The city draws students from across the globe, thanks to a line-up of top universities in Rome for international students, such as Sapienza, LUISS, and John Cabot University, all promising quality learning with a real buzz of international perspectives. But it’s not just about hitting the books; in Rome, the shared language is coffee, late-night chats over pizza in Trastevere, and lingering afternoons in leafy piazzas.
The city’s open, diverse community makes it easy to settle in. Student life in Rome strikes a neat balance: there’s inspiration for your studies, an appetite for adventure, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Roman daily life without feeling out of place. You may be here for a year abroad, on Erasmus, or tackling the full degree; whatever your academic journey, Rome is the kind of city where you’ll find your own rhythm in no time.
Is Rome good for students?
The pulse of daily life in Rome is set by a blend of spirited locals, a sizeable international crowd, and a calendar packed with cultural happenings. Student organisations are active across the city, organising everything from language exchanges to football tournaments and art nights.
There’s a true sense of community on and off campus, with public parks like Villa Borghese and the neighbourhood streets in spots like San Lorenzo turning into informal gathering points after lectures. Plus, navigating the city couldn’t be easier—Rome’s metro, trams and buses get you across town for only a few euros, and most universities are well-positioned within the city’s public transport network. With so many universities for international students to choose from, studying in Rome is a good bet for many.
Rome student housing
For those just starting their search, rooms for rent in Rome usually start from around €250 per month, which can get you a spot in a shared flat—still the classic way to make new friends and save on bills. If you’re craving a bit more privacy, studio apartments in Rome typically start from €600 per month, though prices can climb in trendier neighbourhoods or closer to the city centre.
Where to live in Rome as a student
While you'll find student-filled houses in many parts of the city, Rome has some student-friendly neighbourhoods that are especially popular with Erasmus and international students.
San Lorenzo
Just next to the Sapienza University, this neighbourhood oozes student energy. Expect affordable trattorias, quirky bars, vintage shops, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow students. The nightlife is lively but never too chaotic, making it a favourite for both Italian and international students.
Trastevere
Known for its cobbled streets and bohemian spirit, Trastevere delivers a more picturesque (and slightly pricier) Roman experience. It’s full of cosy cafés, independent bookshops, riverside markets, and buzzing piazzas where students often gather in the evenings. Plus, it’s an easy stroll to the city’s central universities.
Pigneto
Pigneto has carved out its own identity as one of Rome’s most popular student haunts. Often described as the city’s answer to Berlin’s Kreuzberg, Pigneto is a creative playground lined with colourful street art, indie cinemas, and plenty of buzzing bars and cafés. It’s a bit more wallet-friendly than central neighbourhoods, drawing a mix of Italian and international students with its easygoing, communal vibe.
Is Rome expensive to live in as a student?
There’s no sugar-coating it—Rome ranks among Italy’s pricier student cities, and the cost of living can catch newcomers by surprise. While the scenery is timeless, daily expenses in the capital are very much of the moment. Average student budgets typically land between €1,000 and €1,200 per month for basics like rent, groceries, local transport, a bit of leisure, and essential supplies. Don’t forget, tuition fees are a separate factor, so your monthly outgoings mostly cover day-to-day living.
Accommodation tends to eat up the biggest slice of your budget. Expect to pay from around €350 per month for a room in a shared flat, which remains the most popular option for students keen on stretching their euros. If you want your own place, a studio apartment usually starts at about €600 per month, with prices rising the closer you get to central and trendy areas.
Daily life adds its own costs. Supermarkets and street markets keep grocery bills reasonable at roughly €150–€200 per month, and health insurance is about €50 monthly. Public universities do their bit to keep fees manageable, especially when compared to other Western European capitals.
Living in Rome on a student budget
If you know a few tricks, the city gets much more affordable.
Tuck into lunch at university canteens (cheap and surprisingly decent), or gather with friends over an early evening aperitivo—you’ll often eat enough for dinner just by ordering a drink.
There’s no shortage of free or low-cost entertainment either. Museums are free on certain days, open-air cinema seasons pop up in the summer, and festivals spill into Rome’s parks and piazzas all year round.
Eating out for cheap in Rome
Eating well in Rome doesn’t have to mean splashing out. If you know where to look, you’ll find hearty Roman classics and street food favourites that don’t punish your wallet. First off, always check for student deals or opt for lunch menus where prices tend to be lower than dinner. University canteens are perhaps the best-kept secret, offering genuine Italian meals at budget prices. And don’t forget pizza al taglio (Roman pizza by the slice) and bakeries for quick, flavoursome bites. Avoid spots close to major tourist attractions, as prices jump the nearer you get to landmarks like the Colosseum. Instead, head to one of these five student-friendly places in Rome that serve up affordable, tasty food:
Mordi e Vai (Testaccio Market)
This spot is a student favourite for its generously filled sandwiches featuring classic Roman fillings—think juicy braised meats, artichoke, and pecorino—all for around €7 or less. Grab your panino and join the locals at the market benches for a proper Roman lunch experience.
Supplizio
Famed for its traditional supplì (deep-fried rice balls), Supplizio serves up some of the city’s best street food at genuinely low prices. Perfect for grabbing a bite in between lectures or when you fancy a snack on the go.
Pastificio Guerra
Located just off Piazza di Spagna, this unassuming pasta shop lets you tuck into a portion of fresh pasta for around €5. It’s standing room only, but the portions are generous and the sauce is always spot on—ideal for broke students needing a serious carb fix.
Pinsere
Known for its Roman-style pizza alla pala, Pinsere is a lunchtime go-to that won’t drain your budget. You can load up on creative pizza toppings for under €8, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Forno Campo de’ Fiori
More than just a bakery, Forno Campo de’ Fiori is legendary for its crisp, olive oil-rich pizza bianca. Students flock here for quick, affordable sandwiches made with fresh local ingredients—just the thing before a library session or after a night out.
Where to study: laptop-friendly cafés and bars in Rome
Students looking for a reliable spot to study outside their flat or the university library have some excellent choices in Rome. The key is to seek out laid-back cafés that aren’t fussed if you settle in for a few hours—just be sure to buy a coffee or a snack to keep everyone happy. Free Wi-Fi, good lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere make all the difference when you need to get work done. Try one of these tried-and-tested places where students are welcome to bring their laptop and crack on:
Giufà Libreria Caffè (San Lorenzo)
Nestled among the student hubbub of San Lorenzo, Giufà blends an indie bookshop with a cosy café. The mood here is calm, the Wi-Fi solid, and the coffee strong—great for solo studying or meeting up with classmates for a group project
Materia Cafè (Pigneto)
Materia has quickly become a favourite with the creative crowd in Pigneto. The décor is modern, there’s plenty of natural light, and the large tables are ideal for spreading out your notes. You’ll find friendly staff, reliable Wi-Fi, and brunch if you get peckish. It’s particularly handy if you like a bit of background buzz without being drowned out by noise
Necci dal 1924 (Pigneto)
A true local institution, Necci offers a leafy terrace and a stylish indoor space perfect for working on your laptop. Students love the laid-back vibe and the chance to snack on homemade pastries or a light lunch while getting through assignments. The café is spacious, so you rarely feel crowded, and there’s a steady trickle of fellow students and freelancers.
Nightlife in Rome: where students go out
Rome’s nightlife scene is as varied as its history, with something for every kind of student. The main party districts are San Lorenzo, Pigneto, and Testaccio, each with a distinct vibe and plenty of student-friendly hangouts. Most nights out start with an aperitivo and spill into animated bars or quirky clubs, so there’s no shortage of ways to let off steam after a week of lectures. Check out one of these late-night spots loved by students:
Circolo degli Illuminati (Testaccio)
A staple of the student club scene, Circolo degli Illuminati features multiple rooms spinning everything from house and techno to hip-hop and live sets. The crowd is upbeat, the drinks are reasonably priced, and themed nights make every visit feel a bit different. There’s also a large garden area for cooling off between sets.
Largo Venue (Prenestino/Pigneto)
Popular for its eclectic events, Largo Venue hosts live concerts, themed parties, and international DJ sets in a sprawling indoor-outdoor space. Students love the affordable entry and the chance to discover new music. It’s right on the edge of Pigneto, so you can start the night with dinner and drinks in the neighbourhood’s buzzing bars.
Alcazar Live (Trastevere)
This former cinema has been transformed into a laid-back yet lively venue, mixing live music, themed DJ nights, and even the occasional film screening. It draws a mixed student and local crowd—not too dressy, just a good spot for discovering new bands or dancing into the early hours. The space has a bit of everything: cushy lounges, old-school décor, and plenty of room for groups.