University of Pisa
trusts
HousingAnywhere
with accommodation for their students since 2013

• Founded in 1343

• Ranked the 10th University in Italy

• Offers English courses

• 50,000 students

• 500 International students

• 1,900 professors and researchers

• 20 Faculties

• Has partnered with Housing Anywhere since August 2013

Campus Facilities

The University of Pisa is not contained within one central campus, but rather has buildings located in many different areas throughout the city. However, most of these buildings can be found in the city centre, with a few in the outer districts. Most of the university’s buildings are only a 20-minute walk from the centre of Pisa.

For those interested in sports, the CUS Centro Universitario Sportivo offers a large number of courses at very affordable prices for budget-conscious students.

There is also a total of 17 libraries, which are always growing and expanding their collections. So that there is plentiful space available for students, more new libraries will be inaugurated over the next few years. The libraries are conveniently located throughout Pisa, so that students never have to travel too far to study.

Students may also expect three low-priced dining halls that offer lunch and dinner seven days a week. Depending on the number of courses that are selected, the meals cost between 3€ to 4€. Once students enroll, they will receive an electronic card that they can fill and use to purchase these meals.

If you’re looking for things to do in Pisa, you will most certainly find many ways to fill your time. While it is a small city, it still boasts 13 museums with inspiring collections of all kind. To learn even more about what Pisa has to offer, check out our Pisa City Guide!

Courses

You will find that the scientific courses at the University of Pisa are the most popular, due in part to its many well-known students, hailed for their contributions and their part in laying the foundation for Galileo Galileo. After the science-related courses, the next popular offerings are in the realms of Mathematics, Engineering and Physics. Many international students enroll in the large number of Engineering courses offered.

While the university is revered for its strong science base, the humanities are also known for building its prestige. Foreign Languages and Literature, Regional Literature, Classical Letter, Philosophy and History are some of the favorites among the students.

International Dimension

The University of Pisa prides itself on its huge role in welcoming the many facets of European mobility. In fact, it was a member of the ECTS Pilot Project in the initial years of the Erasmus Programme. As that the University of Pisa is an internationally recognized institution, promoting the educational benefits through international pursuits, it has also been an active participant in Erasmus mobility programmes since 1989. Plus, it participates in other Erasmus projects, such as Thematic and Academic Networks, Intensive Programmes and Curriculum Development programmes.

The university utilizes several methods in which to choose its partner programmes, including its connections with the Erasmus LLP programme, Socrates and Erasmus, along with agreements with other similar universities or those wishing to add an international dimension to their own campuses.

However, many influential commitments have been obtained through European projects that have been coordinated by the university. All of these potential partnerships are heavily screened for the proper use of ECTS. This has caused the university to become well-known and respected by its Erasmus partners, who represent many different countries. This can also often lead to other opportunities and the addition of new courses within some of the already chartered agreements.

Associated with Erasmus since the late 1980s, the University of Pisa initially worked with 11 countries. It has also increased this number along the years with every opportunity, adding members in both central and eastern Europe, and just recently in Turkey and several Balkan countries.

It has also reached beyond the benefits of Erasmus into a wider range of geographic locales, bartering agreements in science and research, as well as teaching opportunities. Along with its Pan-European network, it has gained partnerships in Central Asia, China, Latin America, the United States, South Africa and North Africa. All of these partnerships will be key in developing new Erasmus programmes.

To learn even more about additional assistance for incoming international students, read on in our informative Pisa City Guide!

Getting Here

As that the University of Pisa is not located on a single, central campus, there are a variety of ways to reach the different faculties from many areas in and around Pisa.

Riding a bike is an extremely popular mode of transportation in Pisa. Due to the small size of the city centre, getting from one place to the next is very convenient on a bike. You can purchase your own bike, or you can join Pisa’s bike sharing service, Ciclopi.

Buses also offer reduced fees for students of the university. There are several lines that run until night, offering many ways to reach your destination.

If you’d love to be able to travel from one side of Pisa to another, just like a local, be sure to read on in our helpful Pisa City Guide!

Student Neighbourhoods

Pisa is full of young people, especially considering that there are over 50,000 students enrolled in the University of Pisa. Most students prefer to live in the city centre, and there are plenty of reasons why. There are shops, supermarkets, pubs, the Duomo and the Leaning Tower, along with other monuments. Plus, there are people of all nationalities calling Pisa "home".

The Quarter of Santa Maria is one of the most popular neighborhoods in all of Pisa. It is within this area that you will find the many things that Pisa is known for, including the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, the Knights’ Square and the Piazza dei Cavalieri. Since the Middle Ages, the Quarter of Santa Maria has been the true heart of Pisa, now drawing in tourists from all over the world. It is also home to the University Hospital Santa Chiara and Scuola Normale Superiore, along with many of the University of Pisa’s buildings.

There is still so much more to learn about Pisa’s fascinating neighborhoods! Be sure to learn more in our informative Pisa City Guide!

Common Housing Practices

As that the University of Pisa is not located at one central campus, it does not offer housing for its students in the form of dorms or on-campus accommodations. Instead, students typically choose to rent private rooms or share apartments with other students or young people, starting off at around €350 per month. This price does not generally include electric, gas, telephone or Wi-Fi. Also keep in mind that landlords typically require one or two month’s rent as a deposit, which will be returned at the end of the lease contract, as long as there is no property damage.

Students can often find shared apartments posted on the bulletin boards at the different university buildings. Thanks to several agreements with housing facilities made by the university, students can also receive discounts through special promotions for accommodation pricing.

Since 2013, Housing Anywhere has been an official partner with the University of Pisa. We have assisted international students in finding safe, convenient housing, along with providing a wealth of knowledge in the form of helpful tips, fact-filled information and informative city guides. Check out some of our tips on our informative Pisa City Guide!

Pisa, known as the City of the Leaning Tower, is a great choice for students who are studying abroad. Due to its popularity, there are a host of student organizations and associations to assist students with adjusting to the area. Two of the most well-known associations are AEGEE and ESN. They provide students with the opportunities to participate in volunteer work, social events or professional opportunities, all organized by the associations. With so much to experience, you will rarely run out of exciting things to do!

Yet, be sure to get outside of the university and experience some of Pisa’s unique events, held throughout the city. Click here for our fun-filled Pisa City Guide!