Counseling services

Entry into University and higher education is an important life-experience as it represents a decisive step towards achieving independence and reaching maturity. The transfer into university study can therefore be daunting and some students may find themselves confronted by certain problems.

We want our students to have the most fulfilling and pleasant university experience possible, and so, for this reason, the University of Pisa runs a counselling service ("Servizio di Ascolto e Consulenza") which is offered to all students. This service is available to those that want to resolve any specific issues or simply talk to someone.

Who can use the service?

The counselling service is aimed at students who are struggling to deal with any problems linked to their university experience, for instance issues relating to:

• Adapting to university study and life;
• Time management and organisation of study methods;
• Relationships with colleagues and professors;
• Concentration, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and lack of motivation.

Purposes of the service

The purpose of this service is to provide students with the help and support of experienced and qualified professionals, who will help them to understand, confront and overcome their difficulties by:

• Providing a listening space where students can feel at ease;
• Developing appropriate strategies to help students manage any discomforts regarding their university experience;
• Helping students to discover ways of handling their problems in an independent manner.

Organisation of the service

Students interested in these support services can choose to receive either individual support or group support.

Individual support involves attending a short series of 45-minute sessions hosted by one of our professionals. During these meetings, our professional counsellors will listen to any concerns communicated by our students and then identify ways of dealing with these issues. They will provide effective support and encourage students to become more self-aware.

Group support involves attending 8 weekly 90-minute sessions. During these meetings, different coping strategies will be discussed, including ways of: handling anxiety, easing emotional discomfort, improving social and interpersonal skills and generally supporting psychological well-being in order to have a better quality of life.

How can I book an appointment?

Students who are interested in getting involved must first complete a brief online questionnaire, in order to evaluate which type of support (individual or group) is most suitable for them. Students will receive an email with details of the recommended route based on the questionnaire results, and information on booking an appointment.

Students who are advised to seek individual support can book their first appointment online by accessing our virtual help desk and clicking "Accesso all'area riservata". You should login using the same credentials as those used for the Alice Portal, and then click "Prenotazione appuntamenti", followed by "Servizio di ascolto e consulenza psicologia". Students will then be able to choose the day and time of their appointment in the electronic calendar. Students will be able to book more appointments directly with our counsellors rather than online after they've had their first meeting.

Contact details

Where to find us

Servizio di Ascolto e Consulenza
Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 3 (Edificio G) – 56127 Pisa
Tel. +39 050 2213608 Fax +39 050 2213610
E-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

Dyslexia and Specific Learning Disorders

Studying can be quite slow and tiresome for students who have dyslexia or a learning disorder. In a number of cases, learning disorders such as these are misinterpreted as a lack of interest and motivation on the student's behalf. This can often have a negative impact on the student's academic career and his/her self-esteem, and therefore limit the student's personal development. We at the University of Pisa want all of our students to benefit from and enjoy their time studying with us.

For this reason, we have a "Welcome Project" in which experienced staff from the USID (Unità di Servizi per l'Integrazione degli studenti Disabili/Service Unit for the Integration of Special Needs students) assists students with learning disorders in planning and organising their studies at the University of Pisa.

Such assistance includes offering students a mediation service for written and oral exams with professors, and providing specific tutoring for academic activities such as taking class notes and recording lessons. The project also offers:

• Information on the enrolment procedure and admission exams;
• Individual meetings for academic guidance;
• Diagnosis and a detailed updated certification for students who may not have an official diagnosis or may not be in possession of an updated diagnosis (i.e. more than 3 years).

If you are interested, don't hesitate to contact us (see below).

Contact details

Sportello Dislessia e DSA (Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento)
Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 3 (Edificio G) - 56127 Pisa
Tel. +39 050 2213434 Fax +39 050 2213610
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Internships are training periods which can take place at a company or an organization. The objective is to combine study and work within the educational process in order to provide a direct experience of a work environment.

Curricular internships, which may last up to 12 months, are open to students enrolled in a Bachelor's (Laurea), Master's (Laurea Magistrale) or a PhD (Dottorato di ricerca) programme. An internship is part of the curriculum and takes place during the academic year even if it may not contribute any credits towards your degree nor your thesis.

Non-curricular internships last on average up to 6 months (in some exceptional cases, they may last 12 to 24 months) and are available to Bachelor's and Master's degree students from the moment they have finished their studies to up to 12 months after. University bureaucracy does not restrict these internships since their main purpose is to help recently graduated students with their professional choices and to have a head-start in the job market. These internships are paid by the host Company/Organization.

The internships are activated on the basis of special agreements between the host company/organization and the University of Pisa. At the start of the internship, the company/organization writes a training plan which lays out the objectives of the internship, where it will take place, how long it will last and any insurance that may be needed. The project is underwritten by a company tutor (who will join the intern in the workplace), an academic tutor (identified by the intern who will be responsible for the organization of teaching and training) and the intern.

The company responsible for the internship must prepare a final report certifying the skills acquired by the intern.

Info and contacts

Direzione Servizi per la Didattica e gli Studenti
Unità Formazione insegnanti, Tirocini e Apprendistato
Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 3 - Edificio "E"
I-56127 Pisa
Tel. +39 050 2212340/027 - Fax +39 050 2210633
Internships website (Italian language only)

Career service: the University has an official portal, which may be accessed by companies/organizations interested in hiring. Students can also upload their CV, update their profile and stay up-to-date with available internships. Based on the students' skills and interests, the office will also organize meetings with potential employers. Furthermore, the office will assist a student who may have an entrepreneurial idea to start a business.

Info and contacts

Direzione Servizi per la Ricerca e il Trasferimento Tecnologico
Palazzo della Sapienza
Via Curtatone e Montanara, 15
56126 Pisa (PI)
Tel. +39 050 2212248/304/297
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Department of Biology
Via Luca Ghini, 13 - 56126 Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050.2211310 Fax +39 050 2211308
Secreteriat: Tel. +39 050 2211302 Fax +39 050 2211308
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Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
Via Moruzzi, 3 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2219000 Fax +39 050 2219260
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2219202 Fax +39 050 2219260
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Department of Civilisations and Forms of Knowledge
Via Pasquale Paoli, 15 - Pisa
Director's Office: e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2216003/002 Fax +39 050 2216001

Department of Economics and Management
Via Cosimo Ridolfi, 10 - Pisa
Director's Office: e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
Secretariat: e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.  

Department of Pharmacy
Via Bonanno Pisano, 6 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2219509 Fax +39 050 2219608
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Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2219503/502/607

Department of Philology, Literature and Linguistics
Piazza Evangelista Torricelli, 2 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2215150 Fax +39 050 2215151
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2215101
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Department of Physics
Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 3 - Pisa
Tel. 800 018600 / +39 050 123456 Fax +39 050 78910

Department of Law
Piazza dei Cavalieri, 2 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2212864 Fax +39 050 2212813
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2212881 Fax +39 050 2212813
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Department of Computer Science
Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 3 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2212753 Fax +39 050 2212726
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2212727/792/778
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Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering
Largo Lucio Lazzarino - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2218031 Fax +39 050 2218065
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Department of Energy, Systems, Territory, and Construction Engineering
Largo Lucio Lazzarino - Pisa
Director's Office Tel +39 0502217300 fax +39 0502217333
Secretariat Tel +39 0502217700 fax +39 0502217730
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Department of Information Engineering
Via Girolamo Caruso, 16 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2217500 Fax +39 050 2217522
Secreteriat: Tel. +39 050 2217 587 Fax +39 050 2217522
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Department of Mathematics
Largo Bruno Pontecorvo, 5 - Pisa
Tel. + 39 050 2213 223 Fax + 39 050 2213 224
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Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
Via Roma, 67 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 993488 Fax +39 050 830162
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2211857 e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine
Via Paradisa, 2 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 992400 Fax +39 050 992400
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2211857 e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies
Via Risorgimento, 36 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 992389 Fax +39 050 992025
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2211857 e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-Environmental Sciences
Via del Borghetto, 80 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2216090 Fax +39 050 2216087 e.mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2216083 Fax +39 050 2216087 e.mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

Department of Geosciences
Via Santa Maria, 53 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2215732 Fax +39 050 2215800
Secretariat: Tel. +39 050 2215832/743 e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.

Department of Political Sciences
Via Filippo Serafini, 3 - Pisa
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2212408 Fax +39 050 2212400
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Department of Veterinary Sciences
Via Livornese - San Piero a Grado (Pisa)
Director's Office: Tel. +39 050 2216703/704 +39 050 2210137 Fax +39 050 2216941 +39 050 2210182
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Date of foundation: 1343

Past glories: Galileo Galilei (student and professor of Mathematics)

Nobel Prize winners: Giosuè Carducci (Literature), Enrico Fermi (Physics) and Carlo Rubbia (Physics)

Fields medalist: Enrico Bombieri (Mathematics), Alessio Figalli (Mathematics)

Academic institutions

Departments: 20

Libraries: 17

Museums: 13

Number of programmes a.y. 2020/2021

Bachelor's degree programmes: 61

Master's degree programmes: 71

Long single-cycle degree programmes: 7

PhD programmes: 36

Postgraduate programmes (Specialisation Schools and Residency programmes): 49

One-year specialisation programmes: 67, including an MBA

Enrolled students a.y. 2020/2021

(last updated on 31 December 2020)

Admitted to first year: 9253

Enrolled in the first year of a Master's degrees: 3490

Enrolled in Bachelor's degrees: 49093

(The new data about students enrolled in Postgraduate Degree Programmes will be provided in June 2021)

Graduates and Postgraduates in 2020

Graduates: 7605

Phd graduates: 188

Specialisation Schools graduates: 223

One-year specialisation programmes graduates (I level): 504

One-year specialisation programmes graduates (II level): 429

Teaching and technical-administrative staff 

(last updated on 31 December 2020)

Research and teaching staff: 1518

Technical-administrative staff: 1572

The University of Pisa is a public institution with twenty departments, and high level research centres in the agriculture, astrophysics, computer science, engineering, medicine and veterinary medicine sectors. Furthermore the University has close relations with the Pisan Institutes of the National Board of Research, with many cultural institutions of national and international importance, and with industries, especially those based in information technology, which went through a phase of rapid expansion in Pisa during the nineteen sixties and seventies.

The University of Pisa was officially established in 1343, although a number of scholars claim its origin dates back to the 11th century.

The earliest evidence of a Pisan "Studium" dates back to 1338, when the renowned jurist Ranieri Arsendi transferred to Pisa from Bologna. He along with Bartolo Da Sassoferrato, a lecturer in Civil Law, were paid by the Municipality to teach public lessons.

The papal bull 'In supremae dignitatis', granted by Pope Clement VI on 3 September 1343, recognized the 'Studium' of Pisa as a 'Studium Generale'; an institution of further education founded or confirmed by a universal authority, the Papacy or Empire. Pisa was one of the first European universities that received this papal attestation, which guaranteed the universal, legal value of its educational qualifications.

The subjects taught first were: Theology, Civil Law, Canon Law and Medicine. In 1355 Francesco Da Buti, the well-known commentator of Dante's Divine Comedy, began teaching at the "Studium".

Pisa and its "Studium" underwent a period of crisis around the turn of the 15th century: the Florentines' conquering of the town ruined its economic and social life. However, there is a lack of documented evidence on the University's regular functioning for decades.

In 1473, thanks to Lorenzo dei Medici, the Pisan Studium resumed its systematic development and the construction of a building for holding lessons was built in 1486. The building - later known as Palazzo della Sapienza (The Building of Knowledge) - was located in the fourteenth-century Piazza del Grano. The image of a cherub was placed Above the Gate 'Dell'Abbondanza' (the Gate of Abundance), leading to the Piazza, which is still today the symbol of the University.

Following the rebellion against Florence in 1494 and the war following, the Pisan Studium suffered a period of decline, and was transferred to Pistoia, Prato and Florence. The ceremonial re-opening of the University, on 1 November 1543, occurred under the rule of Duke Cosimo I dei Medici, who was considered as a second inauguration. The statute of 1545 improved the quality of the University and the Pisan Athenaeum became one of the most notorious in Europe for teaching and research. Luca Ghini held the chair of "Semplici" (Botany), and was the founder of the world's first Botanical Gardens, succeeded by Andrea Cesalpino, who pioneered the first scientific methodology for the classification of plants and is considered a forerunner in the discovery of blood circulation. Gabriele Fallopio and Marcello Malpighi lectured in Anatomy and Medicine.

Galileo Galilei, who was born and studied in Pisa, became a professor of Mathematics at the Pisan Studium in 1589.

The University's role as a state institution became even more noticeable during the Medici Grand Duchy period. A protectionist policy ensured that there were a consistent number of scholars and teachers: laws issued by Cosimo I, Ferdinando I and Ferdinando II obliged those who intended to obtain a degree to attend the Studium of Pisa. This period sees various illustrious figures lecture at Pisa, especially in the field of law and medicine.

The University's development continued under the dynasty of Lorenas. They completed the construction of the astronomic observatory (a project initiated by the Medicis), as well as enriching the University Library with important publications, developing the Botanical Gardens and Natural Science Museum and they established new chairs, such as Experimental Physics and Chemistry. 

The annexation of Tuscany to the Napoleonic Empire resulted in the transformation of the Studium into an Imperial Academy: the Athenaeum became a branch of the University of Paris and the courses and study programs were structured following the French public education model. Five new faculties were established (Theology, Law, Medicine, Science and Literature), along with examinations, different qualification titles and graduation theses. In 1813 'La Scuola Normale Superiore' was established, as a branch of the 'Ecole Normale de Paris'.

The Restoration wasn't able to erase the effects of the Napoleonic experience. The first Congress of Italian Scientists was held in Pisa in 1839. 421 scientists and over 300 experts of various disciplines discussed zoology, comparative anatomy, chemistry, physics, mathematics, agronomy, technology, botany, vegetation physiology, geology, mineralogy, geography and medicine.

In 1839 - 1840 the Director of Education, Gaetano Giorgini, brought about the most important reform in the University of Pisa by raising the number of faculties to six (Theology, Law, Literature, Medicine, Mathematics and Natural Sciences) and created the world's first chair of Agriculture and sheep farming.

In 1846 the Scuola Normale was re-opened. Meanwhile, liberal and patriotic ideals were spreading at Athenaeum and a battalion of the University - composed of lecturers and students - distinguished itself in the Battle of Curtatone and Montanara in 1848.

During the 'Second Restoration', in 1851, Leopoldo II united the universities of Pisa and Siena in a unique Etruscan Athenaeum, which was motivated partly by economic reasons, but primarily for political control. The faculties of Theology and Law rested at Siena; while those of Literature, Medicine, Mathematics and Natural Sciences remained at Pisa. Following the Florentine insurrection and the fleeing of the Grand Duke in 1859, one of the initial measures imposed by the Provisory Government was the restitution to the city of Pisa of its Studium with all six of its faculties. 

With the birth of the Kingdom of Italy, the University of Pisa became one of the new state's most prestigious cultural institutions. Between the second half of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries the following prestigious lecturers taught at Pisa: the lawyers Francesco Carrara and Francesco Buonamici, philologists Domenico Comparetti and Giovanni D'Ancona, historians Pasquale Villari, Gioacchino Volpe and Luigi Russo, philosopher Giovanni Gentile, economist Giuseppe Toniolo and mathematicians Ulisse Dini and Antonio Pacinotti. The first European institute of Historical Linguistics was founded in Pisa in 1890. 

During the years of fascism the Pisa Athenaeum was an active centre for political debate and antifascist organisation. 

After the Second World War the University of Pisa returned to the avant-garde in many fields of knowledge. During the 1900s, the University continued to grow and the Engineering and Pharmacy faculties, were established before the war, and then after the Second World War the Economics, Foreign Languages and Literature and Politics faculties were established. In 1967 the 'Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e Perfezionamento S. Anna' was founded which, together with 'La Scuola Normale', formed a highly prestigious learning and teaching centre.

If you would like to practise your own religion in Pisa there are many opportunities.

If you are Catholic, in the historical centre there are more than 40 churches. The churches in downtown are often monuments of historical and artistic interest. Many of these, however, are freely accessible, such as: Chiesa di Santa Caterina, Chiesa di San Frediano, Chiesa di Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri and Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina.

The San Frediano University Church, located in Piazza San Frediano near Sapienza, offers guidance and special services and welcomes all students wishing to worship in the church.
The Church offers discussions and confession, Holy Sacraments, Bible lectures and the Apostoline Sisters offer personal talks and meetings to listen to the word of God.

San Frediano
Tel. +39 050 46190

For those who practice the religion of the Waldensian Church there is the Chiesa Valdese of Pisa in the historical center of the town.

Chiesa Valdese
Via Derna 13, Pisa - Website

If you are Muslim there is the Islamic Cultural center where people meet to profess their faith. The Center is in the heart of town.

Islamic Cultural center
Via Delle Belledonne 16, Pisa
Tel. +30 050 45466

If you would like to practise the Jewish religion there is a Synagogue in the town centre.

Synagogue
Via Palestro 24, Pisa
Tel. +39 050 542580 - Website

If you are Buddhist there is the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, a little town a few kilometers from Pisa. It is the most important Buddhist centre of Italy and one of the biggest Buddhist centres in Europe.

Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa
Website

In Pisa there is also a group named Gruppo buddista di Pisa.
Mobile +39 338 7544251

Pisa is a university city full of life. Its centre boasts a wide range of meeting places: piazzas, bars, pubs, restaurants, pizzerias, clubs and live music pubs. Around Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza delle Vettovaglie you have the chance to plunge into the heart of a youthful lifestyle and enjoy the classic "happy hour" in one of the many bars of this area.

The cultural life in Pisa revolves around museums, cultural associations, cinemas and theatres where programmes of events include theatre, concerts, opera, dance and other events.

The most important theatre is the Teatro Verdi located in the city centre, built between 1865 and 1867 which was officially opened with the opera "Guglielmo Tell" by Rossini. This theatre has one of  the biggest stages in Italy. Besides the Teatro Verdi there is Sant'Andrea Theatre located inside the Romanesque Sant'Andrea Church (12th Century).

There is also CinemaTeatroLux located in Santa Caterina Square in the ancient chapel of SS. Salvatore (14th Century). The two latter theatres often host shows of local companies at very cheap prices.

If you like going to the cinema, there are many in the city centre as well as outside the medieval walls. At the Arsenale Cine Club you can find movies in various European languages. Wednesdays is

Spectator's Day at the cinemas, so tickets cost only 4,50€ instead of 7,00€. Many young people take advantage of this discount to go to the cinema.

If you like exhibitions many of them are hosted at the Palazzo Blu and at the Expo Center SMS San Michele degli Scalzi.

Events

During the year you can participate in several events. Don't forget to mark the following dates on your calendar:

May

The feast of Saint Ubaldo, flower market along the river Arno at Le Piagge.

June

In this month many events are organized, which is why residents call it "giugno pisano".

• 16th June: the Luminara, on the eve of the feast of the Patron Saint, all the façades of the buildings on the Arno embankmentsare illuminated by candles and nightlights (also called lampadini). The feast, also called "the Lights of San Ranieri" reaches its climax with a beautiful firework show.
  
  
• 17th June: Palio of San Ranieri, feast of Pisa's Patron Saint. In the afternoon four boats representing the colours of the most ancient districts of the city take part in a regatta on the river Arno. This is a vestige of the prestigious tradition of Pisa as oneof the ancient Maritime Republics.
  
  
• Last Sunday of June: the Battle of the Bridge (Gioco del Ponte). It is played on the Ponte di Mezzo (the Middle Bridge) between the teams of Tramontana and Mezzogiorno. The Gioco del Ponte starts in the evening after the historical 16th century costume parade.

Mid October

Pisa Book festival: reading, publishing workshops and discussions take place and food is also available.

End of October

Dolcemente Pisa. Festival of typical sweets of the Tuscan tradition.

November

Pisa Vini: an important exhibition dedicated to wines and to the typical high quality products of the Pisa area.

More

Every second week end of the month, Pisa hosts a craftsmanship market.

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month in Piazza Santa Caterina there is a food market with a wide variety of local and organic vegetables, honey and cheese.

The University of Pisa is not a campus-based university and instead has its buildings and departments spread throughout the city.

In terms of accommodation, students usually find housing through the city's many estate agents or by checking out postings placed on notice boards in each of the University's departments. Students often share an apartment with other Italian or international students. The cost of renting a room is roughly 250.00/400.00 euros per month excluding the cost of utilities and the individual share of general expenses for the building's maintenance.

DSU Toscana (Regional Agency for the Right of Study) offers accommodation to students who win the DSU scholarship. For more information, please read art. 18 of the call for application.

 ♦ When to start looking for an accommodation

To look for an accommodation in Pisa could be challenging, especially if you arrive when lessons already started. The International Office cannot help you finding an accommodation but can support you with information about dedicated portals and websites. We strongly recommend you begin your searching quite early and book an accommodation well in advance (before your arrival). We suggest you that the right time to book an accommodation in Pisa is in summertime, namely June and July. This is the time when most of the students leave the city for Summer holidays and rooms are available for renting.

For a more detailed list of accommodation in Pisa, please consult our guide, attached at the bottom of this page.

♦ Safestay Hostel

They offer special discounts for Unipi students as you can see in the flyer attached at the bottom of this page. To book a room, please, visit Safestay Hostel website.

Plus, you can consult the Comune of Pisa's website Walking in the City to find a complete list of accommodation (for a short period of stay) and facilities.

 ♦ HousingAnywhere

To book your accommodation in Pisa before your arrival, University of Pisa recommends HousingAnywhere, the international housing platform for mobile talents. Through HousingAnywhere you can safely book your new room, offered by verified private landlords and by outgoing students.

To receive a 20% discount on the booking fee, a University of Pisa VIP profile and priority access to the listings, sign up here.

NB: First you will have to pay the entire price and then e-mail Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo. to have that amount back.

You can find information about finding your new place on the how it works page. Do you need more information or have a specific question? Send an e-mail to Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo..    

 ♦ Cerco Alloggio

Find your accomodation is a service that has been recently activated to find accommodation for students. It is funded by the Regione Toscana and the ARDSU (the Regional Programme for the "Right to Study"). It is a web-based application where you can find single or shared rooms and flats.”

 ♦ What do you need to know when signing a rental agreement for a private accommodation

Carefully review the rental agreement for a private accommodation (single or double room and studio). When you visit the apartments, check if the price they ask you is consistent with the settled price and make sure you are clear on all the services and household items the rent includes. For example, is the cost of bills inclued or not? Are there any extra costs? Is the washing machine available? Remember that landlords will ask you to pay a deposit (usually is equal to 2 o 3 monthly rent). To be sure that you do not forget anything, note down all the details and, when it comes the signing step, check both price and rental conditions in the contract have remained the same.

The cost of living in Pisa can be quite low but of course this depends on a student's individual needs and how much is spent on monthly rent.

A suggested monthly budget could be:

Option 1: student living in his/her own room in a rented apartment

Accommodation with utilities: 350/400 euros +
Food: 300 euros +
Other living expenses 150 euros =
TOTAL: 800/850 euros

Option 2: student living in a rented studio apartment

Accommodation with utilities: 600/700 euros +
Food: 300 euros +
Other living expenses 150 euros =
TOTAL: 1050/1150 euros

The cost of some basic food items in Italy is the following:

• Milk (1 litre) 1,60 euro
• Coffee (1 cup) 1,20 euro
• Loaf of bread (1 kilo) 3,50 euros
• Pasta (1 kilo) 2 euros
• A beer at a pub 5 euros
• Whole pizza + drink 15-20 euros
• Bus ticket within the city 1,40 euros
• Magazines 1-5 euros
• Newspaper 1,70 euros
• Movie ticket 8-12 euros