Study in Rome: a guide for international students

Rome is a captivating city that has inspired people for literally thousands of years. Studying in Rome means immersing yourself in one of Europe's most thrilling capitals. Everywhere you turn, you'll see another astonishing slice of history – no wonder so many people come to Rome to study. 
Once the capital of the mighty Roman Empire, the city of Rome still shows the traces of its illustrious past. Everyone knows the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, but when you study in Rome you'll find more ancient monuments tucked away downside streets. If you are into art, there's no better place: the city was also a major Renaissance centre, and today it boasts some of the best galleries in the world. 
That is not to say that living in Rome means living in the past, though. This is an exciting capital with lots to see and do, and students can enjoy some truly fabulous nightlife. Oh – and did we mention the food yet?  

Reasons to study in Rome 

Still not convinced about studying in Italy? Here are some of the main reasons why you'll love the chance to study in Rome. 

Great weather  

The weather in Rome is fantastic – It's not as scorching hot as in the south of Italy, and there's no need to worry about snow in winter. Rome has a classic Mediterranean climate. That means long, hot summers with highs of 30°C and mild, rainy winters. Freezing temperatures are extremely rare and there are four distinct seasons. That's great news for students – there's nothing like warm weather to boost your morale for those final exams! 

Home to the Roman Empire 

Are you a history buff? Then head straight for the Colosseum, Rome's most famous monument, where gladiators once duked it out for the entertainment of the emperor and his pals. That's not the only major sight worth seeing in Rome, though. After all, this city was once the capital of the Roman Empire. From the Roman Forum to Castel Sant Angelo, this city is a history student's dream. 
As you walk the streets of the Eternal City, you'll see history laid out in front of you. Take a trip to the Pantheon in Rome, once a temple to gods like Jupiter and Venus, before being transformed into a Catholic church. Pay a visit to Vatican City to discover how Rome's religion changed Europe forever. Even if you're not a historian, studying in Rome will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for its rich past! 

Top Italian universities   

Rome is a large capital city, so naturally it has several options for students. From historic universities to international colleges, there really is something for everyone. Next, here are some of the best universities in Rome. 

The Italian universities  

• Sapienza University of Rome: This is one of the oldest universities in the world, dating back to 1303. Many of Italy's elites have studied here over the centuries, and it's ranked within the top 3% of universities worldwide. In particular, it's known for its superb classics and ancient history department, ranking first in its field according to 2024 QS World University Rankings. 

• Tor Vergata University of Rome: This is the place to go if you want to focus on STEM subjects. Tor Vergata is a modern university, with a campus inspired by the colleges in English-speaking country. Its business administration, global governance, and engineering degrees are taught in English.  

• Roma Tre University: This is the youngest public university in Rome, but it has quickly established itself as a major institution. Its architecture and law departments are highly competitive. It's the only university in Italy to offer a Clinical Legal Programme, focusing on human rights law, immigration and refugees.  

• Link Campus University: This small private university has just three departments. Here you can study political science, digital communications or global management and finance. English is the standard language in all three.  
• The American University of Rome: This US-accredited university is a great study abroad option. It has links with dozens of other institutions, both in the United States and in other countries. The small, close-knit community gives it a friendly vibe.  
• John Cabot University Guarini Campus: A private American university, JCU is an extremely popular choice for studying in Italy. It offers a number of different programmes, including an MA in Art History that encourages students to do research in Rome's galleries and museums.  

Student housing in Rome  

Most universities in Rome don't have their own dedicated dorms. This means you may need to find your own student housing in Rome, which can be a daunting task. In some cases, local real estate agencies have deals with specific universities; in other cases, students search on Facebook groups for somewhere to live, often in popular areas like Piazza Bologna or San Lorenzo. 
The Social Hub makes things easy, providing dedicated student accommodation in Rome. You'll have your own room in an excellent location, a private bathroom and a kitchen where you can rustle up some pasta. It's a lot simpler than trying to figure out the private rental market. 

What to do in Rome as a student 

Feeling bored in Rome? How is that even possible? This is one of the most exciting places in the world. There's great nightlife, amazing food and, of course, all that history.  

Plus, students will find sports clubs, hobby opportunities and more – and it's easy to travel to other parts of Italy for a weekend getaway, too. Florence, for instance, is just 1.5 hours away by taking high-speed trains like Frecciarossa or Italo. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Renaissance art and savor high-quality meat! Alternatively, you can visit Naples and Pompeii, both 1 to 1.5 hours away by train, where you’ll be able taste authentic pizza and explore the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompeii.

Explore the nightlife of Rome 

Italians love to party, and now you have the chance to join them! If you like to keep things sophisticated, then head to the theatre or one of the regular Notte al Museo (Night at the Museum) events. Want something a little more down to earth? Rome has a vast number of nightclubs, pubs and bars, with something to offer everyone, from hard rock to hip-hop. There's a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, too.  

Learn to be a pro with wine tasting in Rome  

When in Rome, do as the Romans do – and that means drinking wine! Soon you'll be sniffing corks and discussing subtle flavours and deep floral notes, thanks to a wine appreciation course in Rome. Italy is famous for its great vino (wine), and you can't really enjoy la dolce vita without a glass of some local red or white. Take fun evening classes to learn more. 

Take a cooking class in Rome to become a carbonara expert  

No trip to Italy would be complete without some serious feasting. Every region in the country has its own specialties, and in Rome they include supplì al telefono (deep-fried risotto balls with an oozing cheesy centre, the perfect late night snack), fried zucchini flowers, Roscioli's red pizza and, of course, carbonara. There is a huge number of cooking classes in the evening where you'll learn to prepare food just like Nonna used to make. Don't want to get your hands dirty? Then just head to your local trattoria and let someone else do the cooking. Rome is increasingly vegan-friendly, too, with a growing number of plant-based options on most menus.  

Take a trip back in time  

Rome is the perfect city for culture vultures. Studying there means having the chance to see history come to life. Visit the Colosseum at night to see it lit up in dramatic style, or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain as you make a wish. You can even take an easy international day trip by hopping across the border into Vatican City and exploring its  stunning historical buildings. 

See the best art in the world  

There are plenty of galleries in Rome, like the Fondazione MAXXI or the Museo d'Arte Contemporanea, but you'll find some amazing art all over the city. Take a look at the amazing mosaics in the Basilica of Santa Maria or let yourself be dazzled by the artwork in the church of Sant'Ignazio, known as the Church of Illusions. Want something more contemporary? Take a walk through Ostiense and admire the coolest street art around.  

Cost of living in Rome  

University in Rome tends to be a budget-friendly option. Although the exact numbers vary depending on your university and course, you can expect to pay somewhere between €1,200 and €3,000 per year in fees.  
Your biggest expense in the Eternal City is likely to be rent. At the cheaper end of the spectrum, you may pay as little as €500 or €600 per month for a room in a shared apartment. However, if you want more privacy, that can rise up  to €1,200. You can expect to pay about €100 extra for utilities. Stay at The Social Hub for an all-inclusive student experience that will cost about XXX, including wifi, bills and even gym membership. 
You won't find many student discounts in Rome, but you probably won't need them. Eating out is cheap, and cooking for yourself is even cheaper. Look for budget supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi and your monthly grocery bill could be around €200. You'll also want to budget €35 for a monthly public transport ticket. Single journeys on the metro or bus cost €1.50, so buying a monthly ticket means big savings if you commute to class. 

Language and learning in Rome  

Italian is the common language in Rome. You might be able to get by with just English, particularly if you're hanging around in the city centre. However, learning Italian will open a huge number of doors to you. Start with the basics – ""buongiorno"" (good morning), ""grazie"" (thank you) and ""per favore"" (please). Italians are usually delighted to hear a foreigner making an effort with their language. 
Most people in the city speak some English, particularly younger people, but they're not usually fluent. Universities generally provide language classes so you can immediately start learning Italian in Rome. 

Where to stay in Rome  

With a central location and great facilities, The Social Hub is a fantastic choice for student accommodation in Rome. There's even a rooftop pool where you can chill out and make new friends. 
As a resident of the Social Hub, you'll enjoy perks like free bike rental, high-speed Wi-Fi and a gym membership – all at no extra cost. There's a monthly cleaning service and high-quality bed linen for your comfort, and you'll find shared spaces throughout the Hub. Some are perfect for chatting and getting to know your neighbours, while others are designed to be quiet areas where you can knuckle down and get to work. If you’re feeling bored in the evenings, we’ve got you covered there, too. The Social Hub organises regular networking events where you can meet loads of new people. You may just be spending a few months in Rome, but these friendships will last a lifetime. 

Accommodation options at The Social Hub  

The Social Hub's new location in Rome, opening in October 2024, is ideal for students looking for high quality accommodation. All rooms have a private bathroom and shower, access to the community kitchen, desk, and monthly cleaning service. Here's what else you can find:  

• Standard single: This budget-friendly choice has a comfortable single bed and a big desk where you can study for those all-important exams.  

• Standard double: Upgrade for a touch of luxury! In one of these rooms, you'll have a queen-size bed and a wall-mounted TV – just what you need to relax. Of course, you’ll also have a desk for those essential study sessions.   

Come study abroad in Rome  

Come and study in the world-famous city of Rome, walking those same streets that Julius Caesar and his friends once walked down so many years ago. Check out for your dream student accommodation as you make yourself at home in the Italian capital.