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Erasmus Guide 2026-2027

Erasmus in Bologna:
The oldest university city in the world

Medieval porticoes, fresh tortellini and an unrivalled student life. Discover why Bologna captivates every Erasmus student who lands here.

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calendar_today 25 Jan 2026 •10 min read •BOLOGNA

Bologna: Italy's quintessential university city

Bologna is home to the University of Bologna (Unibo), founded in 1088 and recognised as the oldest university in the Western world. With more than 90,000 students, the city radiates a scholarly energy you can feel under every portico and across every piazza. For an Erasmus student, living in Bologna is a one-of-a-kind experience: affordable, deeply cultural and steeped in history.

Universities in Bologna for Erasmus students

University of Bologna (Unibo)

The world's oldest university, with faculties spread across the city centre. A vast Erasmus programme with 500+ partner universities worldwide.

Alma Mater Studiorum

Unibo's historic name, also home to its postgraduate arm. English-taught international programmes highly regarded across Europe.

DAMS (Arts, Music & Performance)

One of Italy's most distinctive departments, drawing students from around the world to its performing arts and cinema courses.

Faculty of Engineering

Engineering and sciences hosted at the Ingegneria campus. Strong European reputation and dynamic research environment.

Best neighbourhoods to live in Bologna as an Erasmus

Cirenaica / Mazzini

The student neighbourhood par excellence: 10 minutes on foot from the centre, packed with bars, bookshops and study cafés. The Zona universitaria favourite.

Average price: €420–580/month for a shared-flat room

San Vitale / Strada Maggiore

Historic and lively, on the doorstep of the main faculties. Buzzing Bologna nightlife and easy walks to lectures.

Average price: €450–620/month for a shared-flat room

Bolognina / Corticella

North of the central station: more affordable, multicultural and well connected by tram and train. Ideal for tighter student budgets.

Average price: €340–460/month for a shared-flat room

Saffi / Murri

Residential and quiet, close to the Medicine and Engineering campuses. Loved for its calm streets and high quality of life.

Average price: €380–520/month for a shared-flat room

Monthly cost of living in Bologna

ItemMonthly cost
Room in shared flat€340–580
Groceries & food€180–260
Public transport (TPER)€30–45
Leisure & nights out€70–130
Estimated total€620–1,015

Essential tips for your Erasmus in Bologna

  • ✓

    Get your IOL student card (Unibo's official ID): unlocks discounts on transport, museums, cinemas and restaurants.

  • ✓

    Eat at the mense universitarie: high-quality university canteens with full meals for under €4.

  • ✓

    Hang out in Piazza Verdi: the meeting point of every Bologna student, especially in the late afternoon.

  • ✓

    Hunt for a room early: demand to rent a room in Bologna is very high. Start your search at least 3 months ahead.

Find your room in Bologna now

Lupo Rooms lists verified student accommodation in Bologna with transparent contracts and vetted landlords.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Bologna as an Erasmus student?

The estimated monthly cost ranges from about €620 to €1,015 in total. A shared room runs from €340 to €580, food and groceries between €180 and €260, the TPER urban transport pass €30 to €45, and going out €70 to €130. Bologna is affordable and culturally rich, a combination that is hard to beat.

What are the best neighbourhoods for Erasmus students in Bologna?

Cirenaica/Mazzini is the quintessential student neighbourhood, 10 minutes from the centre and in high demand (€420-580/month). San Vitale/Strada Maggiore is historic with a lively nightlife. Bolognina is the most affordable and multicultural option, ideal for tight budgets. Saffi/Murri is quiet and residential, close to the Medicine and Engineering faculties.

What universities are there in Bologna for Erasmus students?

The main one is the Università di Bologna (Unibo), founded in 1088 and considered the oldest in the Western world, with a huge Erasmus programme of more than 500 partner universities. There are also the Alma Mater Studiorum for postgraduate studies, the DAMS for performing arts, and the Facoltà di Ingegneria, highly regarded across Europe.

Why is Bologna called the oldest university city in the world?

Because the Università di Bologna was founded in 1088 and is considered the oldest university in the Western world. Today it hosts more than 90,000 students, and that university energy can be felt under every portico and in every piazza. For an Erasmus student, living here is a unique experience: affordable, cultural and historically rich.

What tips are there for making the most of an Erasmus in Bologna?

Get the IOL card, Unibo's student card, which gives you discounts on transport, museums, cinemas and restaurants. Explore Piazza Verdi, the meeting point for all students, especially in the evenings. And start your accommodation search early: on Lupo Rooms you have verified rooms with transparent contracts and vetted landlords.

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