Student Relocation Support in Italy

Moving to Italy for your studies is a dream for many international students. Italy offers world-renowned universities, historic cities, and an unmatched cultural experience. However, the excitement of arrival often comes hand-in-hand with the challenge of settling into a new country. This guide is your student-first resource for understanding and navigating the critical relocation steps in Italy.

1) What ‘Settlement Support’ Means for International Students

Relocation support, or settlement support, goes beyond just securing an apartment. For a student arriving in Italy, it means having a clear, step-by-step roadmap for the first crucial weeks. It encompasses everything needed to transition from traveler to resident, ensuring you are legally compliant and comfortable.

Key Pillars of Student Settlement in Italy:

• Documentation & Legal Compliance: Handling permits, residence registration, and tax codes (Codice Fiscale).
• Logistics & Comfort: Airport transfers, accommodation check-in, and initial setup (SIM card, banking).
• Local Integration: Understanding essential city services and transport.

Understanding the Italian system can be complex. Fortunately, many of the steps involved in establishing your life here are similar to those across the continent. To see how these Italian steps fit into the broader picture, read our comprehensive guide on Student Relocation Support in Europe.

2) First 7 Days Checklist: Your Essential Post-Arrival Actions

The first week in Italy is critical for handling time-sensitive bureaucratic and logistical tasks. We recommend focusing on these essential steps:

Day 1–2: Arrival and Accommodation

• Confirm your Airport Pickup in Italy ensured a safe trip to your city.
• Complete your accommodation check-in and inventory (see Section 4).
• Rest and familiarize yourself with your immediate neighborhood.

Day 3–7: Administrative and Essentials

• Acquire an Italian SIM card to ensure immediate connectivity.
• Begin the process of obtaining your Codice Fiscale (tax code), which is necessary for almost all official activities.
• Locate your local Post Office (Poste Italiane) and the Questura (Police Headquarters) for documentation steps.
• For non-EU students: start preparing for your permit of stay application (Permesso di Soggiorno).

3) SIM/Bank/Local Registration Basics

These three items are foundational to your life as a student in Italy. Setting them up quickly will unlock services and make daily life smoother.

The Italian SIM Card

An Italian number is necessary for online registrations, contacting services, and communicating with landlords. Major providers include Vodafone, TIM, WindTre, and Iliad. Always bring your passport and Codice Fiscale (if obtained) when purchasing a SIM card. Student-specific deals are often available.

Opening a Bank Account

While you can use foreign cards initially, having an Italian bank account simplifies rent payments, utility bills, and avoiding international transaction fees. Requirements typically include:

• Your passport
• Proof of student status (university enrollment letter)
• Your Codice Fiscale (mandatory)
• Proof of address (your lease or accommodation contract)

Codice Fiscale (Tax Code)

This is arguably the most important piece of documentation. The Codice Fiscale is used for everything from signing a rental contract to opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, or registering with a doctor. You can apply for it at an Italian Embassy or Consulate before departure, or at the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Agency) upon arrival in Italy. It is a simple process, but can involve waiting times.

For more detailed requirements on necessary paperwork, refer to our guide on Documentation Support in Italy: What Students Need.

4) Accommodation Check-in and Inventory Checklist

Your accommodation is your base. When arriving at your pre-booked apartment or student residence, proper check-in procedures protect you from disputes later on. Whether you found housing independently or utilized Accommodation in Italy services, follow these steps:

Check-in Checklist:

• Verify Identity: Ensure the person checking you in is the landlord, agency representative, or property manager.
• Sign Inventory (Verbale di Consegna): This document lists the condition and contents of the property upon handover.
• Key Handover: Confirm you have all necessary keys (apartment, mailbox, building entrance).
• Utility Status: Note meter readings (gas, electricity, water) on the day you move in. This prevents you from being charged for the previous tenant’s usage.

Inventory Inspection:

• Take photos/videos of all existing damage (scuffs, marks, broken appliances).
• Test all vital functions: lights, heating/cooling, water pressure, and WiFi connectivity.
• Confirm all listed furniture and appliances are present and functional.

If you find any discrepancies or damage, document it immediately and ensure it is noted on the inventory form before signing.

5) Common Post-Arrival Mistakes to Avoid

International students often encounter similar pitfalls in the first few weeks. Being aware of these can save you time, stress, and money:

• Delaying the Codice Fiscale: Without this tax code, you cannot legally complete bank or long-term lease registrations, severely hindering your settlement.
• Overlooking Residence Registration: Depending on the length of your stay, local council (Anagrafe) registration is mandatory and different from the police permit application.
• Not Validating Transit Tickets: Always stamp or validate bus, tram, and train tickets immediately after boarding. Fines are frequent and costly.
• Carrying Too Much Cash: While cash is used widely, be cautious of theft in busy tourist areas. Rely on cards or digital payments when possible.
• Assuming English is Sufficient: While young people in major cities speak English, government and utility offices often require basic Italian or necessitate bringing a translator.

6) How Luxe Settle Supports Students End-to-End

Luxe Settle is dedicated to making your transition to Italy seamless, safe, and stress-free. We understand that navigating foreign bureaucracy, language barriers, and logistics while adjusting to a new educational environment can be overwhelming.

We provide comprehensive settlement services designed specifically for international students:

• Pre-Departure Planning: Ensuring you have the right documents before you even leave home.
• On-the-Ground Assistance: We can assist with securing your Codice Fiscale, accompanying you to bank appointments, and guiding you through local police registrations.
• 24/7 Local Support: Access to a network of professionals who speak your language and understand the specific needs of an international student in Italy.

Ready to skip the stress and start studying faster? Let us manage the complex settlement process for you.

Accommodation in Italy, avoiding delays or potential issues with public transport after a long flight.