Sign up
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.

location_on
searchFind accommodation
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)

badge

ID card / Passport

health_and_safety

European Health Insurance Card

description

Erasmus acceptance letter

home

Tenancy agreement

account_balance

Grant Agreement

local_hospital

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.

searchFind accommodation in Italy

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to prepare before leaving for my Erasmus in Italy?

Before you leave, make sure you have your Erasmus placement and the acceptance letter from your Italian university, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), a valid ID or passport, a signed rental contract, your Erasmus+ grant application submitted and your flights booked. Sorting out your accommodation as early as possible is what saves you the most stress.

How much money does the Erasmus+ grant provide for Italy?

The average grant is around €300-500 per month depending on the destination country. The paperwork is handled by your home university, and don't forget to sign the Grant Agreement. Keep in mind that the grant rarely covers all your expenses, so it is wise to have your own financial cushion for the first few months.

Do I need health insurance in addition to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergencies and basic care, but not regular check-ups or dental treatment. That is why it is recommended to take out supplementary health insurance before you leave. Popular options among students are AXA Student, Allianz Travel and Intermundial, which cover what the card leaves out.

Which bank account is best for an Erasmus student in Italy?

To move money between Spain and Italy without paying fees, online accounts like Revolut, Wise or N26 are ideal: they avoid currency exchange fees and ATM withdrawal charges. It is best to open one before you leave, in the months leading up to your trip, so it is up and running from your first day in Italy.

What do I need to do during my first week in Italy?

In your first few days, get your codice fiscale for free at the Agenzia delle Entrate, buy an Italian SIM card (TIM, Vodafone or Iliad), complete your university enrolment, apply for the discounted student transport pass and join local groups like ESN to start making international friends as soon as possible.

Keep reading