Important Tips for Students Moving to Italy
Italy is one of the hottest study-abroad destinations at the moment which is why there are more aspiring college students moving to Italy every year.
If you are one of them, congratulations!
It is both exciting and scary for students because they will be leaving their homes to lead a different life in a completely different place.
Apart from knowing about your university, there are several other things you should know as a future resident of Italy.
This will include ways to find the best accommodation, access to healthcare, insurance, finding part-time jobs and most importantly your immigration requirements.
The following tips will help you get started on your new journey to Italy!
Immigration Requirements
It must be very exciting to think about your new life in Italy but first, you have to get past the boring but essential part which is reviewing your immigration requirements.
If you are not from Europe you will be required to obtain a student visa to study in Italy.
The type of visa you have to get will depend upon the duration of your study program.
Make sure you start your visa application well in advance so you will have everything you need by the time your college or university starts.
Review the essential documents you will need – this will usually include a passport, acceptance letter from the university, proof of financial support, proof of language proficiency and other relevant ones.
Once you have everything ready, you are officially past the complicated stage!
Student Accommodation
You will obviously need a place to live if you are going to be studying in Italy.
Most Italian universities have student accommodation facilities nearby so do your research to see if your university has housing options.
If it doesn’t, look for alternative accommodation options which are close to it. Make sure they are located near proper amenities and have a good reputation for safety and cleanliness.
Attend The Orientation Program
If you are thinking about skipping your university’s orientation program for freshers, don’t!
The orientation program is designed to help get freshers acquainted with the college and to guide them in various aspects like course selection, marking procedures and financial aid.
There might even be a separate tour arranged for international students who are new to Italy.
This will give you a chance to get familiar with your new surroundings!
Brush Up On Your Italian
Although many Italians have a good knowledge of English, it is always recommended to know basic phrases and important words in Italian.
Outside of the tourist bubble, Italians don’t use or speak English to a great extent.
If you get lost on the streets, you should obviously know how to ask for directions and understand the instructions as well.
Learning simple and basic expressions like Bonjourno and Grazie will also help you be polite while talking to the locals.
The more Italian you know, the easier it will be to run errands and ask for help when necessary!
Try watching YouTube videos or even taking up an Italian course to get a hang of the language.
Healthcare
Italy has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world which you can take advantage of even as a foreign resident!
You should take out health insurance during your stay as a student and apply for a Tax Identification to get access to the National Healthcare System.
You can also purchase private insurance which is available at affordable rates.
Get Familiar With Different Routes
In the beginning, you will find it hard to find your way around even if it is just going to your university.
Getting an idea of all the possible routes including the different bus stops, buses and trains will help you get to different destinations much faster.
Pay attention every time you take a trip and over time you will begin to understand how to find your way around.
Don’t ABe Afraid To Explore
Italy is a beautiful city that has tons of entertainment hubs and spots.
Don’t be afraid to explore every nook and corner of the city with your friends.
Whether it is going on a simple bicycle ride or eating pasta at a local restaurant, make sure you take in every moment!
Conclusion
Make sure to do appropriate research on all the important aspects before you start planning your move.
Don’t worry if things don’t go the way you expected them to, in the beginning, you are in a new place so make sure you give yourself some grace!