Florence offers a fun and carefree student life, characterised by its deep-rooted history in fashion and art. Its Mediterranean climate means plenty of sunny days spent outdoors enjoying the city's green spaces and many piazzas.
The Tuscan capital is a welcoming city that provides a high quality of life for students, with everything conveniently within reach. The city's reputation as the birthplace of the Renaissance gives it a unique cultural backdrop, drawing students from around the world. You'll find tons of cultural experiences and iconic Italian art, like Michelangelo's David, right on your doorstep, so you'll never run out of incredible things to explore.
Is Florence a good city for students?
Florence is an excellent city for international and Erasmus students, boasting a range of reputable universities, including those catering to American students. Its safe and manageable size makes it easy to navigate and settle into. The city is a great match for creatives and artists, who will find inspiration in its rich cultural offerings and historical significance.
With over 25,000 international students a year, studying in Florence and all it entails is a popular choice for many.
Is it expensive to live in Florence as a student?
The cost of living in Florence is increasing, much like in other cities, but with smart budgeting, you can still live comfortably. A cappuccino at a local café is about €1.80, and a meal at a cheap local restaurant can cost around €12.
On average, a single person's monthly expenses, including rent, total about €1,700. For students, the cost of living is slightly lower, at approximately €1,300 per month, with a little over half of that amount spent on accommodation.
Living on a budget in Florence is achievable with strategic choices. Students can access a variety of discounts by showing their student ID at museums, theatres, and other attractions. Some restaurants, ice-cream shops, and other local businesses also give out student discounts. Students can also save by renting rooms in shared apartments or cycling and walking to save on transit costs. Popular student neighbourhoods include Santo Spirito and San Frediano, which offer affordable housing options.
Student accommodation
The most affordable housing option in Florence for a student is to rent a room in a shared apartment in a cheaper neighbourhood. Florence has various student-friendly neighbourhoods to choose from. You can opt to live with other students or workers, and decide whether you'd prefer a single or double room. Rooms can cost anything from €300 per month, while a studio apartment is typically around €600 or more.
What to do in Florence as a student
Laptop-friendly cafés for studying
Florence is dotted with cafes that offer the perfect setting for studying with your laptop.
- La Cité: a cosy spot with bookshelves and wooden furniture, making it feel like your own living room.
- Todo Modo: a bookshop café that inspires with hanging plants, offering coffee, pastries, and wine for evening study sessions.
- Rooster Café: ideal for those who enjoy studying with a smoothie or pancakes on the side while relaxing on leather sofas.
- Ditta Artigianale: offers excellent quality coffee and more Americanised options like iced lattes, with five locations throughout the city.
Daytime activities
- Art enthusiasts can explore the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries, or visit the Museo Nazionale del Bargello.
- Catch some excitement at an ACF Fiorentina football game.
- Wander through the numerous piazzas and shop on the iconic Ponte Vecchio.
- Relax at Piazzale Michelangelo, especially during sunset, or enjoy a picnic in the Boboli Gardens.
- Visit pop-up markets for artisan crafts and fresh produce.
- Explore Mercato Centrale Firenze, which serves as a food hall and events space, and admire the leather creations.
Eating out on a budget
Florence boasts numerous budget-friendly eateries ideal for students.
- Trattoria Sabatino: a family-run spot with delicious pasta dishes for less than 10 euros.
- I Fratellini: known for paninis with sandwiches priced around 5 euros.
- Café Odeon: this open-all-day venue in an old-world cinema setting offers affordable cocktails.
- Le Vespe Café: a Canadian-style brunch place offering avocado on toast and bagels.
Nightlife in Florence
Florence's nightlife scene offers varied options for students, with spots like Bamboo and Space popular with Erasmus and international students. Student nights tend to be on Wednesdays, and many clubs open until 4.30 am.
- Le Murate Caffè Letterario: in a former jail featuring a large piazza with cocktails, live music, and performances.
- The Arts Inn: quirky place known for unusual cocktails.
- Blue Velvet Club: a lively nightclub for dancing.
- Lion’s Fountain: a student and backpacking favourite offering a familiar vibe.
- Full Up: A 1920s-themed nightclub presenting drag shows and burlesque.
- Tenax: nightclub with techno and house music.
Day trips from Florence
Florence's location makes it the perfect base for day trips to nearby cultural hubs. Take a quick trip to Pisa, about an hour away, to explore its famous Leaning Tower. Visit Siena for a taste of medieval architecture or San Gimignano, known for its 13th-century walls. Bring a healthy appetite to Bologna, just over an hour away by train, or head to the Tuscan coast for a relaxing day by the sea.
Learn Italian
Learning Italian is essential for cultural integration and expanding the overall study abroad experience. Florence offers immersion schools, language schools, and crash courses. Practising Italian with locals enriches the experience and fosters deeper cultural understanding.
How to get around Florence
Getting around Florence is convenient and affordable. The city's small size allows for walking or cycling to most destinations. There is an efficient tram and bus network, with reasonably priced fares. Additionally, rental bikes, e-bikes, and scooters provide flexible transportation options for students.
Living like a local in Florence
To truly embrace Florentine life, engage with local customs and lifestyle.
- Start your day with a strong espresso and a fresh pastry from a favourite neighbourhood café.
- Check out local celebrations like the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino music festival or the Easter event Scoppio del Carro to connect with the community and its culture.
- Discover authentic dining by venturing to trattorias and less formal osterias where locals enjoy dishes like the hearty Tuscan soup ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina, cooked rare on a grill.
- Immerse yourself by practising Italian phrases during community gatherings or volunteering with local initiatives, allowing you to blend into Florentine life.