How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Naples, Italy

Naples (Napoli) is an amazing destination for an exchange, home to institutions like University of Naples Federico II, University of Naples Parthenope, University of Naples L’Orientale). Finding housing as an exchange student specifically can be daunting, though. Landlords or corporations are reluctant to rent to international students. Additionally, short-term housing is scarce. To make matters worse, socials are full of scams -some more obvious than others. But Naples is a prime exchange destination. Don’t let the housing crisis stop you from experiencing it! Read on for guidance and info specifically for exchange students.

Practical tips for securing exchange accommodation in Naples

1. Host university resources: (University of Naples Federico II, University of Naples Parthenope, University of Naples L’Orientale) Check the official portals of your host institution (Federico II, Parthenope, or L’Orientale) for housing bulletin boards, regional student welfare services (such as ADISU Campania), and advice tailored to international visitors. Reach out to their international student offices directly to inquire about dedicated dormitories or vetted housing lists.
2. Municipal information of your host city Naples. Review the official city council information pages for Naples to gain insight into municipal rental regulations and tenant protections.
3. Exercise caution on socials: Social media groups are frequently used by exchange students looking for rooms, but they are unmoderated and carry a high risk of fraudulent listings. Never send advance security deposits or money transfers before verifying the property, and cross-reference listings with official housing offices whenever possible.
4. Dedicated exchange platforms: Standard local platforms often target multi-year leases. Exchange Rooms caters directly to short-term university exchange students, connecting incoming students with listings offered by verified fellow university peers.

Local information and living costs in Naples

To plan effectively, you need a clear picture of the city's neighborhoods, typical living expenses, and transport options:

• Student Neighborhoods:
• Centro Storico (Historical Center): Heart of the action, highly walkable, and right next to central University of Naples Federico II and L'Orientale facilities. It is lively, bustling, and steeped in history, though it can get noisy at night.
• Vomero: A safer, quieter, uphill residential area featuring great views, parks, and shopping. It is connected to the city center via funiculars and Metro Line 1, though rent prices here tend to run higher.
• Montecalvario & Quartieri Spagnoli: Vibrant, authentic neighborhoods with narrow streets close to Toledo and central university sites, offering slightly more affordable rents.
• Piazza Garibaldi / Station Area: Provides lower rent options and excellent travel connections, though students should remain cautious and aware of their surroundings at night.
• Cost of Student Housing: Rent for a private single room in a shared student flat (stanza singola) generally ranges between €300 and €500 per month depending on the location. Shared rooms (posto letto) can cost closer to €200–€300, while private studio apartments range from €600 to €850+.
• Estimated Cost of Living: Outside of rent, Naples remains one of the most affordable major university cities in Italy. An average student living budget ranges between €600 and €900 per month all-in. Monthly groceries typically cost €150–€250, while dynamic university canteens (mensa) offer full meals to students for roughly €2–€5.
• Public Transportation: Naples features an extensive network of buses, trams, the Metro network (Line 1 and Line 6), urban regional trains, and iconic funicular railways connecting hilly neighborhoods like Vomero to the coast and center. A single trip ticket costs around €1.50, while a monthly student transit pass (UnicoCampania) typically costs around €25 to €35.
• Extra Local Insights: Naples offers an unbeatable quality of life for students on a budget. Renowned as the birthplace of Neapolitan pizza, eating out is surprisingly affordable (a traditional Margherita costs as little as €5 to €8 in local pizzerias). The city is also a gateway to Southern Italy, situated right near Mount Vesuvius, the ancient ruins of Pompeii, and islands like Capri and Ischia, making weekend travel cheap and effortless.

The bonus tip you might not expect

An unexpected way to secure housing in your destination city is to list your home room for sublet first. By posting your current accommodation on Exchange Rooms and sending the listing link to the international office at your host university in Naples, you can directly connect with Neapolitan students heading abroad to your home institution. This peer-to-peer approach helps unlock sublet opportunities right in the city where you need housing.

Even if you do not have a room available to sublet, creating a profile on Exchange Rooms still works to your advantage. Sharing the platform with student groups at both your home and host universities helps expand the peer network, raising the likelihood that you and fellow students will secure short-term accommodation.

Exchange Rooms

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

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