Are you heading to Bologna for your studies? As one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious university cities, Bologna offers an incredible blend of academic excellence, rich culture, and a thriving student lifestyle. Whether you’re an international student or coming from another part of Italy, finding the right student accommodation in Bologna is the key to making your university experience comfortable, affordable, and unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about living in Bologna as a student – including a guide to the city, benefits of choosing student accommodation Bologna, FAQs, and the best neighbourhoods to live in.
🏙️ About the City: Bologna, Italy
Bologna is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, known not only for its gastronomic traditions (hello, tagliatelle al ragù!) but also for being a top-tier European university hub. It’s home to the University of Bologna (UNIBO) – the oldest university in the Western world, founded in 1088.
With its orange-hued porticoes, vibrant piazzas, and a student population that makes up around 30% of the city’s residents, Bologna is tailor-made for academic life. The city thrives on its youthful energy, cultural events, and an overall quality of life that makes it a preferred destination for students across Europe and beyond.
🎓 Why Choose Student Accommodation in Bologna
Choosing the right student accommodation in Bologna is essential – not just for your comfort, but for your academic success, social life, and overall well-being. Here’s why Bologna stands out as an excellent place to study and live:
- 🏛️ Historic academic reputation – The University of Bologna consistently ranks among the top universities in Europe.
- 🏘️ Diverse housing options – From shared student apartments and university dorms to chic studios in the historic center.
- 🚆 Well-connected city – Compact, walkable, and with excellent public transport.
- 🥘 Affordable food and lifestyle – Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine on a student budget.
- 🌍 Multicultural student community – With thousands of Erasmus and international students, it’s a melting pot of cultures.
- ⛅ Charming and livable – A city that offers history, modern living, and beauty, all in one.
Whether you’re staying short-term or for your entire degree, you’ll find plenty of student accommodation Bologna providers offering comfortable, secure, and affordable housing at a range of price points.
1. Laude Living Bologna
- Location: Via Sebastiano Serlio, 26/2
- Description: Newly built residence with modern studios and one-bedroom flats, surrounded by nature yet close to the university and historic center.
- Key Amenities: Fully furnished, private bathroom, kitchen, gym, cinema room, lounge, study spaces, fast WiFi, 24/7 reception, all bills included
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 15 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: All-inclusive, international community, and unbeatable comfort
- Nearby: Parks, cafes, public transport
2. The Social Hub Bologna
- Location: Centrally located near Università di Bologna
- Description: All-inclusive student stay with a vibrant international community, perfect for study and social life.
- Key Amenities: High-speed WiFi, study spaces, monthly cleaning, gym, cinema, courtyard, public spaces, events
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 5 minutes by foot
- Why Suitable: Hassle-free, secure, and perfect for networking and making friends
- Nearby: Shops, restaurants, city center
3. Sassi Masini Student Residence
- Location: City center
- Description: Modern student residence with study rooms, PCs, WiFi, and a gym.
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, gym, WiFi, central location
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10 minutes by foot
- Why Suitable: Central, well-equipped, and ideal for focused study
- Nearby: Cafes, libraries, public transport
4. Ex-ENAV Student Residence
- Location: Aerospace Engineering hub
- Description: Residence tailored for engineering students, offering modern amenities and easy campus access.
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, WiFi, communal kitchen
- Nearest University: University of Bologna (Aerospace Engineering)
- Distance: 5 minutes by foot
- Why Suitable: Convenient for engineering students, with a supportive environment
- Nearby: Labs, libraries, cafes
5. Camplus Bononia
- Location: Via Sante Vincenzi, 49
- Description: Large, modern residence with single and double rooms, study areas, and leisure spaces.
- Key Amenities: Gym, study rooms, events, canteen, WiFi, laundry
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 15 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: Social, secure, and packed with amenities
- Nearby: Shops, transport links, parks
6. Camplus Alma Mater
- Location: Via Mario Fantin, 15
- Description: Contemporary residence with a focus on academic support and community.
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, gym, events, canteen, WiFi
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 20 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: Supportive, modern, and community-driven
- Nearby: City center, cafes, public transport
7. Camplus San Felice
- Location: Via Riva di Reno, 57
- Description: Central, cozy residence with modern facilities.
- Key Amenities: WiFi, study spaces, laundry, events
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10 minutes by foot
- Why Suitable: Central, comfortable, and student-focused
- Nearby: Shops, restaurants, transport
8. Camplus Mazzini
- Location: Via Emilia Levante, 10
- Description: Spacious residence with a vibrant student community.
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, gym, WiFi, events
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 20 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: Social, supportive, and well-connected
- Nearby: City center, transport links, cafes
9. ER.GO Student Residences
- Location: Multiple sites across Bologna
- Description: Subsidized accommodation for students meeting merit and income requirements.
- Key Amenities: Single/double rooms, shared kitchen, study rooms, WiFi, laundry
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10–30 minutes by public transport
- Why Suitable: Affordable, secure, and ideal for degree-seeking students
- Nearby: Libraries, cafes, public transport
10. Vetrina Alloggi
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Virtual notice board for verified private rentals, from studios to shared flats.
- Key Amenities: Varied-furnished/unfurnished, WiFi, flexible leases
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Wide choice, verified listings, and flexible options
- Nearby: Shops, transport links, cafes
11. Ser.In.Ar. – Il Faro
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Managed apartments and halls at controlled prices.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, laundry, support
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10–30 minutes by public transport
- Why Suitable: Affordable, reliable, and student-focused
- Nearby: Libraries, cafes, transport
12. SAIS Accommodation
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Service for international students, offering flats, rooms, and university residences.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, flexible leases, support
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Easy process, multilingual support, and trusted by internationals
- Nearby: City center, transport, student services
13. Joivy Campus Bologna
- Location: Borgo Panigale and city center
- Description: Modern, medium-to-long term student apartments and campus living.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, study rooms, laundry
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 20–30 minutes by public transport
- Why Suitable: Flexible, modern, and social
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
14. Casita Student Accommodation
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Platform with hundreds of options-studios, shared flats, and private lets.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, flexible contracts, 24/7 support
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Wide variety, easy booking, multilingual support
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
15. Uniscopio Bologna
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Listings for student rooms, private lets, and co-living spaces.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, flexible leases
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Great for comparing all available options
- Nearby: Shops, libraries, transport
16. Idealista Shared Flats
- Location: Across Bologna
- Description: 393+ rooms for rent in shared flats with students.
- Key Amenities: Furnished/unfurnished, WiFi, flexible contracts
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Affordable, social, and easy to find last-minute rooms
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
17. Private Let Apartments
- Location: Central and suburban Bologna
- Description: Private or shared apartments for students and professionals.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, kitchen, flexible leases
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10–30 minutes by public transport
- Why Suitable: Independence, flexibility, and privacy
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
18. Group Accommodation
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Apartments for groups of students wanting to live together.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, kitchen, flexible leases
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Social, cost-effective, and perfect for friends
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
19. Homestays Bologna
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Stay with local families for cultural immersion and support.
- Key Amenities: Meals (optional), WiFi, furnished, support
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Great for international students and language learners
- Nearby: Local shops, transport, cafes
20. Young Professional Housing
- Location: Citywide
- Description: Co-living and serviced apartments for young professionals and students.
- Key Amenities: Furnished, WiFi, laundry, flexible contracts
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: Varies
- Why Suitable: Modern, social, and convenient
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
21. Camplus College Alma Mater
- Location: Via Mario Fantin, 15
- Description: Modern residence with academic support, events, and community.
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, gym, WiFi, events
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 20 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: Supportive, modern, and community-driven
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
22. Camplus College Bononia
- Location: Via Sante Vincenzi, 49
- Description: Large, modern residence with single and double rooms.
- Key Amenities: Gym, study rooms, events, canteen, WiFi
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 15 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: Social, secure, and packed with amenities
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
23. Camplus College San Felice
- Location: Via Riva di Reno, 57
- Description: Cozy, central residence with modern facilities.
- Key Amenities: WiFi, study spaces, laundry, events
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10 minutes by foot
- Why Suitable: Central, comfortable, and student-focused
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
24. Camplus College Mazzini
- Location: Via Emilia Levante, 10
- Description: Spacious residence with a vibrant student community.
- Key Amenities: Study rooms, gym, WiFi, events
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 20 minutes by bike
- Why Suitable: Social, supportive, and well-connected
- Nearby: Shops, transport, cafes
25. ER.GO Short Stay Residences
- Nearby: Libraries, transport, cafes
Why Suitable: Perfect for short courses, exchanges, or late arrivals - Location: Various
- Description: Short-term accommodation in university residences at full rate.
- Key Amenities: Single/double rooms, WiFi, shared kitchen, study rooms
- Nearest University: University of Bologna
- Distance: 10–30 minutes by public transport
- Why Suitable: Perfect for short courses, exchanges, or late arrivals
📍 Best Areas to Live – Student Accommodation Bologna
Finding the right neighbourhood is just as important as finding the right room. Depending on your style and budget, here are the most popular areas for students searching for student accommodation in Bologna:
🏘️ Top Neighbourhoods for Students
- Centro Storico (Historic Centre)
– Close to most university buildings, buzzing nightlife, shops, and restaurants. Slightly pricier but high in demand. - Bolognina
– Just north of the central station, Bolognina is undergoing a vibrant transformation and offers more affordable housing options. - San Donato
– Popular among University of Bologna students due to its proximity to the main campus. It has lots of cafés and affordable eateries. - Navile
– Affordable and well-connected with public transport, this area has a growing student community. - Murri & Mazzini
– Perfect for those looking for quieter, more residential living with quick access to the centre via bus or bike.
Each of these neighbourhoods offers accessibility to campuses, green spaces, local markets, and cultural experiences – making your stay in Bologna both exciting and enriching.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Student Accommodation in Bologna
Q1: How much does student accommodation in Bologna cost?
A: On average, student accommodation Bologna costs between €350 and €700 per month depending on location, type (shared/private), and included amenities.
Q2: Is Bologna a good city for international students?
A: Yes! Bologna welcomes thousands of Erasmus and international students each year and has a supportive, student-first environment.
Q3: Can I book student accommodation in Bologna before arriving?
A: Absolutely. Many providers offer online booking, video tours, and digital contract signing, enabling you to secure your room before moving.
Q4: Are university dormitories available in Bologna?
A: Yes, the University of Bologna offers temporary and long-term stay options through ER.GO, the regional body handling scholarships and dormitory placements.
Q5: Is housing near the university available?
A: Yes, especially in areas like the historic centre, Bolognina, and near the Bologna Centrale train station, you’ll find housing within walking distance or a short bus ride from major faculties
✅ Final Thoughts
Finding the right student accommodation in Bologna ensures you begin this incredible chapter of your life with confidence. With so many flexible and student-focused housing options across Bologna, you’re bound to find a place that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
