Study in Milan, Italy

Milan is a city located towards the north of Italy and is known for the educational programs it offers in economics, business, management, and fashion. This city is home to different public and private universities that provide programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels for both international and domestic students. Students will be able to find different certification programs and diploma programs as well under different specializations.

The city is known to be one of the few fashion capitals in the world with different fashion brands holding the fort here along with the internationally acclaimed fashion events that are held here from time to time. It also contains plenty of museums and art galleries like other prominent cities in Italy making even leisure activities a knowledgeable experience for students. Students will be able to experience and understand the culture of Italy along with the importance the country gives to history and art by living in Milan.

Benefits of Studying in Milan

Students who wish to study in Italy and are opting for programs in the fields of economics, business, management, and fashion will be able to find the best courses in this city. Candidates will also be surprised to find the number of internships and part-time jobs they can find while living in the city due to the number of available entertainment options. The city has plenty of bars, clubs, restaurants, diners, etc. where students will be able to work. A few other benefits of living and studying in Milan include-

• This city has a few many public and private universities that provide high-quality education especially in the field of economics and business. The programs that are offered are internationally recognized and hence students will be able to work anywhere in the world after completing the course.
• International students will be able to thrive in the city due to the multicultural environment created by tourists and students alike. They will be able to expand their network while staying in the city which will be highly beneficial in their work lives.
• The universities in Milan offer plenty of university and international scholarships that students will be able to benefit from. These scholarships most often cover the entirety of the tuition fee based on the merit and economic need of the candidate.
• The city is also one of the fashion capitals of the world which will enable fashion students to both complete an internationally acclaimed fashion program and attend fashion events that can provide them with experience and knowledge.

Places to Stay in Milan

Milan contains plenty of public and private universities which implies that the areas near these institutions are student localities. Students generally stay in dormitories, student housings, residential halls, shared apartments, and even single apartments according to their budget and interest. Student localities offer especially international students a safe environment and also affordable accommodation and entertainment options. A few of these localities are-

• Navigli- This locality is known to be a safe location for international students and is also a relatively cheaper place. The place is part of Milan’s history as it was even compared to Venice due to the canals that connected the entire city. Students will be able to find plenty of restaurants and other eating options in the neighborhood. They will also be able to take boat rides in this locality.
• Porta Genova- The Porta Genova or the Genova gate is a historical location with the gates leading to the Piazza Cantore. It is supposed to be one of the most old-fashioned places in the city and students who are interested in antique and bizarre things will be able to explore the Fiera di Senigallia.
• Brera- This place is located in the center of the city and offers plenty of entertainment options to students. Though the locality can be relatively more costly to live in, students will be able to find cheap student housings if they actively look for it. The place is home to the Palazzo di Brera, Pinacoteca di Brera, Biblioteca Braindense, etc. that students will be able to visit in their leisure time. The locality has a bohemian vibe to it which is both romantic and alluring at the same time. It is also a great place for shopping.

Cost of Living in Milan

The cost of living in Milan is higher than in cities like Florence but at the same time lower than or similar to cities like Rome. While groceries and other daily expenses that candidates might incur are reasonable and affordable, accommodation expenses in the city can be really high based on the locality the candidate has chosen to live in. The cost of living for a month is estimated to be around €840 without rent. Along with rent, this rate can go up to €2,036 based on whether the candidate has opted for a single or shared apartment or other housing options.

Accommodation and Utility Expenses

Accommodation expenses in Milan, like most other cities, are quite high. Students who wish to stay within the city center will find that accommodation rates are quite high. But if they are to stay in student housing arrangements or residential halls, they will be able to find affordable accommodation in the city. If candidates are willing to stay a little outside the city center, they will be able to even find single or shared apartments. The cost of accommodation for an apartment in a not-so-expensive area is estimated to be less than €1,200 per month. The rent for studio apartments is estimated to be around €700.

Utility expenses are estimated to be less than €100 per month.

Grocery Expenses

The price for basic grocery items in Milan is-

• Milk- €1.24 per liter
• Apples- €1.92 per kg
• Cheese- €12.80 per kg
• Potatoes- €1.40 per kg
• Onion- €1.25 per kg
• Wine- €5.50 per bottle
• Rice- €2.18 per kg

Transportation Expenses

Milan, unlike cities like Rome and Florence, has a well-connected public transportation system that even contains travel cards that tourists can make use of. The public transportation system in this city is run by the ATM/Azienda Trasporti Milanesi. Students will be able to use the subway, trams, and buses for commuting to different parts of the city. A monthly ticket for using public transport can be purchased for €35. The charge for a one-way ticket is €1.50 and students will also be able to purchase an unlimited day pass for €4.50. Apart from using public transport, most people in the city prefer to walk to their destinations.

Programs to Study in Milan

The programs that one can opt to study in Milan are-

• Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Economics
• Fine Arts
• Music

Top Universities in Milan

A few of the top universities in Italy are-

University of Milan

This university was established in the year 1924 and it is a public university that focuses mainly on research. It has a student population of over 60,000 and over 2,100 academic staff. It offers programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels through the 10 different schools. There are 32 doctoral schools and 53 research schools that focus on different specializations with a history of publishing excellent research content. The schools are for fields like law, medicine, humanities, veterinary medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, exercise & sport sciences, linguistics & cultural mediation, etc. This university also provides financial support in the form of university scholarships and international scholarships.

Polytechnic University of Milan

The Polytechnic University of Milan was established in the year 1863 and has a student population of over 42,000 along with over 1,400. They offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and are known for their programs in the fields of engineering, architecture, and design. The departments they have are in subjects like architecture & urban studies, chemical engineering, construction engineering, design, bioengineering, energy, physics, environmental engineering, mathematics, etc. They also offer an MBA and other programs in the field of business and management.

Bocconi University

This university was established in the year 1902 and has a student population of over 15,000 and over 1,400 administrative staff. They offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields like law, finance, economics, management, etc. Bachelor’s programs are provided in subjects like international economics & management, international economics & finance, economic & social sciences, international politics, and government, etc. Master’s programs are provided in subjects like international management, management, marketing management, finance, economic & social sciences, etc. They also offer MBA and executive education through their business school.

University of Milano-Bicocca

This university was established in the year 1998 and has a student population of over 33,000. It is a public university that provides programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The courses they provide are in fields like economics, statistics, law, education, biotechnology, computer sciences, chemistry, astrophysics, surgery, mathematics, natural sciences, etc. The university has 8 different faculties. The research areas that are offered include economics& statistics, medicine & surgery, psychology, educational sciences, sociology, etc.

Universita Vita-Salute San Raffaele

This university was established in the year 1996 and they focus mainly on fields of study like medicine, philosophy, and psychology. The programs they offer are in subjects like nursing, dental care, biotechnology, medicine, surgery, clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, etc. These programs are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels.

Entertainment Options in Milan

Like most other cities in Italy, students will find that exploring the museums, art galleries, and ancient ruins in the city will take up most of their leisure time in the city. But apart from this, candidates will be able to party at disco bars and divey pubs. This is mainly due to the large student population in the city owing to the different universities that are present. Students will be able to find that nightlife in Milan is probably the best they will find in the country. And nightlife in Milan is not restricted to enclosed spaces but is also prevalent in the streets of populous areas.

Places to Visit in Milan

The city has its share of museums, churches, cathedrals, and piazzas that students will be able to explore endlessly. The historical and cultural references associated with the places will offer them both entertainment and knowledge. A few of the must-see places in Milan include

• Duomo di Milano- This is a Catholic church that was constructed in the 14th century. It has a gothic architectural style and has over 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and other sculptures that students will be able to explore. The sundial in the church is also well-known for being precise despite being built centuries ago.
• Castello Sforzesco- This was a Visconti fortress that was constructed in the 15th century and is known to be a prominent space for Italian art and culture. The castle was decorated over time by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante which is a fascinating feature for architecture, design, and fine arts students. They will be able to explore and learn about medieval art and artistry during their visit.
• Museo del Novecento- This museum showcases 20th-century art with over 400 artworks being displayed at all times. Students will be able to learn about art that is distant from medieval influences unlike most other galleries in the city. The place also hosts temporary exhibitions which change from time to time.

Things to Do in Milan

Milan offers students plenty of activities to do throughout the day ranging from exploring the city and the streets to enjoying the nightlife that the city provides. The city hosts fashion events of international acclaim and also has the choicest restaurants where students will be able to experience the cuisine of the city. A few of the must-do things in the city are-

• Take the Navigli Canal Tour- Milan has parts of its localities compared to Venice due to the well-connected canals in the city. These canals were designed by da Vinci himself and now they are open to tourists who can tour them drinking in the view of churches, bars, and even trattorias.
• Experience the Street Life- The street life in the city will allow students to shop as much as they want for both food and clothes in their budget. They will be able to sample different gourmet products that are exclusive to the city while wandering the streets. They will also be able to blend in with the multicultural crowd that the streets of Milan have.
• Take the Tram Tour- The city has restored trams that were functional in the 1920s and transformed them into a landmark where tourists and locals can spend time with food and drinks. The trams are candlelit and have been decorated with stained glass which gives a surreal experience as it goes past churches and cathedrals.

Nightlife in Milan

Milan offers students the best nightlife experience they can get in the country especially due to the young population that lives in the city. Nightlife in this city is not restricted to bars, pubs, and clubs but also to the streets in the city. Students will be able to also witness theatrical events if they are to visit the outskirts of the city and the nightlife here will mainly constitute dining and drinking.

• Darsena- This place is found close to the canals and is a spot preferred by young adults for drinking and having picnics. The locality will always have rock or reggae music playing in the background and students will be able to enjoy the street food from the food trucks and eateries available close by.
• Colonne di San Lorenzo- This is an old building constructed in Romanesque style in front of which one will be able to find people gather to drink. Both local and international people will be often found interacting with each other on random topics at this location. Students will also be able to witness local people create music all of which adds to the vibe of the place.
• Brera- This place has plenty of bars and clubs like Bar Brera, II Patuscino, Jamaica, etc. where students will be able to find both food and drinks to their liking within their budget. The ambiance of the bars in this locality is bohemian and students will be able to experience both the quiet and lively nightlife in this neighborhood depending on where they go.