About Turin 

Dear Students Welcome to the Italian hub for fashion and culture of the arts: Turin! 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 historical figures in history! Did you know that Turin was the first capital of ITALY? 

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: 

Turin 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=sBiL2VLPmFo 

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 900 euros spent each month with all inclusive except your tuition fees. 

• Housing: 500-850 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. 

• Flat 1 bedroom in city center on average: 600€
• Flat 1 bedroom outside of city center on average: 400€
• Flat 3 bedrooms in city center on average: 1000€
• Flat outside of city center on average: 750€

• Utilities: 50-120 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: 150 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 farmer’s market (Porta Palazzo) could be your way around reducing your monthly costs, in doing so I send about 80 euro month!!! Some budget supermarkets to go to are Lidl, Esselunga or Penny Market.

• Transport: 10-40 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 🙂  Public transportation, as long as it is within the city of Turin, is €1.50 for a 90-minute ticket, €21 per month for a 26-month pass and 38€ per month for over 26 months.

• Phone: 8-25 euro per month

25-40 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. 

• If you like going to the cinema, tickets are usually anywhere from €5 to €10, like at Cinema Lux.
• If you enjoy the performing arts and theatre, tickets typically begin at €15.
• The entrance fee for most discos is approximately €10 to €20, including the first drink.
• If you’re dining out, a meal at a pizzeria is generally around €15, including a drink or two.
• If you’re at a mid-range restaurant, you will pay between €7 and €12 for pasta and between
• €8 and €12 for the main dish (fish or meat). Be aware that you will be charged for bread and any appetizers present on the table.

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

As an expat or local student at some point you will become familiar with the UNITO world! And, mark my words, to survive YOU MUST MAKE IT YOUR BIBLE! Follow it to the letter as everything has been explicitly written down already for you. 

https://en.unito.it/living-turin/when-you-arrive/cost-living-turin

TRANSPORTATION

The best way to get around Turin is by the efficient (and inexpensive) public transportation system called the GTT. 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. 

HERE THE SMART CARD TUTORIAL BROCHURE: https://didattica.polito.it/pdf/smart_card_info_2013_en.pdf 

The subway connects Collegno (West) and Lingotto (South) with the city centre going through Porta Nuova and Porta Susa railway stations. A single ticket lets you travel for up to 90 minutes and you are able to access the other public transports, it is also valid for a one-way subway and its price is 1,50 €. The Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) offers students some facilitations and weekly or annual (academic year) subscriptions in order to access urban, extra-urban transports and metro. Prices and points of sale to buy tickets and subscriptions are available on the GTT website. You will be able to calculate the most convenient route to reach every destination you need. http://www.studyintorino.it/information/transports/ 

• How to get around?

While you are looking for student housing in Turin, it’s great to know that it will be easy to get around on foot.

There’s no need for a car, which makes things a lot simpler, considering parking can be hard to find and is quite expensive.

Additionally, there are several modes of public transportation, including buses, trams and the metro.

• Buses and trams 

Local transportation in Turin is provided by GTT, which is also known as Gruppo Trasporti Torinese, managing a subway line, buses and trams. These generally run from 5 a.m. until midnight during the week, and on weekends, “Nightbuster” lines run until 5 a.m.

You can buy tickets at any newsstand in Turin, as well as at bars and the vending machines at the metro stations. Of course, be sure to buy your tickets before boarding. Tickets last for 70 minutes, and the price depends on the trip. You can log onto the GTT website to view prices and to plan out your journey with the use of their timetables.

• Turin metro 

 The metro connects areas like Collegno with Lingotto Expo. It can also help you cover an hour’s distance in less than 20 minutes.

• Apps to download?

You may want to download the GTT Move around app on your phone as it will help you if lost around the city, and provide you access to a map too!

• 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 under 26 card as it will give you the most services at the lowest comprehensive price. Here the listings with all the prices for single trips of trips with a card: https://www.gtt.to.it/cms/en/fares 

Why should you use the under 26 card? Well because it’s cheaper!

► Under 26 annual pass – Ordinary rate € 258,00

► Under 26 monthly pass – Ordinary rate € 25,00

• Specific card to have as a student?

There is no specific student card but there is the under 26 which is a better option than the student card discount provided by most universities….. http://www.studyintorino.it/information/transports/ 

• 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 about €25 depending on the plan.

http://www.studyintorino.it/information/transports/ 

• 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: http://www.studyintorino.it/information/transports/ 

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

If you request your card from an GTT 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 Turin are processed after about 30 days.

http://www.studyintorino.it/information/transports/ 

• Which Drivers licenses are valid? 

All licenses issued in the European Union are accepted as locals. 

Foreigners on short-term visit may rent a car and drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 6 months in Italy. 

Driver’s licenses from non-EU countries (except Switzerland) are accepted if you have a visa in your passport and at the time of hire have not been in Europe for longer than 6 months.  Longer than that, you need to get a driver’s license from an EU country.

An International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) is required for non-EU drivers. Please note that an International Driving Permit (often referred to as an International Driver’s License) does not replace the requirement for a regular driver’s license, you must carry your current overseas driver’s license and IDP with you all the time when driving in Italy.

http://www.studyintorino.it/information/transports/ 

Sources

https://www.easyrentcars.com/locations/countries/car-rental-italy/driving-licence-requirements?lang=fr

http://www.reidsitaly.com/places/general/plan/concerns-safety/emergency-numbers/

https://housinganywhere.com/Turin–Italy/transportation

SAFETY & SECURITY

Is Turin a safe city?

In general you don’t have to worry about assaults or thieves on the streets when you are casually walking around the city.

But of course, as Turin is a big city in Europe, pickpockets are a concern and you should be careful on public transportation or in crowded areas. Women are generally safe walking around by themselves at all time.

These are tips for very precautious people though, in general you should live your life as in even bigger city.

In richer areas there is a higher likelihood of stealing and pickpocketing… Crocetta (Corso Duca degli Abruzzi – Corso Stati uniti – Corso Re Umberto – Corso Rosselli) and here you will also see reported in the news a higher number or apartments break in – Be careful!

However, there are some nice areas quite and becoming really trendy: Around Corso Regio Parco going toward the river (Via Modena, Via Cagliari)

BEST UNIVERSITIES: 

https://www.edarabia.com/universities/turin/ 

Economics and management:

• University of turin
• ESCP
• Collegio Carlo Alberto

Engineering:

• Polytechnic Torino
• Ingegneria Geotecnica s.r.l.
• VIOLETTO INGEGNERIA

Math: 

• Polytechnic Torino
• University of turin

Medicine: 

• Facoltà Medicina e Chirurgia San Luigi Gonzaga
• Università Degli Studi Di Torino Dipartimento Scienze Mediche
• Polytechnic Torino
• Simulaid srl
• University of Turin – Campus Luigi Einaudi

Architecture:

• University of Turin – Campus Luigi Einaudi
• IED

Fashion: 

• IED

Law:

• University of Turin – Campus Luigi Einaudi

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 Turin you can find pretty much any type of cuisine if fine Italian cuisine is not to your liking. 

• Burgez or Bun Burger  (€)
• Fratò                               (€€€)
• Fratelli Bravo                 (€€)
• Miscusi                          (€€)
• Enoteca Parlapà           (€€)

• 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 Turin 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….

• Pick- Up 
• Club 84
• Centralino
• Milk Torino
• Bamboo Club

• 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 Turin 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….

• NIPE Pala Torino
• giochi24
• Slot Club in the Alps
• Jackpot Impero

• Monuments & Walks

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…

https://www.guidatorino.com/eventi-torino-week-end/ 

1. On Saturday mornings, wander around the stalls of the Balon looking for an antique or a small ciapapuer.

https://www.guidatorino.com/balon-e-gran-balon-gli-storici-mercatini-delle-pulci-di-torino/ 

1. Taking a photo in Via Montebello with the Mole Antonelliana behind you.

https://www.guidatorino.com/la-mole-antonelliana/ 

1. Visiting Isis, Sekhmet and Ramesses II at the Egyptian Museum

https://www.guidatorino.com/museo-egizio-torino/ 

1. Buy a book at the Luxemburg International Bookshop, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world

https://www.guidatorino.com/la-libreria-internazionale-luxemburg-di-torino-tra-le-10-piu-belle-del-mondo/ 

1. Immortalise Turin from above, at sunset, from Monte del Cappuccini

https://www.guidatorino.com/il-monte-dei-cappuccini-e-la-chiesa-di-santa-maria-al-monte/ 

1. Delight your taste buds and pupils at one of Turin’s Michelin-starred restaurants

https://www.guidatorino.com/ristoranti-stellati-michelin-di-torino/ 

1. Going to see a ballet at the Teatro Regio

https://www.guidatorino.com/il-teatro-regio-di-torino/ 

1. Escape back to the 1700s and have a royal snack like the nobility of the time.

https://www.guidatorino.com/la-merenda-reale-lo-storico-appuntamento-goloso-torinese-rivive-in-citta/ 

1. Stroll along Via Garibaldi and stop to admire the Chapel of the Bankers and Merchants

https://www.guidatorino.com/la-cappella-dei-banchieri-e-dei-mercanti-gioiello-nascosto-nel-centro-di-torino/ 

1. Climb aboard the Turin Eye, the world’s largest braked balloon.

https://www.guidatorino.com/il-turin-eye-la-mongolfiera-panoramica-di-torino/ 

1. Ice-skating in Piazza Solferino at Christmas.

https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attractions-g187855-Activities-Turin_Province_of_Turin_Piedmont.html  

https://www.torinotoday.it/eventi/ 

• 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-Turin_Lombardy.html 

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

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

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

FUN FACTS:

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

• 1. Geographical fact: Turin lies in Italy’s northwest corner, on the river Po, in the Piemonte region with the Alps to the west and north
• 2. Interesting fact: Turin was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1861 to 1864
• 3. Religious fact: The Holy Shroud is located in Turin’s Duomo just off Piazza Castello
• 4. Random fact: Turin’s iconic building, the Mole Antonelliana was once the highest brick building building in the world
• 5. Chocolate fact: The ChocoPass is your ticket to 10 tastings of chocolate, from Gianuiotti to pralines, from cakes to biscuits and hot chocolate in Turin’s historic cafe’s and pastry shops
• 6. Fun fact: Step with your heel on the bronze bull’s balls set in the pavement outside Caffe Torino in Piazza San Carlo, it’s supposed to bring you luck!
• 7. Sports fact: In 2006 the eyes of the world were on Turin for the 20th Winter Olympic Games
• 8. Weird fact: Turin’s Egyptian Museum has the second most important collection of Egyptian antiquities outside Cairo
• 9. 2011 fact: This year the city will host major celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Italian Unification
• 10. Food fact: The “Slow Food” movement was started in Bra, near Turin
• 11. Bread fact: Turin is home to grissini, those famous breadsticks now served in virtually every restaurant in Italy
• 12. Drink fact: Vermouth was invented in Turin in 1786 by Benedetto Carpano who created this aperitif created by the expert blending of wine with thirteen different ingredients

https://www.trippy.com/facts/Turin 

https://www.cosafarei.it/torino 

CLOSEST AIRPORTS ✈️

There are two airports near Turin City: Caselle Airport and Cuneo Levaldigi Airport.

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.