Type and Cost Of Accommodation In Italy For Pakistani Students 2024

Once you arrive in Italy with a study visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit, also known as "Permesso di Soggiorno," within 8 days of your arrival. The residence permit allows you to legally reside in Italy for the duration of your studies.

What Is Italian Residence Permit 

How To Apply For Residence Permit In Italy

Visit the local post office (Poste Italiane) or a designated immigration office (Sportello Amico) to obtain the residence permit application kit. This kit includes the necessary forms and instructions for completing the application.

• Fill out the residence permit application form accurately and provide all the required information.

• Prepare the supporting documents required for the residence permit application. These may include your

  • Passport

  • Visa

  • Acceptance letter from the Italian university

  • Proof of financial means

  • Health insurance

  • Proof of accommodation

• Once you have completed the application form and gathered the necessary documents, submit your residence permit application to immigration office.

• After submitting the application, you will be given an appointment for biometric data collection. This appointment usually takes place at the local police station (Questura) or immigration office. During the appointment, you will have your fingerprints taken and your photograph captured.

• At the appointment, you will also be required to pay the residence permit fee.

• After submitting your application and providing biometric data, you will need to wait for the processing of your residence permit. The processing time can vary but generally it takes 4 – 6 weeks.

• Once your residence permit is approved, you will receive a notification to collect your residence permit card. You will be issued the residence permit card, which serves as proof of your legal stay in Italy.

Accommodation Options In Italy For Internatioanl Students 

The type of accommodation you choose must have location proximity to your College or University in Italy and also consider affordability factor. If the Universities offer on-campus living accommodation such as hostels or dormitories then it will be informed to you along with acceptance letter issued on your name. To give you an information about student accommodation options in Italy, we have mustered the following guide:

Types Of Student Accommodations In Italy For Pakistani Students 

Hostels and Dorms:

It is one of the most affordable options. Hostels and Dorms are first priority of students because of many facilities.

• They contain laundry rooms, and common kitchen which are shared by all.

• You get to make friends quickly and most preferably hostels and dormitories are nearer to location of your university.

• Living there can save your time for travelling and the atmosphere of dormitories is usually disciplined.

Shared Student Rooms

It is second common liked and selected accommodation option for international students in Italy. Students from same class or batch book a shared room or flat to avail a private space. Dormitories and hostels are although cheap cost options but they are less private.

• Shared rooms and flats will assure you atmosphere of your own preference and privacy.

• Shared rooms costs depend upon location and facilities.

• That you will have to search yourself or take assistance from your university’s accommodation services office

Private Flats and Apartments

The most expensive yet luxurious option for students can be renting private flats or apartments.

• You will have your kitchen, laundry room, TV lounge and can decorate it according to your aesthetic taste. It ensures privacy and comfort.

• Especially you will have your own kitchen where cooking your favorite native foods is more easy.

• You can share these flats and apartments with your friends and divide the bills and monthly house rent to make it a less burden on yourself and keep enjoying the private housing facilities. 

How To Arrange An Accommodation In Italy

Many Universities in Italy offer students accommodation facility in forms of hostels and dormitories but not all. The students housing in Italy for international students is handled by university’s accommodation services office. You will be notified about on campus accommodation facility by accommodation office your chosen university in Italy after you meet their admission requirements of Italian Universities and get acceptance letter for admission. In case the University does not offer on-campus living facility,

University’s accommodation offices of university assist students in finding suitable housing in Italy. The accommodation arranged with assistance of university officials is rather cheaper in cost than privately attained accommodation.

Those who want to find an apartment or shared room in Italy on their own can consult Housing websites like

• HousingAnywhere

•  idealista

Important Points To Keep In Mind While Searching For An Accommodation

• You living accommodation must have proximity to your institution

• Affordable expenses or ask if there are any hidden charges involved

• Security Factor

• While opting for hostels and dormitories ask about the fellow you will be sharing room with

• Start accommodation search as early as possible and make decision by considering all above factors

• Read the rental contract carefully before signing and ask if there is anything you don’t understand or find non-committal