University Halls of Residence in Milan: 2026 Prices, Applications and Deadlines
If you are looking for information about university residences Milan prices, here is the short answer: in 2026 a place in a public or university-run hall of residence costs on average between €250 and €400 per month in a double room and between €380 and €650 per month in a single, while in private residences (Camplus, Campus X, Aparto, Collegiate, Dovevivo and similar) prices range from €550–750 for a place in a double to €750–1,200 for a single, and up to €1,000–1,600 for a self-contained studio. Public places are few and assigned through a ranking list: that is why most students end up looking for a room on the private market anyway.
In this guide you will find updated prices, how the applications work, a realistic calendar of deadlines and an honest comparison between halls of residence and traditional renting.
University residences in Milan: 2026 prices compared
| Option | Indicative monthly cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Public/university residence – double room | €250–400 | Utilities, wi-fi, cleaning of common areas |
| Public/university residence – single room | €380–650 | Utilities, wi-fi, reception |
| Private residence – place in a double | €550–750 | Utilities, wi-fi, gym or study rooms |
| Private residence – single room | €750–1,200 | Utilities, services, periodic cleaning |
| Private residence – studio | €1,000–1,600 | All inclusive, private kitchen |
| Single room in a shared apartment | €550–750 | Building service charges; utilities often separate |
| Bed in a shared (double) room | €350–500 | Varies, depends on the contract |
As you can see, the difference between a private residence and a room in an apartment can be €200–400 per month: over twelve months that adds up to thousands of euros. But be careful: the price of a residence often includes bills and wi-fi, so the comparison should be made on the total cost, not just on the rent.
Public and university residences: how they really work
In Milan, subsidised accommodation places are mainly managed by the right-to-study offices of the individual universities, sometimes together with regional bodies and foundations.
Politecnico di Milano
The Politecnico has residences in the Città Studi area (near Piola and Lambrate, M2) and in Bovisa (served by the Passante suburban railway). Subsidised rents for students eligible for a scholarship start at very low figures, while "full rate" places for non-eligible students come close to €400–650 per month. Demand is extremely high in September: if you don't make the ranking list, you need a plan B ready.
Statale, Bicocca and the other universities
Università Statale has residences scattered between the city centre (a short distance from Festa del Perdono, M3 Missori) and the southern part of the city. Bicocca is the university with the best ratio of beds to students, with buildings practically on campus, along the M5. Cattolica (Sant'Ambrogio area, M2) and Bocconi (Porta Romana–Bocconi area, M3) run their own residences with mid-range rents, often including services.
Scholarships and ISEE
Access to subsidised places almost always goes through the ISEE (the Italian indicator of household economic situation) or, for international students, the ISEE parificato (the equivalent calculated for income earned abroad): a document that takes time (translations, income certificates, sometimes a step through the consulate). Students who win a scholarship can obtain their place free of charge or at a reduced rate. Always check requirements and amounts on the official website of your university and of the regional right-to-study body, because they change every academic year.
Applications and deadlines: the calendar to keep an eye on
Dates vary from university to university, but the rhythm is always similar:
- June–July: publication of the calls for scholarships and accommodation places for the following academic year.
- July–August: window for submitting the online application. This is the moment to already have your ISEE (or ISEE parificato) ready.
- September: first provisional ranking lists and assignments; further allocations in the following weeks.
- Late September–October: move-in dates, payment of the first instalment and the deposit (usually one or two months' rent).
Private residences, on the other hand, have no application calls: they work on direct booking, first come first served. The best facilities start filling up as early as March–May for the following year, and by September only the most expensive places are left.
Hall of residence or rented room? Pros and cons
| Hall of residence | Room in an apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| Real cost | High in private ones, very low in public ones if you are eligible | Medium: €550–750 + €50–100 of utilities |
| Bureaucracy | Application call, ISEE, strict deadlines | Contract, documents, deposit |
| Flexibility | Contracts tied to the academic year | You can choose the area, flatmates and duration |
| Daily life | Services included, house rules | More freedom and your own kitchen |
| Availability in September | Very scarce | Limited but real, with an active search |
In practice: if you have a low ISEE and submit your application on time, a public residence is by far the most affordable choice. If you don't meet the requirements, a room in an apartment often costs less than a private residence and gives you more freedom. You can get a concrete idea of real rents by browsing all the rental listings in Milan.
The real monthly budget of a student in Milan
- Single room rent: €550–750
- Utilities (if not included): €50–100 per person
- ATM public transport: about €22 per month with the under-27 pass, or around €200 for the annual one
- Groceries: €200–300
- Canteen, books, free time: €100–200
Realistic total: €950–1,300 per month in a shared apartment. In a private residence with a single room, the same lifestyle easily reaches €1,200–1,700. The annual ATM pass is almost always the right choice if you are staying in Milan from September to July.
If you don't get a place in a residence: plan B in 5 steps
- Don't wait for the final ranking list. Start looking for a room in parallel, from July.
- Choose the area based on the metro, not on distance in kilometres. With M2, M3 and M5, a half-hour journey is completely normal.
- Prepare your documents in advance: passport or ID card, codice fiscale (Italian tax code), admission letter, a guarantor or your parents' payslip.
- Be wary of deposits requested before a viewing. No serious landlord asks for money without a contract.
- Consider slightly out-of-centre areas such as Lambrate, Bovisa, Bicocca, Precotto or Famagosta: the same travel times, lower rents.
If you study at the Politecnico, take a look at homes near the Politecnico; for the southern part of the city, options near Bocconi are also useful.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a university hall of residence in Milan cost in 2026?
Roughly €250–400 per month in a double and €380–650 in a single in public or university-run facilities; €750–1,200 for a single in private residences, utilities included.
Can I apply for a place if I am an international student?
Yes, but you usually need the ISEE parificato and translated documentation on your family income. Prepare the documents months in advance and check the requirements on your university's official website.
Is a hall of residence or private renting better value?
A public residence is always worth it, if you are eligible. Between a private residence and a room in an apartment, the apartment is generally cheaper and more flexible.
When should I start looking for accommodation in Milan?
From June for a September start. In September demand is extremely high and the prices of whatever is left are the highest of the year.
Do you need a concrete solution before classes start? Take a look at our updated listings or write to us from the contact page: we will help you find a room or a studio flat near your university, with a proper contract and clear timings.
