How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Milan, Italy

Milan (Milano) stands as Italy’s financial, fashion, and industrial hub. It pulls in thousands of international university students each semester, which creates intense competition for available rentals. A widespread issue for exchange students specifically is that local property owners frequently prefer multi-year tenancy agreements, leaving exchange participants with limited short-stay choices. Additionally, remote house-hunting increases exposure to deceptive online listing scams targeting unsuspecting arrivals. Despite these challenges, finding housing should not stand in the way of studying in Milan! Knowing what to expect regarding the housing market, expenses and logistics provides a clear advantage when planning the move.

Actionable ways to secure exchange accommodation in Milan

1. Leverage host institution resources (University of Milan (Università degli studi di Milano), Politecnico di Milano, University of Milano-Bicocca, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Cattolica International), Bocconi University) Reach out directly to campus housing offices to inquire about short-term dorm slots, unadvertised vacancies, or partner housing programs, even prior to official enrollment completion.
2. Consult information provided by host city Milan.Local government sites and city administrative portals frequently maintain updated informational resources regarding local tenant laws, residential rights, and urban housing services.
3. Exercise caution on socials: While social networking groups remain a common fallback for finding flatmates, they carry high risks of fraud. Avoid wiring funds before inspecting property documentation, verify address details through official channels, and prioritize listings that offer verified user credentials.
4. Use specialized exchange networks: Platforms dedicated explicitly to academic exchange incoming and outgoing cohorts bypass typical market friction. Exchange Rooms offers a community-centered framework built exclusively for exchange students seeking reliable, short-term lease options directly from verified fellow students.

Living and housing in Milan

1. Expected Costs of Living & Housing Rates

Living in Milan requires careful financial planning, as it remains one of Italy's more premium urban destinations:

• Student Housing Costs: Renting a private single bedroom inside a shared apartment typically ranges from €500 to €800 per month depending on proximity to the historical center. A double room shared with another flatmate usually costs between €400 and €500 per person. For those desiring a fully private studio (monolocale), prices start around €800 to €1,300+ monthly.
• Upfront Move-in Funds: Landlords routinely request two to three months' rent as a security deposit alongside the first month's payment.
• General Monthly Expenses: Outside of rent, students generally spend between €350 and €550 per month to cover utilities (heating, electricity, water, internet), groceries, and leisure activities.

2. Student Neighborhoods

Choosing where to live depends largely on budget, atmosphere, and university placement:

• Città Studi & Lambrate: Highly energetic, traditional academic zones populated heavily by university students; offers balance between reasonable rental rates and lively public squares.
• Bovisa & Dergano: Located toward the northern side of the city, these former industrial districts provide some of the most economical housing options without sacrificing rapid connections to the center.
• Bicocca: A modern, residential district featuring contemporary apartment blocks and wide public spaces, offering affordable living costs.
• Navigli & Porta Romana: World-famous for canal views, vibrant nightlife, and endless cafes; these central and south-central neighborhoods sit on the upper end of the price spectrum.

3. Getting Around the City

Milan features a highly integrated public transit network (ATM) consisting of four main underground metro lines, an extensive network of historic street trams, and suburban buses.

• Transit Subscriptions: Students under the age of 27 can secure an unlimited monthly ATM travel pass for approximately €22 per month, which covers all urban metro, tram, and bus lines. Standard monthly passes cost roughly €39.
• Cycling: Bike-sharing services operate continuously throughout the metropolitan zone, featuring dedicated cycling lanes linking main university sites.

The bonus tip you might not expect

A proven strategy for unlocking hard-to-find housing involves leveraging your room at home. Posting an available bedroom on Exchange Rooms before departing allows you to share the link directly with the international office at your destination in Milan. Informing incoming Italian exchange students heading to your origin university about your empty room creates a direct bridge in the network, increasing traction right where you need it.

Even if you do not have a personal space to sublet, creating an account and expanding the shared user network increases available short-term options for the entire global student community.

Exchange Rooms

Exchange Rooms can help you secure housing in Milan. Search for rooms in the area or learn more and make an account!

Good luck finding housing, we’re rooting for you!