As the capital of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is “The Centre of Commerce”, appealing to students, executives, families and young professionals’ equally. The city is one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations. Bolognas apartments for rent are very popular and should be booked before moving there. Rooms for rent in Bologna can be retained very easily on Nestpick.
Types of Accommodations in Bologna
Bologna Apartments by District
In Bologna you can rent an apartment in one of Italy's most beautiful cities and home to the world's oldest University. Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna (UniBo) attracts students from all around the globe. The city’s thriving economy attracts international and local companies alike and is home to some of the world’s biggest Italian car and motorcycle brands, Ducati, Maserati and Lamborghini. The main sports team is Bologna F.C., which is currently playing in the Serie A of Italy. They have won the Italian championship several times since the league was founded. In Bologna apartments for rent long term will always be very popular and this flourishing city is a superb choice for expats and students alike.
Some districts you should consider to be moving to...
Borgo Panigale-Reno
Borgo Panigale, a former village, is the neighborhood of the Ducati motor company and now a district of Bologna. It’s a good alternative for those looking for single rooms or Bologna apartments for rent. The area is desirable for its parks, sports and recreation centres and markets. Rents are affordable and there are good connections make the neighborhood very livable.
San Donato-San Vitale
Bologna San Donato is ideal for everyone in search of cheaper apartments for rent in Bologna. The 'Fiera' or fair district appeals to professionals who want to stay close to the exhibition centre, shops and restaurants in the surroundings. An excellent bus service called “Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna” (TPER) ensures the main areas are easily reached regardless of the time of day.
More Attractive Areas in Bologna
San Lazzaro Apartments
Just outside of the city, the picturesque town of San Lazzaro is a top choice for expats who enjoy its affordable prices and scenic location. This area is ideal for professional couples, groups of friends or families who prefer larger apartments to rent on a long term basis, while paying less than they would have to pay in the Inner City or in San Donato.
City Centre Apartments
Bologna city centre is a fascinating blend of the old and the new, effortlessly combining red-hued medieval architecture laden with miles of porticoes and a 21st-century infrastructure replete with all the perks of living in a modern city. Likewise, furnished apartments in the city centre are often set within historic exteriors but are fully refurbished inside - giving you the best of both worlds. Although rental prices for Bologna city centre apartments can be quite expensive due to the high demand for accommodation, they are still much cheaper than other Italian cities like Rome, Milan and Florence.
Apartments Near Piazza Maggiore
Piazza Maggiore is a large pedestrian square located right in the heart of Bologna’s historic centre and is surrounded by some of Bologna’s most historic administrative and religious buildings. This plaza is a magnet for tourists and locals alike, and its majestic vitality during the daytime is only equalled by its beautifully illuminated perimeter during the night. Similarly to the rest of the historic centre, Piazza Maggiore apartments tend to be amongst the most expensive in Bologna due to the high demand for accommodation and the age of most of the buildings. However, you’ll be living near one of the most stunning historic squares in all of Europe.
Apartments Near Historic Centre
Bologna’s historic centre is a beautifully maintained reminder of the city’s rich past, and its original Roman street plan is still discernable today. In fact, the historic centre is home to the world’s oldest university, which was founded back in 1088 and is astonishingly still in operation. Other remarkable sites in this area include the Two Towers of Bologna, built in the 12th century, the lavish Basilica di San Petronio, and the renaissance era Palazzo Fava art gallery. The area is easily navigable by foot and is also home to a number of fabulous bars and restaurants. Because of the area’s desirability, apartments in Bologna historic centre tend to be more expensive than the rest of the city.
1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments in Bologna
1 Bedroom Bologna Flats
For 1-bedroom apartments in Bologna, the average rental price in the city centre is €599.23 per month, with an approximate price range between €500 and €700. Whilst there are many options on the market, competition is high so places in the centre can go quite quickly. In more affordable areas outside the city centre the average price is €480.77 per month, with prices ranging between €400 and €600.
2 Bedroom Bologna Apartments
2-bedroom apartments in Bologna can vary quite a bit in price. In the outskirts of the city, it’s possible to find a decent furnished 2-bed for as cheap as €450 per month. For a premium apartment in the city centre, prices can exceed €1,000. On average, a 2-bedroom apartment in Bologna costs around €680 per month, although prices depend on a number of factors such as size, age and the desirability of the location.
Bologna Apartments with Air Conditioning
The Emilia-Romagna region can get quite hot during the summer, with an average July temperature of 25°C (76°F). To give yourself some respite from the heat, it’s certainly advisable that you ensure your Bologna apartment comes equipped with air conditioning. Luckily, most apartments in the city are fitted with air conditioning. If this doesn’t appear to be the case, you should consult with the property’s landlord.
Finding Suitable Student Accommodation in Bologna
Bologna is one of Italy’s most preserved cities. It is a focal historical centre and actually considered to be Italy’s second beauty after Venice. Bologna also has a huge graffiti scene.The italian artist ‘Blu’ lives in city. Blu’s graffiti art has brought attention to Bologna. His art is often seen around the city centre and even on some historical buildings. Bologna is the capital of the the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. Noted, the Emilia-Romagna region has one of the highest standard of living indices and social services in Italy.
As a university city there are lots of fun things to see, from museums, cafes, shops, sports and a great nightlife. The guide includes information on the university and types of housing in the city. As a student you should be conscious of how a housing choice can make an impact on your studies, but relax, do not stress. Here are some tips on what to expect and look out for, so you can enjoy your time, whilst you study in Bologna.
Student Housing Types in Bologna
Options amongst accommodation in Bologna for students: shared house, apartments or student residence halls. Making new friends in a city is hard; a shared house therefore is a good way to get accustomed to this city. Privacy is important to some and your own apartment could be ideal. Cheap accommodation in Bologna can be found outside of the city centre. For example the residence hall ‘San Vitale’ from the University of Bologna is to be found in the outer city district ‘Scandellara’.
Certain required documents could asked from the landlord or agency:
- enrollment documents from your university
- proof of income.
A deposit is usually one month rent and an one month upfront. A reference will usually be in a form of payslips or a guarantor form. All property types consist of a private bedroom and communal kitchen and bathroom area.
A shared house may have a communal living area and outdoor space. Prices are usually relative to room size and the house.Your own student apartment is great if you prefer your own space and privacy. Although these luxuries come at a cost as a private student flat/apartment is the most expensive accommodation choice. An option would be moving in with fellow students or friends to minimize the cost. Student private accommodation can vary from one bedrooms to luxurious double bed houses. Student residence halls run by the university will typically be home to only fellow university students. Private halls incompass students from alternative universities also.
Universities in Bologna
As many as 87,000 university students have chosen to attend the UniBo (University of Bologna), where you can choose from many faculties, including architecture, engineering and medicine. An interesting aspect of the city is that every year a large number of foreign students choose to study here: about 60% of those registered to Bologna Business School, for example, come from abroad. An even higher percentage attend John Hopkins University. This international academy in Bologna is a detachment of their Washington headquarters. What do young people do in their free time? Perhaps a ride in the old town, a quintessentially Bolognesi area.
Finding an area you want to live in that is close proximity to your lectures is important. Figuring out which campus you belong to and your classroom’s location is helpful. Being close to local basic amenities is useful too, i.e supermarkets. Furthermore it should also be an area that interests you.For example, if you want a more authentic Italian experience, look at Bolognina. This neighbourhood is located just north of Bologna Centrale Station. In English it translates to ‘little Bologna’. This district is a nestled away from most of the tourist attention from the centre. It is a pretty neighbourhood and there are some nice markets too. The street ‘Via Alban’, sells good produce and vegetables at a bargain price. Bolognina is known to be very community related with traditional Italian values. The community holds meetings in the old market halls.
University of Bologna
The University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and is therefore the world’s oldest university. On the universities 900th birthday, it was fully recognised as the ‘alma mater’ (mother) of universities. There are in total five campuses and one is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bologna’s campuses are named: Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Rimini. The University, located in the San Vitale district, is on the famous road named Via Zamboni. The historical road runs from the centre of Bologna. There are many architectural, important buildings along the street. The road leads all the way to the old city wall boundary. All the way to the old entrance gate ‘Porta San Donato’.
Travel Connections:
Transit stop Porta San Donato and Bus stop Teatro Comunale
Transport in Bologna
In Bologna locals predominantly use the bus service. Getting around the city on foot is easy, the city is not massive and well sign posted. Similarly biking is popular and is faster than walking. As like most italian cities; scooters are a popular method of transport, they are easy to park and inexpensive compared to a car.
For long distance travels there is an airport and cross country train station.
Cost of living in Bologna
As for the apartments or rooms for students, costs are pretty low: €200-300 per month. Your monthly travel costs will be €27 for students under 27 years old. To go to a pub or nightclub in the centre costs about €10-15. With a dynamic character and affordable living, Bologna is a good destination both for graduate and international students.
Nightlife - going out in Bologna
In Bologna , nightlife revolves around bars and shops in the center : there are many in which students spend their evenings . Among the clubs recommend the Matis , lounge and elegant atmosphere . For those who have tastes rock or alternative however , we recommend the Cove Club , located in the San Donato and already the destination of Italian and foreign bands.
Looking to live elsewhere in Italy?
Milan
We offer accommodation for students and anyone who wants to live or work in Milan, the Italian fashion capital and largest economic in the country . Every year, young Italians and foreigners come to town to attend one of the leading universities in Milan. The city offers many other opportunities such as internships for students.
Rome
Rome is renowned for its aesthetic beauty and its vitality. Every year thousands of tourists, students and expats come to visit or live in the Eternal City. Not by chance is the city regarded one of the best places to attend university.