The city of Milan is a fashion capital, corporate hotspot and an architectural forerunner in Italy. With plenty of fascinating attractions and some top-class universities, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the world’s most desirable study destinations.

If you plan on spending your student years in this magnificent city, Student.com can help you find your dream living space. We list a wide range of student housing in Milan, from stylish studio apartments to affordable shared rooms.

Start browsing our properties at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn about student life in Milan, including the best neighbourhoods to live and top tips for booking accommodation. 

Get to know Milan

While Rome is the seat of political power in Italy, Milan is the financial capital and the industrial heartland of a country that boasts one of Europe’s largest economies. It’s home to most of the country’s big banks, its stock exchange and is Italy's powerhouse of style.

Compared to other major European cities, it’s still relatively small but offers all the advantages of a large city. Most of Milan’s attractions and museums can be reached on foot, thus making it perfect for students and visitors.

There’s amazing food, great nightlife, efficient public transport and a growing international student community. With its thriving economy, it’s also a great place to secure a job after you graduate. 

Universities in Milan

From large public universities with tens of thousands of students to smaller private institutions and specialised schools, Milan is home to a wide range of educational institutions.

Università degli Studi di Milano

Home to around 60,000 students, Università degli Studi di Milano (University of Milan, UniMi or ‘La Statale’) is one of the biggest universities in Italy. In fact, it had close to 90,000 students before the Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca split off and became its own institution in 1998.

The main campus occupies the historic Ca' Granda building in central Milan, with other key locations in Città Studi. It excels across a wide range of subjects, including medicine, arts and humanities, law and life sciences.

Looking for an apartment close to campus? We have a great selection of student housing near UniMi! 

Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano (Polytechnic University of Milan or PoliMi) is the largest technical university in Italy and one of the best universities of its kind in Europe. It’s especially well known for engineering – particularly aerospace and mechanical engineering – as well as architecture and industrial design.

The university is made up of two central campuses in Milan – one in the city centre and the other in Bovisa. There’s a large international student community and vibrant campus life with active student clubs, sports facilities and social events.

Heading to Italy’s top-ranked technical university? Check out our dedicated PoliMi accommodation! 

Università Bocconi

A relatively small private university of around 15,000 students, Università Bocconi (Bocconi University) is known as one of the best in the world for its specialisations, regularly ranking among the top spots globally for business, economics and law.

Based in the heart of Milan, the futuristic campus features incredible teaching facilities and a huge sports complex. Many of its undergraduate, graduate and MBA programs are taught in English, making it a popular choice for international students.

Making the move to one of Italy’s best business schools? Browse our range of accommodation near Bocconi University! 

Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca

Established in 1998 after breaking away from the University of Milan, the University of Milan-Bicocca (University of Milano-Bicocca or UniMiB) is a modern institution with a rapidly growing reputation. It’s made up of various faculties with courses offered across a wide range of subjects.

The main campus is based in Bicocca, a former industrial area on the northern outskirts of Milan. It’s well equipped with top-class teaching facilities and there’s a vibrant social scene with over 30,000 students enrolled.  

Other universities in Milan

Beyond the major universities, Milan is home to a number of smaller institutions offering specialised programmes. Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele (UniSR) focuses on medicine, philosophy and psychology, working closely with affiliated hospitals to help train students.

The Accademia di Brera is a state-run fine-arts academy that dates to 1776 and shares its premises with Milan’s main art museum, while the Istituto Marangoni is one of Italy’s most prestigious fashion schools.

Things for students to do in Milan

Milan is a city with a mix of modern and traditional that’s packed with art, fashion, history and mouth-watering food, offering endless entertainment for students. 

Arts & culture

With art being so deeply rooted in Italy, Milan has several artistic monuments where you can see the works of some of the country’s favourite sons and the world’s greatest artists like Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci.

The stunning Pinacoteca di Brera houses one of Italy’s main collections of Renaissance art with works dating back to the 14th century. The Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia features a collection of over 10,000 items, including models based on da Vinci’s sketches.

And don’t forget to check out Milan’s hidden crown jewel: the Chiesa di San Maurizio. The 16th-century royal chapel and one-time Benedictine convent is covered in breathtaking frescoes, most of which were executed by da Vinci’s former sidekick, Bernardino Luini.

History

The Piazza del Duomo will likely be one of your first stops when exploring Milan. The famous geographical and historical centre of the city remains a major part of Milanese life and comprises various shops, theatres and restaurants.

The crown jewel on the square is the Duomo di Milano church, an extravagant 14th-century Gothic cathedral that's one of the largest in Europe. Just a 10-minute walk away is the famous Castello Sforzesco, an iconic red-brick castle built in the 15th century that now houses various fine art collections. 

Food & drink

Italy is, of course, renowned for its tasty food. Milan might not quite be the capital of Italian cuisine, but the city is well known for some classic dishes, including risotto alla milanese, cotoletta alla milanese and panettone. It’s also known for the Aperol spritz, a fruity aperitif made with prosecco, soda and Aperol.

Among the best places for students to eat is Eppol, home of the ham and whiskey club sandwich. Eppol blends Italian and American traditions in a chic lounge that serves brunch, dinner and drinks. If you can’t decide what to have, head over to Mercato Centrale for a mix of food vendors all under one roof.

Nightlife

Whether you want to listen to classical music or party the night away at a chic nightclub, Milan is a great city for night outs. By day, it’s a sunny city full of people heading to work, drinking cappuccinos and touring iconic landmarks. By night, it transforms into a lively scene of socialising, drinking and dancing.

The pulsing heart of Milan's party scene is the stylish district of Navigli. This is where most of the young and hip hang out at bars and restaurants lining a network of canals. Some of Italy’s trendiest nightclubs, restaurants and pubs can also be found in trendy areas such as Brera, Corso Como, Porta Venezia and Moscova. 

Outdoors

Whenever you want to escape the grandiosity of the fashion capital during your study breaks, you can take a short day trip to the Italian Lakes region, one of the most beautiful areas of northern Italy. The area’s green hills and crystal-clear lakes make it a perfect getaway from the buzzing city.

But you don’t have to leave the city to experience some serenity. Whenever you feel like stretching your legs, the large green space of Parco Sempione is a great place to enjoy a walk or run. Home to hundreds of animals, plants and beautiful buildings, it’s conveniently located in the historic centre of the city. 

Shopping

A major fashion capital, Milan is a dream come true for shopaholics. The most sought-after high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada can all be found in Milan’s main fashion district, the Quadrilatero della Moda.

Elsewhere, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant 19th-century shopping arcade, houses some of the city’s most luxurious boutiques. If you’re not a fan of fancy clothing, head to Navigli for funky avant-garde shops and Brera for cool independent stores. If vintage is your thing, check out Mercatino Michela and Memory Lane.

Best student areas in Milan

Milan has a few key student areas close to the big universities. Each of these have with their own unique perks, whether that’s a lively social scene, affordable student housing or nearby cultural attractions. 

Città Studi

Città Studi (literally ‘city of studies’) has long served as Milan’s primary student neighbourhood. UniMi and PoliMi are based in the area, so you’ll find lots of students from both universities living locally.

The area is characterised by its tree-lined streets and student-friendly amenities like bookshops, cafes and restaurants. Housing mostly consists of older apartment buildings with affordable rents.

Porta Romana

Based around 3km southeast of the city centre, trendy Porta Romana has transformed into one of Milan’s most desirable student areas. It’s within walking distance of Università Bocconi, with other universities accessible via public transport.

The neighbourhood is known for its upscale boutiques, elegant theatres and lively nightlife, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. It is, however, one of the more expensive areas for student housing in Milan. 

Bicocca

Another major university hub, Bicocca is a bustling district located about 7km north of Milan’s city centre. It’s home to the Università di Milano-Bicocca, with most students from the university living in the area.

The neighbourhood is packed with green spaces, student bars and cool cultural attractions, while the centre of Milan is just 15 minutes away on the metro. Housing costs are affordable, too, so it ticks lots of boxes.

Student cost of living in Milan

Milan ranks among Europe's more expensive cities, but the costs are manageable if you budget effectively. Most students will need between €1,000–€1,500 to cover monthly living expenses, including rent, groceries and transport.

Accommodation is the main expense, but costs vary considerably depending on location and amenities. If you opt for more affordable shared housing, you may be able to budget less and still live comfortably.

Free things to do in Milan

If you find yourself short on money, Milan offers plenty of free entertainment to keep you occupied. Many of the city’s best museums are free to visit on the first Sunday of month, including the Pinacoteca di Brera and Castello Sforzesco.

If you fancy stretching your legs, you can easily spend a few hours walking through Milan’s historic centre, stopping by to admire the Duomo, dropping in at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some window-shopping, before relaxing at Parco Sempione. 

Student discounts in Milan

As a student in Milan, you also have access to some handy discounts. If you plan on using public transport often, a monthly student pass is basically essential – it costs around €22 and provides unlimited access to metro, buses, and trams throughout the metropolitan area.

Another top tip is to register for a National Youth Card, which unlocks hundreds of discounts at shops, restaurants, hotels and many other types of businesses throughout the city.

Public transport in Milan

Milan has a superb public transport system that’s reliable, relatively cheap – particularly with a monthly student pass – and runs until late.

Metro

The metro is the main method of transport in Milan. The network consists of five lines and connects the city centre with key student areas, including Città Studi, Bocconi and Bicocca. Services typically run from 6am until midnight, with extended hours on weekends.

Bus

The metro is supplemented by an extensive bus network that covers over 80 routes and extends from the city centre into outlying districts. There are also night buses that run after the metro closes until 6am – ideal for getting home after a night out. 

Tram

The tram is another great option for getting around and comprises over 15 lines that criss-cross through the city, often integrating with metro stations and bus stops for quick transfers. Services start early at around 4.30am and run until 2am.

Frequently asked questions

Is Milan a safe place for students to live?

Milan is generally a very safe city for students. Crime rates are low compared to other major European cities – particularly in the main student hubs of Città Studi and Bicocca. Like any big city, it’s still important to pay attention to your surroundings, but overall you have little to worry about.

When should I start looking for student housing in Milan?

Milan experiences strong demand for student housing from both domestic and international students. It’s generally recommended to start your search 3–4 months before arrival, especially if you’re looking to rent an apartment in a popular area like Città Studi, Porta Romana or Bicocca. 

How much does student housing in Milan cost?

Student housing costs in Milan vary considerably depending on the location and amenities. A shared apartment in an affordable area like Città Studi or Bicocca may only cost €400 per month, while a private residence in a more expensive neighbourhood like Porta Romana will be more like €1,000 per month. 

Where are the best areas for students in Milan?

The best area to live in Milan largely depends on your university – Città Studi is the standout choice for students at the Università degli Studi di Milano and Politecnico di Milano, Porta Romana offers excellent access to Università Bocconi, while Bicocca is best for students at the Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Milan?

EU students just need valid identification and proof of acceptance to study in Milan, but if you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need to apply for a student visa before starting your programme. You can read more about the process here. 

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