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One of the most important aspects of feeling at home in a foreign Country is building a social circle. While university hallways may be filled with interesting people, simply being surrounded by them isn’t always enough to create meaningful connections.
If you’re an international student in Italy and unsure where to start, don’t worry, we’re here to help! Below are some tips and insights to help you integrate into Italian culture and start making friends.
At first, being an international student in Italy can feel overwhelming. You might arrive knowing no one, and if your flatmates aren’t particularly sociable, the initial sense of isolation can hit stronger. Luckily, Italians are known for being one of the friendliest nationalities, so you won’t feel lonely for long.
The experience of studying in Italy can vary significantly depending on the city. In smaller cities like Perugia or Padua, student life tends to revolve around the historic city center. Events are usually within walking or biking distance, and you’re likely to run into familiar faces as you go about your day. These smaller environments make it easier to form spontaneous connections.
On the other hand, in larger cities like Milan or Rome things are a bit more dispersed. Making friends won’t be impossible, but you’ll need to be more intentional. Knowing where and when events are happening is key to making the most of social opportunities. Urban environments offer more variety, but require a bit more effort to navigate socially.
Especially in the first weeks of university, don’t miss the opportunity to take part in welcoming parties and all the events you can go to. Campus tours and orientation sessions are golden opportunities to meet people.
Even if you're not an Erasmus student, many of the Erasmus-related events are open to all international students and are fantastic occasions to meet others from around the world. Say "yes" to invitations, even if you're shy. The early days are critical for forming friendships that can last all year (or even a lifetime).
Finding accommodation near the university or close to popular student hangouts can make a huge difference. Being able to quickly join a friend for coffee or spontaneously attend an event makes socializing much easier. Time spent commuting is time taken away from connecting with others.
The “piazza” is the hub of Italian social life. In the morning we meet in the piazzas for a cappuccino and cornetto, in the afternoon for a quick after-lunch espresso, and in the evenings for a spritz and aperitivo. Every university city has a main piazza where students gather, especially at night. Don’t forget to check out which night is university student night in your city.
Even a basic understanding of Italian can dramatically improve your social experience. It shows that you're making an effort to engage with the culture and can help break down barriers when interacting with locals.
Consider joining language exchange meetups, conversation tandems, or even enrolling in a local Italian class. These are not only useful for improving your language skills but also for meeting other students, expats and locals.
Think big and don’t be afraid to make friends outside the campus. Taking up a hobby, playing on a sports team, or joining a choir or a band is a great way to meet people outside of the academic setting. Shared interests naturally create bonds and give you something to talk about beyond coursework.
You might think that finding a job would limit your social life, but in most cases it is actually the opposite. Jobs that involve customer service (like working in a café, bookstore, or restaurant) offer daily opportunities to interact with people. You’ll not only earn a bit of money but also practice your Italian and meet new faces.
Alternatively, another good idea to make friends in Italy is volunteering. Joining a nonprofit organization is a great way to connect with the community and meet people who share your values and interests.
Making new friends when you've just arrived in a new Country can seem very difficult at first, but if you follow our advice, it's only a matter of time before it happens. For more tips on moving to Italy to study, you can read this free guide or contact Welcome Association Italy.
