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Erasmus Comparison

Private room
vs flatshare

The classic Erasmus dilemma: more privacy or more social life? Compare prices, pros and cons before booking your room in Italy.

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calendar_today 10 March 2026 •6 min read •Accommodation types

The big question before starting Erasmus in Italy

Before you pick a destination — before you even accept your placement — one decision will shape your entire Erasmus in Italy: a single room in a flatshare or a private studio just for you? The right answer depends on your budget, your personality and your host city. In this guide we compare both formats with real data from Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence and Padua.

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Single room in a flatshare

300–650 €/month

  • ✓ Cheaper (save 30–40%)
  • ✓ Meet people from day one
  • ✓ Bills often included
  • ✓ Daily Italian practice
  • ✗ Less privacy
  • ✗ Flatmates make or break it
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Private studio

700–1.400 €/month

  • ✓ Total privacy
  • ✓ Your space, your rules
  • ✓ Better for focused study
  • ✗ Significantly more expensive
  • ✗ Can feel lonely
  • ✗ Bills almost always extra

Real prices by city (2026)

CityShared roomSingle roomStudio
Milan500–750 €700–950 €900–1.400 €
Rome450–700 €650–900 €800–1.200 €
Bologna380–580 €550–750 €700–1.000 €
Florence420–650 €600–800 €750–1.100 €
Padua300–480 €450–650 €600–900 €

Which one is right for you?

There is no universal answer — it depends on the kind of Erasmus you want. If you are coming to Italy to dive into the culture, build an international circle of friends and practise Italian every day, a single room in a flatshare is almost always the smarter investment. You pay less, pick up the language without effort and your social life starts on day one.

If you are more of an introvert, you are coming with your partner or you need full focus to write your dissertation, a private studio is worth the extra cost. Just remember that in cities like Milan or Rome the gap can hit 400 € a month — the equivalent of several weekend trips around Italy.

Choose a flatshare if…

  • • Your budget is tight (< 600 €/month)
  • • You want to learn Italian fast
  • • You want the Erasmus vibe from day one
  • • You are staying less than six months

Choose a studio if…

  • • You travel with your partner or need silence
  • • You are writing your thesis or dissertation
  • • Your grant or budget is over 800 €/month
  • • You are staying a full academic year or longer

Compare real options in your city

On Lupo Rooms you will find single rooms in flatshares and private studios alike — all verified and with an Erasmus-friendly contract.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do you save with a shared room compared with a studio?

A room in a shared flat usually works out 30-40% cheaper than a private studio. In cities like Milan or Rome, the difference can reach €400 a month, the equivalent of several trips around Italy. On top of that, utilities are often included in shared flats, which cuts your costs even further.

Which is better for Erasmus, a shared room or a private studio?

There is no universal answer. If you are coming to immerse yourself in the culture, make international friends and practise Italian every day, a room in a shared flat is usually the better investment: you pay less and your social life kicks off on day one. A studio makes sense if you are reserved, coming as a couple or need to concentrate on your thesis or final project.

What are the advantages of a shared flat in Italy?

It is cheaper (you save 30-40%), you meet people from day one, utilities are often included and you practise Italian daily without even trying. The trade-off is somewhat less privacy and depending on how well you get along with your flatmates. For a first Erasmus, it is usually the most cost-effective and social option.

Is it worth paying more for a private studio?

It depends on your profile. A studio gives you total privacy, your own space and your own rules, and it is better for focused studying, ideal if you are coming as a couple or need quiet. In exchange, it is much more expensive, utilities are almost always billed separately and it can feel lonely. If you value quiet over savings, it is worth it.

Can I switch from a shared room to a studio during my Erasmus?

Yes, it is a very common strategy. For your first semester you can try a room in a shared flat and, if in the second you want more privacy, switch to a studio. On Lupo Rooms you can find both rooms in shared flats and private studios, all verified and with an Erasmus-friendly contract, so you can adapt your accommodation to each stage.

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