About the City – What It’s Like to Study in Milan
To study in Milan is to step into Italy’s most dynamic city. It’s where modern meets medieval. Where business suits stroll alongside fashion week runways. Where every espresso is strong, and every piazza tells a story.
Milan is Italy’s economic and design capital. But it’s also a city that thrives on student life. With over 200,000 students spanning multiple world-ranked universities, international life here is vibrant. Cosmopolitan. Connected.
And it’s not just all about books. Living in Milan means aperitivo at sunset, late-night museum visits, buzzing nightlife, and €3 pizza that (somehow) tastes gourmet. Whether you’re studying economics, fashion, architecture, or engineering, you’ll find a home in Milan’s international student ecosystem.
This city doesn’t just hand you a degree. It gives you inspiration. Opportunities. And the boots-on-the-ground experience of living in one of Europe’s most influential urban hubs.
Why Milan is a Big Deal for International Students
1. Global Education in a Global City
Milan is home to some of Italy’s top universities, many offering full English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These include programs in business, arts, design, law, science, and engineering. The city’s academic offerings are vast, competitive, and deeply connected to real-world industries.
2. Career-Driven, Opportunity-Rich
Milan isn’t just about learning, it’s about launching. It’s where Finance meets Fashion meets Innovation. Global companies like Armani, Luxottica, BCG, Pirelli, and Microsoft have offices here. Internship hunting is easier than in many other cities thanks to Milan’s international business culture.
3. Student Life is City Life
The energy is unmatched. Universities are integrated with the city, no isolated campuses. That means cafes, coworking spaces, galleries, and startups become your everyday ecosystem. Plus, the international student community is massive, with over 25,000 international students calling Milan home.
4. Smart, Stylish, & Sustainable
Milan is modern. Public transport is excellent, broadband is fast, and sustainability is in focus. It’s a smart city with a green heart.
5. Location, Travel, Lifestyle
Need mountain air? The Alps are two hours away. Craving the sea? Ligurian beaches are reachable in a day. And being Milan, every train leads somewhere cool. Study in Milan and Europe becomes your campus.
Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Milan
1. University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano)
Public, research-focused, and ranked among Europe’s best. Offers a wide range of English programs in science, humanities, and law. Great for academic depth.
2. Bocconi University
One of Europe’s top business schools. Competitive admissions, world-class faculty, and globally respected in economics, finance, and management.
3. Politecnico di Milano
Italy’s #1 technical university. Known worldwide for engineering, architecture, and design. Offers multiple English-taught programs from undergraduate to PhD.
4. IULM University (Università IULM)
Private school focused on communication, marketing, tourism, and creative arts. Great facilities and strong industry links.
5. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Europe’s largest private university. Offers programs in medicine, psychology, international relations, and media. Several undergraduate and postgraduate courses available in English.
6. Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera (Brera Academy)
Historic fine arts school. Excellent for painting, sculpture, visual design, and multimedia arts. Full of heritage and creative culture.
7. NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti)
Modern arts and fashion school. Bachelor and master’s degrees in design fields taught entirely in English.
8. Istituto Marangoni
One of the world’s top fashion and luxury schools. Focused on fashion design, business, and styling. High international presence.
9. Domus Academy
Postgraduate school for design, fashion, architecture, and business. Known for project-based education and global collaboration.
10. SDA Bocconi School of Management
Top-tier for MBAs and executive programs. A powerhouse for future business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Milan
- CX Milan (Campus X)
- Camplus Turro
- Student Hotel Milan
- San Vittore Students Flat
- DoveVivo Apartments
- Camplus Gorla
- Aparto Giovenale
- Milano International Living
- Istituto Figlie del Sacro Cuore Residenza
- Zebra Housing Porta Romana
These offer a mix of private studios, shared flats, and co-living concepts. Amenities typically include Wi-Fi, cleaning, study areas, and community events, a solid combo of style and practicality.
Top 10 Student Areas in Milan
1. Città Studi
- Nearby: Politecnico di Milano, University of Milan Science Faculty
- Vibe: Quiet, green, super academic
Great for focused study with tons of libraries and budget cafés.
2. Navigli
- Nearby: IULM, NABA, Bocconi
- Vibe: Artsy, buzzing, full of students
Canals, vintage shops, and affordable nightlife. Iconic Milanese student life.
3. Porta Romana
- Nearby: Bocconi, University of Milan
- Vibe: Trendy and a little upscale
Walkable to class, but rent is on the higher side. Think coworking cafés and yoga studios.
4. Isola
- Nearby: Brera Academy, Domus
- Vibe: Hipster-central
Cool, young, and full of apartment shares. Close to nightlife but still calm when needed.
5. Loreto/Turro
- Nearby: Politecnico, CX Milan
- Vibe: Affordable, student-dense
Underrated, well-connected by metro, and more bang for your buck housing-wise.
6. Porta Venezia
- Nearby: Milano Main campuses
- Vibe: Stylish, LGBTQ+ friendly, central
Parks, streetwear, and dwelling diversity. Highly social.
7. Bicocca
- Nearby: University of Milano-Bicocca
- Vibe: Modern and residential
Large student community, newer apartments, and solid transport ties.
8. Corvetto
- Nearby: Connected via metro
- Vibe: Budget-convenient
Not glamorous, but definitely affordable. Growing student population due to lower rent.
9. Chinatown/Sempione
- Nearby: Easily connected to Brera, Politecnico
- Vibe: Calm and cozy
Multicultural, food heaven, and less touristy. Great for peaceful nights and sharing flats.
10. Lambrate
- Nearby: Politecnico di Milano
- Vibe: Student hotspot
Urban meets underground. Craft beer, food trucks, art, plus some of the city’s best student apartments.
Cost of Living in Milan – What to Expect As a Student
Living in Italy’s most urban city isn’t dirt-cheap, but it’s still manageable.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared or Studio) | €400 – €800 |
| Groceries & Meals | €180 – €250 |
| Transport (Student Pass) | €22 |
| Wi-Fi + Phone | €30 – €50 |
| Social Life & Extras | €100 – €200 |
➡ Monthly total: €800 – €1,300
Tips for staying on budget:
- Apply early for public university residencies
- Shop at fresh produce markets like Mercato di Viale Papiniano
- Join university gym and library memberships, they save time and euros
- Cook often, eating out in Milan can add up fast
Milan might be Europe’s style queen, but student budgeting still rules the roost.
Local Transport – Getting Around as a Student in Milan
1. Metro + Tram + Bus (ATM System)
Milan’s transit is fast, clean, and extensive. A monthly student pass (age under 26) costs around €22 and covers metro, buses, and local trains.
2. Bike Sharing
Services like BikeMi offer cheap yearly subscriptions. Milan’s bike lanes make getting around easy, and healthy.
3. Walking
Many campuses and apartments are walkable. Side bonus: you get to explore classic Milan, from Duomo to hidden trattorias.
4. Intercity Trains
Need a break? Milan is one of Italy’s best-connected train hubs, zip to Venice, Florence, or Bologna on a whim.
5. Electric Scooters & Car Sharing
Perfect for quick trips. Zero emission. Fully app-based. Students love ’em.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Milan
Study in Milan, and you’re not just picking a city. You’re choosing a lifestyle.
Expect education that’s fiercely international. A culture that’s globally relevant. And a student experience that blends espresso-fueled mornings with Aperol sunsets. From free tuition at public unis (yep, it’s real) to megabrand internships, Milan gives you more than a degree, it gives you momentum.
You won’t just study here. You’ll evolve.
So buckle up. Milan’s got places to take you.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Milan
1. Is Milan good for international students?
Yes! With top-ranked universities, lots of English programs, and a huge international crowd, Milan is built for global learners.
2. Is education free in Milan?
Public universities often charge minimal tuition, about €200–€3,000 per year for international students, depending on your income.
3. Can I study in English in Milan?
Absolutely. Many bachelor’s and most master’s programs are offered fully in English.
4. How much money do I need per month?
Budget between €800–€1,300, depending on your housing and lifestyle.
5. Can international students work part-time?
Yes. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term and more during breaks.
6. What’s the student social life like?
Busy and diverse. From wine tastings to international student clubs and rooftop parties, it’s got range.
7. Is Milan safe for students?
Very. As with any city, stay street smart. But Milan is ranked one of Italy’s safest cities for young people.
8. When should I apply for housing?
As early as possible, 4 to 6 months in advance is ideal.
9. Do I need to speak Italian?
For some degree programs, no. But day-to-day life is so much easier with basic Italian.
10. Why should I choose Milan over Rome or Florence?
More business. More global jobs. Better transport. And a vibe that’s equal parts edgy and elegant.
