The Erasmus grant: is it enough?
The Erasmus+ grant for Italy is usually between 300 and 500€/month (depending on your home university and any top-up from your region). In most Italian cities that barely covers rent. You will need personal savings or family support, and this guide helps you work out exactly how much.
Typical monthly budget breakdown
Tight budget
Mid-sized city (Bologna, Padua, Modena)
| Rent (shared room) | 380 € |
| Groceries (cooking at home) | 150 € |
| Transport (student pass) | 30 € |
| Basic leisure | 60 € |
| Phone + unexpected extras | 30 € |
| TOTAL | 650 € |
Comfortable budget
Mid-sized city, active social life
| Rent (shared room) | 480 € |
| Food (cooking + eating out) | 220 € |
| Transport (student pass) | 40 € |
| Leisure and nights out | 120 € |
| Phone + extras | 50 € |
| TOTAL | 910 € |
Monthly budget by city (full month estimate)
| City | Minimum | Recommended | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | 900 € | 1.200 € | 1.600+ € |
| Rome | 800 € | 1.050 € | 1.400+ € |
| Florence | 750 € | 1.000 € | 1.300+ € |
| Bologna | 700 € | 950 € | 1.200+ € |
| Padua | 600 € | 820 € | 1.100+ € |
The hidden costs students always forget
Initial security deposit
Usually 1–2 months' rent. Refunded when you leave but you must pay it upfront: an extra 400–900€ on day one.
Study materials and books
50–150€ at the start of each semester. Many Italian universities offer library copies or free digital versions.
Weekend trips
Italy is a perfect base for short getaways. Budget around 60–100€/week if you want to travel often.
Top-up health insurance
15–30€/month. Mandatory if you do not have an EHIC card and strongly recommended in any case.
Extra airline luggage
If you are travelling heavy: 30–60€. Consider shipping clothes by post instead — it is often cheaper.
Enrolment fees
Some Italian universities charge an administrative enrolment fee of 50–200€. Check with your host university in advance.
8 ways to cut costs and save money on Erasmus in Italy
- 1.
Eat at the university canteen (mensa): a full meal costs 3.50–5€. If your uni has a deal, you can save 150–200€/month on food.
- 2.
Get a student transport pass: your student card cuts public transport by 40–60%. Apply during your first week.
- 3.
Shop at local markets: municipal markets (mercato comunale) sell fruit, vegetables and cheese at half the supermarket price.
- 4.
Travel with Flixbus: routes between Italian cities start at 3–8€. Far cheaper than the train for medium distances.
- 5.
Use a fee-free debit card: Revolut or Wise let you avoid currency fees on payments and ATM withdrawals.
- 6.
Get the ESN card: the Erasmus Student Network card unlocks discounts at museums, transport, restaurants and shops across Italy.
- 7.
Cook at home with your flatmates: shared dinners are far cheaper than eating out and they make the best Erasmus memories.
- 8.
Free aperitivo buffets: many bars in Bologna, Milan and Florence include a buffet with your drink (4–6€). You can have dinner for almost nothing.
Cut your biggest expense: the rent
Rent eats up 50–60% of your monthly budget. Finding a good room at the right price changes the maths for your whole Erasmus. Lupo Rooms shows transparent prices with zero commission.
searchBrowse rooms by price