By Isabella Diaz Martin

 

We are delighted to welcome you to campus as part of our student body. With the excitement and anticipation for this new chapter, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain. Know that the Università Cattolica team is here to guide you through your next steps. 

 

Università Cattolica’s Student Card: Carta Ateneo+

The student card is your official university ID granting access to campus facilities, university services, sitting exams, etc. International students will receive an email with instructions on how and when to pick up their card. 

After you receive your card, you have the possibility to activate it as a prepaid card, all the information can be found here. 

Take care of your card and do not lose it! 

 

iCatt App: University Life in One Place

To easily access your timetables, classrooms, exam registration and much more, make sure to download the iCatt App. 

It’s available on all smartphones and is super handy for receiving real-time updates: from suspended classes to available study rooms and essential information.

Tip: Keep the app updated to make sure you don’t miss out on any information.

 

Foundation Knowledge Assessment (VPI Test)

One of the most common misconceptions about the VPI test is that it’s an entrance test. Spoiler: VPI is not an entrance or admissions test.

While it is not a prerequisite to access the programme, it is a compulsory test for all first-year bachelor's degrees students, as it intends to assess the basic knowledge needed to attend your programme. 

It’s an online test and you will automatically be assigned a date to take it. To check the date assigned and operational instructions, you can go to the “Appointments” section of your personal iCatt page. 

 

First Steps at Università Cattolica

At the start of the semester, you’ll receive information regarding timetable, class attendance, study plan and your programme tutor. 

Class Schedule: Finding Your Way Around
You’ll get your class timetable at the start of the semester, but you can also find it on the iCatt App by adding your courses. 

Each class has a location “code” which tells you where it takes place, like “G.023”:

• The first letter is the building = G for Gemelli
• The first number is the floor = 0 ground floor, 1 first floor, etc.
• The last digits are the room number

It might seem confusing at first (I thought so!) but you’ll get the hang of it quickly!
 

Campus & Student Services at Università Cattolica
Our campuses offer a full range of essential services to support you throughout your academic journey. From well-equipped libraries and the central Student Services Centre (Polo Studenti) to our on-campus Health Centre, everything is designed to ensure your university experience is smooth, fulfilling, and worry-free.
Whether you need a quick espresso during the pausa or a proper meal between classes, university cafés and cafeterias are always close by. 
 

You’ve Made It to Campus – Now Let’s Make It Yours! 
You’ve arrived, picked up your badge, maybe even found your favorite espresso spot on campus – and that’s just the beginning.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions: we’re here for you, from your tutors to the International Admissions team and Polo Studenti. 

Now it’s time to settle in, explore, and start shaping your Cattolica experience. Whether you’re navigating your first lecture or making new friends over an aperitivo, remember – you’re part of a vibrant international community. Welcome to your new home in Italy. 

Don’t forget to check our Welcome KIT to read all the information about your faculty and our Cattolica International webpage to see everything you need to know about your campus.

Good luck on this next adventure!