How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Rome, Italy

The Italian capital is home to prestigious academic institutions, including Sapienza University of Rome, Roma Tre University, University of Rome Tor Vergata, and LUISS Guido Carli. Despite the city's welcoming academic environment, local property owners often hesitate to sign short-term agreements with exchange students. Furthermore, searching from abroad leaves students vulnerable to online rental scams targeting incoming expats. But: housing hurdles should never deter you from studying in Rome! Read on for guidance specifically for exchange students.

Essential resources for finding exchange accommodation in Rome

1. Check the resources of your host university (Sapienza University of Rome, Roma Tre University, University of Rome Tor Vergata, LUISS Guido Carli) Check their dedicated international student portals for housing advice, or reach out directly to their housing support offices for guidance on short-term rentals, even prior to formal registration.
2. Municipal information offered by host city Rome.Review official civic websites for the City of Rome, which often publish local market updates and tenant resources for newcomers.
3. Scam prevention: While social media groups and message boards are widely used by exchange students, they carry significant risks of fraudulent listings. Never wire money before verifying a property, and consult university housing offices or rely on verified housing platforms to confirm a landlord's authenticity.
4. Dedicated platforms: Generic rental websites rarely cater to the short-term needs of exchange students. In contrast, Exchange Rooms is tailored specifically for university mobility programs, offering short-term sublets listed directly by verified student peers.

Local cost and student life

Living in Rome requires budgeting for monthly rent, food, daily transportation, and personal expenses. On average, an international student living in Rome should anticipate an all-inclusive monthly cost of living between €800 and €1,300, depending heavily on location and personal lifestyle.

• Student Room (Private): €450 – €800 - Varies by neighborhood; shared flat (stanze singole).
• Utilities & Internet: €80 – €130 - Electricity, gas, water, building fees (spese condominiali), and Wi-Fi.
• Groceries: €200 – €300 - Shopping at local markets (mercati rionali) or budget supermarkets keeps costs down.
• Public Transport: €23 – €35 - Monthly pass for ATAC buses, trams, and Metro lines.
• Leisure & Dining Ou: €100 – €250 - Includes affordable aperitivi and university dining options (mensa).Getting Around: Transportation

Rome's public transit network—managed by ATAC—includes two main underground lines (Metro A and Metro B), an extensive bus system, and several tram routes. A single transit ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. However, students benefit greatly from purchasing a monthly public transit pass (Abbonamento Mensile) for roughly €35, or exploring discounted annual student transit passes to secure unlimited access across the city.

Key neighborhoods for students

Where you choose to live directly affects your daily budget, commute time, and social life. Popular neighborhoods among university students include:

• San Lorenzo: Located adjacent to Sapienza University, San Lorenzo is the ultimate bohemian student quarter. It offers affordable student eateries, lively nightlife, and lower rental costs (typically €450–€650/month for a single room).
• Piazza Bologna & Nomentano: Connected directly via Metro B, this area is widely popular with both Sapienza and LUISS students. It is safer and quieter than San Lorenzo while maintaining convenient transit access to campus (€500–€700/month).
• Ostiense & Garbatella: Conveniently situated near Roma Tre University, these southern districts offer authentic local culture, great transit connections, and mid-range accommodation prices (€400–€600/month).
• Trastevere & Prati: Picturesque and central, these areas are world-famous for their cobblestone streets, vibrant restaurants, and scenic beauty. Due to high tourism demand, rooms here tend to be significantly more expensive (€600–€850/month).

The bonus tip you might not expect

Finding a room abroad can actually begin by making your current accommodation available. By listing your own vacant room on Exchange Rooms, you can forward the listing link directly to the international relations office at your host university in Rome. Point out that outgoing Roman students traveling to your home university can sublet your space, which increases your chances of opportunities appearing right where you need them.

Even if you do not have a personal space to sublet, you can create a user profile without posting a listing. Sharing the Exchange Rooms network with both your home institution and host university expands the overall community pool, boosting housing access for exchange participants globally.

Exchange Rooms

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

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