations and declarations of value. Keep digital copies of everything, and five paper copies of your passport.

Use this when you are looking for a room or about to sign.

Start early, never pay a deposit without a contract, and make sure the lease is registered. A registered lease is your proof of address.

Use this when you need to get around the city or the country.

City passes are cheaper under 26 or 27. Regional trains are cheap, high-speed trains are cheaper when booked early.

Use this when you need to pay rent or receive a scholarship.

You need a codice fiscale to open an Italian account. Online banks are faster to open; local banks are sometimes required for scholarships.

Use this when you need insurance or a doctor.

Non-EU students need valid insurance for the permit. Registering with the national service gives access to a family doctor.

Use this when you are enrolling or need your student card.

Enrolment, student ID, exam registration and the international office. Welcome weeks fix most problems in person.

Use this when you are planning a monthly budget.

Rent is the biggest line. Groceries, transport and a phone plan come next. Coffee is cheap if you stand.

Use this when you need a post office, a pharmacy or a copy shop.

Post offices handle permits. Pharmacies have a green cross. Tabaccherie sell stamps, tickets and the marca da bollo.