About Milan: 

Dear Students Welcome to the Italian hub for fashion and culture of the arts: Milan! I hope you are ready to explore this fantastic city full of surprises. Do not forget your cameras and your enthusiasm to make your journey there memorable. During your stay, you will have the chance to be surrounded by the architectural beauty of both churches and buildings that make the Italian city one of a kind and the walkway of the major fashion brands! Boys, do you not relate? There is for you too! From sporting events to nightclubs, there is always something to do for everyone. Please find all the information needed for your stay without any further delay, whether you are an international or a European student!

QUICK ONLINE VISIT: 

Milan is all more than just an italian city, and while we love to write everything up here, here is a recap video to introduce you to the city! Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVz19g-kYpQ 

BUDGETING

Check cost-of-living website: 

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Italy 

So I know what you are thinking… How much will my stay cost me? Before you begin worrying about your budgeting I need to make a quick disclaimer, these figures are not fixed which means that it entirely depends on your lifestyle and your spending habits. So, where I may say that your cost of living may seem higher or lower to what you were expecting, take this advice as a grain of salt…. It’s also representative of both the whole city so if you are living in the suburbs it will be less expensive than the city centre. 

So pretty much, what are we looking at figure wise? More or less consider a good 1000 euros spent each month with all inclusive except your tuition fees. 

• Housing: 600-1100 euro per month 

Simply put it’s one of the most expensive cities for students because they do not trust us! Too often the students come and leave the place as a dustbin, so the landlord charges extra. Your best bet is to either find a very nice landlord, or get in touch with family or friends that live in the country that can certify for you. In this case rent can be reduced but you will pay a higher caution. 

• Utilities: 50-100 euro per month

It depends on the efficiency score and your use – usually in student housing these fees are included however, in the case they are not they usually range about 80 euro per month for a studio like apartment including water, electricity and gas.

• Food: 200 euro per month 

Depends on what you eat ofcourse. But the best bet is that as a student you will snack a lot and unlike in other countries where snacks are quite expensive in proportion to everything else, the government wants us to be Fit, so be aware of this, also going to the local weekly market could be your way around reducing your monthly costs, in doing so I send about 80 euro month!!! 

• Transport: 10-25 euro per month 

Make sure you do all your tickets and be aware that you can not pay with your credit card. Well yes you can but only for the M1 line so always bring your transport card otherwise penalty fees are quite high ranging between 10-50 euro depending on your excuse 🙂 

• Phone: 8-20 euro per month

25-30 euro first month data plan and inscription and then top up or data plans from 5 euro. Be careful they will try to scam you! The best way is to buy an international SIM card. https://www.thingsmobile.com/it/business/shop?step=go_to_step2 

• Going out: 15-50 euro per night/day

It depends on what you do and where you go, there are many things to see that are completely free of charge, however if we are talking about nightlife and clubs, be aware that girls tend to get in free most of the time while boys will usually have to pay between 5-15 euro per person. For drinks and food, considering a whole day outing pack up 50 euros you will be sure to finish them up when in a group of 3 including breakfast, lunch and dinner but nothing more – unless of course you are going to a restaurant and not snacking where you should then pack a 50 euro bill for each person. 

• Currency conversion: https://www.xe.com/fr/currencyconverter/

TRANSPORTATION

The best way to get around Milan is by the efficient (and inexpensive) public transportation system called the ATM. This system of subway, buses and trams is far-reaching and very cheap. Metered taxis are another good option, though they can get expensive if you use them as your sole form of transportation. 

• Apps to download?

You may want to download the ATM app on your phone as it will help you if lost around the city, and provide you access to a map too; however, there is essentially no app yet linked to your card as of now.

• Kind of tickets and subscriptions

There are three types of subscriptions: urban, extraurban and cumulative. The one we recommend you is the cumulative option along the Student card as it will give you the most services at the lowest comprehensive price.

• Specific card to have as a student?

https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti/Pages/TesseraElettronicaStudenti.aspx 

• Prices detailed with the different kinds of subscriptions (yearly, monthly…)

Electronic Student cards are valid for 4 years. You will need to renew your student travel card at the beginning of the school or academic year: this annual renewal, which is charged directly onto your card, costs € 10.

https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti/Pages/TesseraElettronicaStudenti.aspx 

• Documents you need to get the card

• Card Request Form
• Passport or ID
• A photo of yourself

• Where to find the card?

To find the card proceed with this link: https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti/Pages/TesseraElettronicaStudenti.aspx 

You should collect your card from the same ATM Point or outlet at which you presented your request by exhibiting your request receipt.

If you request your card from an ATM point it will be issued immediately between January and July; from August to September, when the majority of requests are made, cards are issued after 15 days. If you request your card from an outlet in the underground, cards are available 15 days after presentation of a request, whilst requests made at authorized outlets outside Milan are processed after about 30 days.

https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti/Pages/TesseraElettronicaStudenti.aspx 

• Which Drivers licenses are valid? 

So the International (converted) and Italian/EU licence are both valid. Be aware that in Italy you drive on the right handside of the road and you may be asked before purchasing/renting or being sublet a car to provide a for of identification (passport or ID) and a card number to charge an expense to.

https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Abbonamenti/Pages/TesseraElettronicaStudenti.aspx 

SAFETY & SECURITY

Is Milan a safe city?

While Milan is generally considered a very safe area, there are some areas that might be troublesome. Be careful around the main exit of the Central Station, and the area around the Piazza Duca D’Aosta. This is where large crowds congregate and so do pickpockets. Another area that can be a problem is Parco Sempione. Also, please avoid large plazas during times of COVID as these are the first places the locals head to, I know not very smart of us, but we are a community and we support each other like this! So for your safety stay away from the plazas. Also, same goes when there are large football matches, too often people get together in plaza bars and watch the game however, if things get out of hand plazas are made in such a way that its very difficult to find exits in crowds to be sure to always stick to the sides!

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

BEST UNIVERSITIES: 

Source: https://www.edarabia.com/universities/milan/ 

Economics and management:

• Bocconi
• Cattolica
• Statale
• LIUC

Engineering:

• Politecnico 

Math: 

• Bicocca

Medicine: 

• Statale
• San Raffaele 

Architecture:

• Politecnico 

Fashion: 

• NABA

Law:

• Bocconi
• Cattolica
• Statale 
• LIUC
  

PLACES TO GO

• Restaurants, bars

Well this is obvious is it not? Italy is the hub for food! I could also say that it’s the best place to eat in the whole world but, that of course depends on your palette…. Here I want to give you a couple of choices that will for sure rock your world! Be aware that we did not consider dietary restrictions, but in Milan you can find pretty much any type of cuisine if fine Italian cuisine is not to your liking. 

• Bosco Verticale Restaurant
• VUN Andrea Aprea
• L’immagine Bistrot Ristorante
• Trattoria de la Trebia Milano
• Ribot Restaurant, Milano
• Terrazza Gallia
• Primè – Ristorante Milano

• Nightclubs

For those of you that love to dance, and hear great music there is also a place for you! Nightclubs are very popular around Milan and there will for sure be one that will be to your liking. 

Here are a couple of the most renowned casinos you may have heard of or where the locals usually hang around….

• The Club Milano
• Alcatraz
• Disco New Madison
• Club Haus 80’s Milano
• Amnesia

• Casino (in case there are)

For those of you that love to take your chances with a gamble there is also a place for you! Casinos are very popular around Milan and there will for sure be one that will be to your liking. 

Here are a couple of the most renowned casinos you may have heard of or where the locals usually hang around….

• ROYAL FLUSH
• VLT 999
• giochi24
• Eurobet
• Las Vegas by Playpark – Rozzano
• Bingo Jenner

• Slottery Las Vegas

• Monuments

The architecture is one of the most outstanding pieces that make Millan an iconic city. See some of the monuments and places you must see at least one…

Piazza del Duomo. This is the centre of Milan, overlooked not only by the cathedral, but also by the Palazzo Reale, with the Arengario steps, the Vittorio Emanuele monument and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the city’s elegant and much-loved salon, built from 1864 onwards by Giuseppe Mengoni, which ends in Piazza della Scala, next to Palazzo Marino. 

The Duomo is the city’s symbolic church, dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente. Begun in 1386 and commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, it stands on the site of the early medieval basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. It is the most important example in Italy of international Gothic architecture, unique for its fusion of Nordic features and Lombard elements.

Book your visit to the Duomo of Milan with Musement: https://www.musement.com/it/milano/duomo-di-milano-v/?aid=doveviaggi 

The façade features classical windows and a neo-Gothic crowning. Inside, of particular interest is the relic of the Holy Nail of the Cross. On the outside, the building is crowned by the main spire that ends with the statue of the Madonnina, made of gilded copper, 4 metres high, created in 1774, to which the Milanese are very attached, believing that it watches over the good fortune of the city. The sculptures comprise 3,500 statues, including the 96 giants of the gargoyles.

Castello Sforzesco. Built in 1450-66 by Francesco Sforza, as a fortress and residence on the site of the Visconti fortress, the Castle today has a shape that derives from the restoration work carried out by Beltrami to save it from demolition. The Piazza d’Armi contains the remains of ancient buildings. Two towers characterise its massive structure, that of Bona di Savoia and the Rocchetta, the castle’s refuge in case of danger and now home to the treasure room, which houses the painting Argo, by Bramante.

Choose your Sforza Castle experience with Musement: 

https://www.musement.com/it/milano/castello-sforzesco-v/?aid=doveviaggi 

Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery. The Galleria, considered to be Milan’s living room, is a pedestrian passageway covered by an iron and glass structure, in the shape of a cross with an octagon in the centre, whose construction began in 1864. It is lined with the shop windows of famous restaurants such as Cracco and Savini, cafés, bookshops and clothing shops such as Prada, Versace, Gucci, Tod’s and Armani, which attract Milanese and tourists alike.

Palazzo Reale. Designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini (the same as La Scala theatre) and commissioned by Maria Theresa of Austria, the Palazzo Reale overlooks Piazzetta Reale on the left-hand side of the Duomo, on the opposite side of the Galleria. Seat of the government of the city of Milan, of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Veneto and then royal residence until 1919, today it is an exhibition space that hosts prestigious exhibitions. Of particular importance is the Sala delle Cariatidi on the main floor of the palazzo, which occupies the site of the ancient theatre burnt down in 1776.

Piazza Mercanti. Adjacent to Piazza Duomo, it features a group of buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and the 17th century. Here stands the Palazzo della Ragione (1228), witness to the Age of Commons, the 14th century Loggia degli Osii (1316), the 17th century Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine and the House of Panigarola (15th century).

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. The present basilica was built on the perimeter of the previous Basilica Martyrum, dating back to the end of the 4th century, at the behest of St Ambrose, patron saint of the city. Reconstruction of the church began at the end of the 9th century, to which the right-hand pre-Romanesque bell tower dates. The central body was built at the end of the 11th and in the 12th century, in Romanesque style.

At the entrance is a large four-sided portico that represents one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Among the works of art that can be admired inside, there is the famous golden altar, made in the 9th century by Volvinio and other master goldsmiths, and the Crypt, which contains the bodies of Saints Ambrose, Protaso and Gervaso.

• Places to go on week end

Are you an international student? Do you want to reach some of the greatest expat hotspots in ITALY? Try one of the following destinations: 

Rome, https://www.italyguides.it/en/lazio/rome

Lombardy, http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/lombardy.html 

Tuscany, https://www.discovertuscany.com 

Umbria, https://www.umbriatourism.it/homepage  

Sicily, http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/sicily.html 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187849-Activities-Milan_Lombardy.html 

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/milan-i-lo-m.htm

https://www.voyagetips.com/en/things-to-do-in-milan/

https://viaggi.corriere.it/europa/italia/milano/

FUN FACTS:

Well well well…. If you have gotten here it means you must be really interested in what Italy or most specifically Milan has to offer! Here, 10 things you should know about before even setting foot in the city!

1. Milan is known for being a frenetic city since it’s the economical italian capital  The italian lifestyle, called “la dolce vita” , doesn’t apply here. All its inhabitants are very dedicated to their job, so  at lunch they can not spend a lot of time for themselves, therefore they bring “la schiscetta”: a pre-prepared meal the night before (or even the leftovers). 
2. Milan has the most skyscrapers in Italy.
3. When Napoleon came to these lands, he created the Kingdom of Italy and was crowned King in the Milan Cathedral in 1805, when the city was declared capital of the kingdom.
4. During the Austrian rule of Milan, the city became the focal point of opera. Mozart gave three premier performances from the stage of the Teatro Regio Ducal.
5. The Teatro alla Scala is the largest opera house in Europe – each performance can be enjoyed by over 2,000 spectators. The opera house also has a museum, so you can glance its stage even without a ticket for an opera performance.
6. The Milan Cathedral is the 5th largest cathedral in the world. Its construction began in 1386 and continued for over 600 years. The Duomo wasn’t completed until 1965.
7. The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is made famous by the fact that it houses the original painting “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. Before visiting it, most visitors don’t realize that it was actually painted on the wall of what once was the monastery’s dining room.
8. Every night, from 7 PM to 9 PM, it is time for aperitivo in Milan – the bars and cafes offer huge spreads of food, which everyone can enjoy for free after buying a drink (usually a cocktail or a glass of wine). This is the time for snacking and discussions with friends.
9. Anyone can “adopt” a gargoyle from the façade decorations of the Milan Cathedral. The campaign is a part of an effort to preserve the symbol of Milan. The price of a gargoyle is 100,000 euros.
10. It is estimated that a third of the Filipino population abroad lives in Milan.

Read more: https://www.203challenges.com/10-curious-facts-about-milan/ 

https://www.meininger-hotels.com/blog/en/10-facts-about-milan/ 

https://jetsettimes.com/countries/italy/milan/milan-traveler/10-fascinating-facts-you-probably-didnt-know-about-milan/ 

Check out this list of 50+ fun and interesting facts about Italy:

https://takelessons.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-italy-z09

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gWPDcYa430&feature=youtu.be 

Cultural differences and things you wish you would have known about

https://gretastravels.com/10-things-italians-want-you-to-know/#A_trip_to_thenbspbar_doesn8217t_always_mean_what_you_think_it_means 

https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/europe/italy/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-italy

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/italy/doing-business/cultural-differences-in-international-business

https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/italy-guide

https://www.ireneferri.com/blog/cultural-differences-italy-america/

CLOSEST AIRPORTS

Milan, Italy, is served by three main airports. Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) is the largest and handles the most long-haul international flights. Milan Linate (LIN) is closest to the city center and serves mostly flights from within Italy. 

Why is this important?

Because sometimes on your flight ticket it won’t be mentioned or it will be hidden somewhere where your parting destination will be, thus consider this a small back up guide in case italian tickets make you a bit frustrated.