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Bologna

Emilia-Romagna · Italy

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

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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.

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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.
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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.
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Healthcare
Bologna has excellent healthcare. Register at your local AUSL for a GP. The Policlinico SantOrsola hospital is one of Italy-s best and is affiliated with Unibo.
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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.
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