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Definitive 2026 Checklist

Erasmus Italy Checklist:
Don't forget a thing

From the application to your first day in class: everything you need to sort out for a flawless Erasmus in Italy.

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calendar_today 15 Feb 2026 •14 min read •PREPARATION

Phase 1: 4–6 months before departure

  • 1

    Apply for your Erasmus place at your home university

    Check the deadlines with your international relations office. Applications usually open in October for the following academic year.

  • 2

    Confirm the acceptance letter from the Italian host university

    Without this letter you can't apply for a visa or complete your enrolment. It can take 2–3 months to arrive.

  • 3

    Apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

    In the UK request it via the NHS; in other EU countries through your national health service. It's free and covers basic medical care in Italy.

  • 4

    Renew your ID or passport if it expires during your Erasmus

    EU citizens can enter Italy with a national ID, but if it expires while you're there you'll have to renew it abroad (a slow process).

  • 5

    Start your accommodation search early

    Especially in cities like Milan or Bologna, where demand is brutal. 4–5 months ahead is the bare minimum we recommend.

Phase 2: 1–3 months before departure

  • 6

    Take out complementary health insurance

    The EHIC covers emergencies but not routine consultations or dental treatment. Recommended providers: AXA Student, Allianz Travel or Intermundial.

  • 7

    Open a fee-free bank account

    Revolut, Wise or N26 are ideal for sending money to Italy. Avoid currency exchange fees and ATM withdrawal charges.

  • 8

    Confirm and sign your tenancy agreement

    Insist on a registered contract. Keep a digital copy. Make sure it includes a full inventory of the flat.

  • 9

    Apply for your Erasmus+ grant

    Process it through your home university. The average grant is 300–500€/month depending on the destination. Don't forget to sign the Grant Agreement.

  • 10

    Book your flight or train tickets in advance

    Ryanair, easyJet and ITA Airways offer direct routes to Italy. Booking 2–3 months ahead can cut prices by up to 60%.

Phase 3: Your first week in Italy

  • 11

    Get your codice fiscale (Italian tax ID number)

    Essential for your tenancy agreement, SIM card, bank account and any other paperwork. It's free at the Agenzia delle Entrate with your passport.

  • 12

    Buy an Italian SIM card

    TIM, Vodafone IT or Iliad. Plans cost 10–15€/month with unlimited data. You'll need your codice fiscale.

  • 13

    Register at your Italian host university

    Enrolment is in person or online depending on the institution. You'll get access to academic portals, the library and student services.

  • 14

    Apply for your student travel pass

    With your university card you can access reduced fares on the metro, buses and regional trains. Saves you 20–40€/month.

  • 15

    Join your local Erasmus groups

    ESN (Erasmus Student Network) runs activities, trips and parties. The fastest way to make international friends from day one.

Essential documents (back up digital copies of everything)

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ID card / Passport

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European Health Insurance Card

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Erasmus acceptance letter

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Tenancy agreement

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Grant Agreement

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Health insurance policy

First step: lock in your accommodation

Accommodation is the most time-consuming and stressful part of preparing your Erasmus. Get a head start with Lupo Rooms: verified rooms with legal contracts in Italy's main university cities.

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