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Living in Milan as a Student: 4 tips
Studying Italian in Milan is the ideal choice for those looking for a modern, efficient and dynamic city.
Known as the capital of fashion and design, Milan is home to the Italian stock exchange, but is also recognized as a city where the quality of life is at the top of the Italian ranking.
In the Quality of life index Milan is second place after Trieste, but is at the top for the quality of public transport. A crucial point when you are a non-resident student, as punctual and fast transport service is essential for getting around and experiencing the city.
The Lombard capital boasts some of the most renowned Italian universities: Politecnico, Bicocca, Bocconi, Cattolica, Iulm, IED and many others.
Milanese universities attract students from all over Italy and from all over the world.
Even in the year of the pandemic (2020-2021), more than 15 thousand international students have chosen to study in Milan in one of the 8 universities of the metropolitan city, a sign of how the internationalization process of Milanese universities has not stopped with the Covid [source: www.genioeimpresa.it]
If you are a student and are trying to understand how much it costs to live in Milan as a student, we have collected some tips for drawing up an action plan that will allow you to experience the city to the fullest.
Cost of living in Milan for International Students
It goes without saying that Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy, but it is also because it is one of the economic hubs of the country, so if you are looking for a job that helps you cover some expenses, it will not be difficult to find it. Also read What to know if you move to Milan
1. Rent
The major expense of the off-site student is the rent. The costs for an apartment are quite high, the average cost will be between 800 € -1000.
In Milan you will find many advertisements for renting a room, or a bed in a room shared with another person. A convenient solution if you are traveling with a friend you get along with, but who could be tiring in the long run.
Attention also to rents with “expenses” included or excluded. If they are excluded, it means that you have to consider a monthly extra for gas, electricity and internet bills. Something to consider when choosing.
2. How to eat healthy in Milan
When it comes to food, the cost of living in Milan is acceptable, in line with other cities. But above all you will be able to benefit from all the cuisines of the world and access quality raw materials, through the local markets and shops.
Always eating out is not a very sustainable option economically, so the Milanese tradition of schisceta comes to your aid for your lunches outside the home between one study session and another.
The schisceta is the container in which the ready-made meal is kept, prepared at home, to be consumed where you study or work. The term schiscetta derives from the Milanese “schiscià”/to crush”: originally, in fact, food was crushed in containers, suitable for being easily stored in bags and other objects.
3. Going out in Milan
In Milan there are clubs for all types and budgets, the ideal city for students who have flexible schedules and can go out at any time of the day.
Evenings are quite expensive if you go to glamorous Milanese clubs, but you can also find many smaller clubs where you spend around 5 euros for a drink and 3 euros for a beer. But beware, the average cost for a drink is 8-10 euros per drink and 5 euros for a beer.
Shopping
Going to study Italian in Milan, in the capital of fashion, certainly means leaving some space in your suitcase for clothes and souvenirs to buy.
You will find a large variety of shops, major brands, chains and small independent shops for all tastes. With such a wide range of prices, it won’t be difficult to indulge yourself even if you’re on a tight budget.