Flat-hunt­ing: How I found my place in Bologna

Anyone who has moved to Berlin recently knows how difficult it can be to find a flat – ideally one that’s also reasonably priced. The situation in Bologna is no better, and since the university’s halls of residence are reserved for regular full-time students, you’re mostly left to your own devices. I used several platforms during my search, including the SAIS Accommodation portal, which is also promoted by the university.

It’s also worth checking student networks early on – for example, on Facebook – where other students often post listings for people to take over their rooms. If you’re already in town, it can also help to walk around and visit the offices of the many letting agents scattered throughout the city. Some of them offer rooms for short-term stays as well. Depending on the location, you can expect to pay around 200 to 450 euros for a bed in a shared double room, and 350 to 800 euros for a single room.

Bologna isn’t just Bologna

When looking for accommodation, it’s essential to find out in advance which campus you’ve been assigned to. In addition to the main campus in Bologna, the university also has four other locations – in Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini – each roughly an hour away from Bologna by train.

What’s more, although people often refer to a “campus in Bologna”, the Alma Mater Studiorum – as the University of Bologna is officially called – doesn’t actually have a central university building. Instead, classes take place in the various faculty buildings spread throughout the city. If you’re not living in central Bologna, it’s best to look for accommodation on the same side of town as your faculty. That way, you can avoid having to cross the often-congested city centre every day.

A mix-up with consequences

Since I mostly take English-language courses in political science, I have most of my classes in the Palazzo Hercolani, which is located in the university district on the eastern side of Bologna. I was therefore looking for a room on that side of the city, but then a mix-up happened: Instead of directly outside the city, I ended up in a town south-west of Bologna – because the street names were identical! My two Croatian flatmates had the exact same experience, so now we live between the Reno River and the hills of Colle della Guardia.

If all goes well, it takes me around 40 minutes to get to university. At first, I found the daily commute into the city quite stressful. But now that I’m more familiar with the trains and buses, I actually quite enjoy waking up every day to a view of a green oasis, and having the famous San Luca church right outside my door. Plus, living in a small town has made it much easier to meet the locals, who are incredibly warm and friendly. Thanks to them, I already feel a little bit at home here.

Getting around in Bologna

A few words about getting around in Bologna: To travel from one end of the city to the other, it takes around 40 minutes on foot and about 15 minutes by bike. The bus is usually slower, as there’s currently a new tram line being built, and during rush hour, traffic congestion can be a problem. Football matches and protests can also significantly extend your travel time.

If you live within or just outside the city walls, a bike is the best way to get around. Second-hand bikes can be found here for between 40 and 100 euros. It’s definitely worth it to also invest in a good lock. Another option are the city’s rental bikes, which offer monthly rates starting from as little as 15 euros. Thanks to the many bike paths and considerate drivers, cycling in Bologna is actually quite enjoyable.

For those like me who live further out, a monthly travel pass is usually the best choice. For students under 27, it costs 30 euros. Since I’m over 27, I pay 39 euros. If you’re staying for two semesters, you can also get an annual pass for 154 euros. This pass allows unlimited travel on all buses and trains in the greater Bologna area – so even if you accidentally (or voluntarily!) end up living in the countryside, you’re covered.

05.05.2025