Home / Universities / Cities / Bologna
🍝

Study in
Bologna

Emilia-Romagna · Italy

The world-s first university city - compact, vibrant, and exceptional.

Get Placed in Bologna →
Bologna
Università di Bologna (Unibo)
87K+ Students
Avg Rent €550/mo
Emilia-Romagna · Italy
Academitaly Partner City
Bologna
Università di Bologna (Unibo)
87K+ Students
Avg Rent €550/mo
Emilia-Romagna · Italy
Academitaly Partner City
👥
400K
Population
🎓
87K+
Students
🏠
€550/mo
Avg Student Rent
🌤
16°C avg
Climate
About Bologna

Why Study in Bologna?

Bologna is Italy's quintessential student city. The Università di Bologna, founded in 1088, is the world's oldest university still in operation. With 87,000 students in a city of just 400,000, Bologna has one of the highest student-to-resident ratios in Europe. It's energetic, left-leaning, famously well-fed, and easy to navigate.

✓ Bologna for Students
  • World's oldest university — historic prestige
  • Best student atmosphere in Italy
  • Very affordable cost of living
  • Legendary food scene (bolognese, mortadella, tortellini)
What to consider
  • Smaller city - fewer job opportunities locally
  • Hot and humid summers
  • Housing scarce in October–November rush
  • Limited international corporate presence
Higher Education

Universities in Bologna

All universities where Academitaly students regularly gain admission. Tuition fees shown are indicative; public university fees vary by family income bracket (ISEE).

Università di Bologna (Unibo)
Medicine (IMAT), Engineering, Political Sci, Law, Sciences
Public
💶 ~€2K 📝 IMAT / CEnT-S / TOLC
Bologna Business School
Business, Management, MBA programs
Private
💶 €8K–20K 📝 Own Selection
Accademia di Belle Arti
Fine Arts, Restoration, Painting, Sculpture
Public
💶 ~€1K 📝 Portfolio
DAMS (Arts, Music, Performing Arts)
Theatre, Cinema, Music, Art History
Public
💶 ~€1.5K 📝 TOLC / Aptitude test
Cost of Living

Monthly Costs

Estimates for a student lifestyle. Actual costs vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation type, and spending habits.

Monthly Student Budget
Student room (shared)€350 – €550/mo
Studio apartment€600 – €850/mo
Monthly bus pass€28
Groceries (monthly)€160 – €230
University canteen meal€3.50 – €6
Coffee at a bar€1.10
Neighbourhoods

Where to Live

Key student neighbourhoods in Bologna — each with its own character, price range, and proximity to campus.

Centro Storico
Under the porticos — the heart of Bologna, lively, central, slightly pricier
Bolognina
Working-class, multicultural, affordable, 10 min from centre
Santo Stefano / Mazzini
Charming medieval streets, popular with students, good nightlife
San Donato / Corticella
Quieter residential, further out, cheapest rents
Practical Guide

Living in Bologna

Everything you need to know before you arrive — from finding a flat to getting your health card.

🏠
Housing
Bologna is compact — most students live within cycling distance of campus. DSU (university housing) is very competitive. Private rooms are affordable by Italian standards.
🚲
Transport
Bologna is extremely bikeable. A bicycle is the most practical way to get around. The city bus network (TPER) is reliable. A new tram line is under construction.
🏥
Healthcare
Bologna has excellent healthcare. Register at your local AUSL for a GP. The Policlinico Sant'Orsola hospital is one of Italy's best and is affiliated with Unibo.
🌍
Language
Bologna is less touristy than Rome/Florence — Italian is important for daily life. Unibo runs many English-taught Masters programs. CILTA language centre is excellent for Italian courses.
Ready to Study
in Bologna?
Academitaly handles the full journey - from exam prep to accommodation in Bologna. Book a free profile review.
Explore More

Other Student Cities