Welcome to Italy! Beyond the pizza, history and dolce vita, your first interaction with this country will be with its unique bureaucracy. We know that navigating through laws, contracts and documents in a new language can seem overwhelming, which is why we have created this complete, objective guide in 5 simple and logical steps. Follow them in order to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities and that you secure all your rights as an international student.

5 Step Road Map (Complete Guide to Italy)


Step 1: Italian Identity (Fiscal Code + SIM)

- Codice Fiscale: Obtained free of charge from the Consulate before departure or from the Agenzia delle Entrate.
- Local SIM: Prepaid card from low-cost operators for Italian phone number (+39).

Step 2: Formalization of Stay (Residence or Permesso)

- EU Students: Registration in the temporary register at the Town Hall (Comune) if staying more than 3 months.
- Non-EU Students: Sending the “Yellow Kit” from the Post Office for the Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days.

Step 3: Housing & Banking (Rent Contract + Bank Account)

- Housing: Finding a room and officially registering the rent contract.
- Banking: Opening a free bank account for students (useful for receiving scholarships).

- Step 4: Government Benefits (Scholarships, Health & Transport)

- Scholarships (Diritto allo Studio): Obtaining the ISEE Parificato document for free accommodation and pocket money.
- Health: Enrolling in the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) to receive a free family doctor.
- Transport: 50-70% discounts on local bus/metro passes based on student status.

Step 5: Social Integration (Community, Language & Jobs)

- Student Networks: Joining local associations such as ESN (Erasmus Student Network) for events and friends.
- Italian Language: Accessing free language courses offered by university centers (CLA).
- Part-time jobs: Work options within the university (150-hour collaborations) or flexible jobs for students.