by Natalie Nassar

Lessons from Milan and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 

 

What I wish I knew before studying in Italy

 

When I first arrived in Italy to study as an international student at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, I thought I had prepared for everything. I researched my programme, arranged accommodation, and downloaded a few helpful apps. But living here taught me lessons that no checklist could fully capture. Some were practical, others emotional, and all of them shaped my experience beyond the classroom. 

 

The first week can be the hardest

 

You’re new, everything, and everyone around you is new.  As exciting as it is, you may also feel like a fish out of water. Finding your classes, feeling socially exhausted by the end of the day, buying groceries, walking almost everywhere, and learning how to ask for help can all feel overwhelming. 

The good news is that this phase is temporary. Slowly but surely, you build the courage to talk to others. You learn to navigate your classes (sometimes by following classmates at first), and as you make friends, you begin to learn not only about the culture around you, but also about yourself. Adjustment takes time, and during this period, it’s important to be patient with yourself. Hundreds of other international students are going through the same process. 

 

 

Do you need to speak Italian to study in Italy? 

 

While English is widely used within universities and in major cities, daily life in Italy often requires at least basic Italian. At the post office, during conversations with landlords, or when visiting public offices, speaking a few essential phrases can make a significant difference. 

At first, this can feel uncomfortable. But it also becomes an opportunity. You don’t need to be fluent; knowing how to ask for directions or explain a simple situation is often enough. Over time, exposure builds confidence, and you’ll likely meet people willing to teach you useful expressions (and even a bit of slang). 

 

Getting around: Transport and travel 

 

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Italy as an international student is mobility. Public transport in larger cities is generally efficient and well-connected. Metro systems are easy to navigate, and trams and buses reach most neighbourhoods. 

That said, train and metro strikes do happen and are sometimes announced at the last minute, so checking ahead before important travel days is essential. 

If you are studying in Milan, for example, you can reach: 

• Lake Como in under an hour 
• Verona in about an hour 
• Venice in around 2 – 2.5 hours 
• Florence in under two hours with high-speed trains 

Italy’s railway network makes weekend travel accessible and relatively affordable, especially when tickets are booked early. Living here means you’re rarely “stuck” in one place, you are surrounded by lakes, mountains, historic cities, and diverse regional cultures.

 

Phone plans in Italy: Easier and cheaper than expected 

 

In many countries, phone contracts are expensive and complicated. In Italy, it’s often surprisingly straightforward. Getting a local SIM card is relatively simple and inexpensive, with many providers offering generous data plans (often starting around 100GB) and unlimited calls for approximately €8 – €15 per month at the time of writing. 

To register for a SIM card, you typically need your passport and a Codice Fiscale (an Italian tax identification number required for contracts and official registrations), so arranging your tax code early is helpful. 

Coverage in major cities like Milan is strong, and universities provide reliable Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected academically and socially. 

Popular providers include: 

• TIM 
• Vodafone 
• WINDTRE 
• Iliad (very popular among students) 

An added advantage is EU roaming, which allows you to use your Italian plan while traveling across Europe without extra fees. Having an Italian phone number quickly becomes essential for apartment searches, deliveries, and administrative procedures, and it plays a small but important role in helping you feel settled and independent. 

 

The apps I wish I knew about 

 

These apps may seem like small details, but together they make adapting to life in Italy much smoother: 

Getting around

Local transport apps (e.g., ATM Milano if you are in Milan) – For metro, tram, and bus routes, tickets, and real-time updates, especially useful during strike days. 

• Google Maps – Reliable for public transport routes and walking directions. 
• Trenitalia & Italo – To book regional and high-speed trains. 
• Trainline – Helpful for comparing train options and prices. 

Communication 

• WhatsApp – The primary communication tool in Italy. Used for class group chats, landlords, and sometimes even administrative communication. 

Daily life & Services 

• Delivery apps (Glovo, Deliveroo, Just Eat) – Helpful during busy exam periods. 
• Poste Italiane – Useful for tracking official documents and booking post office appointments. 

Language & Practical tools 

• Google Translate (or similar apps) – Extremely useful for contracts or appointments conducted in Italian. 
• Money & Payments 
• Banking apps (such as Revolut or an Italian bank app) – Important for rent payments and daily expenses. 

 

Things close. A lot. 

 

Many shops close for a few hours in the middle of the day. Public offices may close earlier than expected. During August, especially around Ferragosto (a national holiday in mid-August when many businesses pause for summer holidays), it can feel like the entire country slows down. 

At first, this can be frustrating, particularly when handling administrative documents or scheduling appointments. Planning ahead becomes essential. Booking appointments in advance and checking opening hours carefully can save a lot of stress. 

 

You don’t have to rush everything 

 

Living in Italy encouraged me to rethink my relationship with time and productivity. Life often moves at a slower pace, but in a meaningful way. Long meals are meant to be enjoyed. Coffee breaks are social rituals. Walking through the city becomes part of daily life rather than just transportation.

Social connection is valued, and productivity does not always feel rushed. Over time, you learn to focus on one thing at a time and to be more present. 

 

The hard days are part of growth 

 

When you look back after a year, you realise how much you’ve changed. You become more independent, adaptable, and resilient. There are moments of frustration – navigating bureaucracy, language barriers, cultural differences – but they are balanced by unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and personal growth. 

Studying in Italy – especially at a university like Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan – is not just an academic experience. It’s a process of learning how to live differently and discovering strengths you didn’t know you had.