Why Study Abroad in Milan - The Top 7 Reasons

Wondering “why study abroad in Milan”? Short answer: if you want a city that mixes world-class study with big-city vibes, unforgettable food, and weekend trips that feel like mini European holidays, Milan should be on the top of your list. This city is more than the runway glitz that it’s renowned for. It’s a student-friendly hub where serious learning meets seriously good pizza, late-night aperitivo culture, and an international crowd that will make you feel at home fast.

1. World Renowned Universities

If you’re hunting for the best universities in Milan, you will find top names that show up on CVs worldwide. Bocconi is famous for business, economics, and international programmes. Politecnico di Milano, on the other hand is the place to be for engineering, architecture, and design, while the Università degli Studi di Milano covers a broad range of disciplines and serves huge international cohorts. These schools all offer strong international student services and lots of courses in English, which makes studying in Milan as an international student easier to navigate. 

Each uni has its own international office and arrival guides. If you’re applying, look up each school’s international student pages early so you can plan visa and enrollment steps well before term starts. A little prep goes a long way.

2. The Global Fashion and Design Capital

If you study fashion, design, marketing, or business, Milan is like living inside a creative brief. From high-end boutiques on Via Montenapoleone to the design-focused Politecnico campuses and regular fashion events, the city is a living lab for trends, internships, and portfolio building. Even if you’re not studying design, Milan’s creative energy spills into group projects, internships, and the local job market and offers lots of chances to build a network while you study.

3. A Huge International Student Community

Milan attracts students from across Europe, and around the world, too, for that matter, so you’ll find peers who speak dozens of languages and bring different cultural perspectives to class and life outside it. Exchange programmes like Erasmus are strong here, and the big universities run welcome weeks and buddy systems to help you settle in. That means more events, easier ways to find roommates, and a friend group that feels global from day one. 

By joining university social groups and local Facebook/Instagram pages before you move, you can find secondhand furniture, flatmates, and pre-arrival meetups. This will help you feel right at home before your plane has even landed.

4. Unbeatable Travel Opportunities

One of the best things about Milan student life is how easy weekend trips become. Want a lakeside escape? Lake Como and its prettiest towns are roughly an hour away by train, so day trips are totally doable. If you want canals and masks, Venice is accessible by fast train in about two and a half hours, which makes long weekends a breeze. Other northern Italian gems, like The Alps, are also within proximity, so your term time can double as travel time!

To save money, book high speed train tickets early for the best fares. Italo and Trenitalia both run frequent services and student discounts appear from time to time.

5. Timeless Culture and Food

Aperitivo is basically a pre-dinner social hour where snacks come free or cheap with a drink, and it is a perfect way to socialise without blowing your student budget. Try the classic risotto alla Milanese, hunt down the best panzerotti, and sample regional specialties from across Italy at markets and food halls. Milan makes it easy to balance study and fun. (And yes, gelato is essential to fuel your study sessions.)

If you’re looking for something to do in Milan that doesn’t cost a fortune, museums often have discounted or free entry for students with a valid ID, so it’s worth checking out!

6. A Convenient and Affordable Student Lifestyle

You might assume Milan is expensive. While some parts are, student life can be surprisingly affordable when you know where to look. Public transport is reliable and there are discounted travel cards for young people and students. For example, under 27 monthly travel cards that cover the urban area can be very budget friendly. Combine that with shared housing, student cafeterias near campuses, and the city’s student deals and discounts, and you can live well on a student budget.

7. A Home that Matches the Milan Experience

Living well makes everything else easier. aparto’s Milan homes are designed for students who want style, social life, and practical support. Residences like Giovenale and Ripamonti offer fully furnished rooms, fast Wi Fi, shared social spaces and a packed events calendar to help you make friends and stay focused. Staff on site and community events mean you get the convenience of reliable support plus the chance to join socials, wellbeing activities, and study sessions all in the same building. 

If you want accommodation that feels like part of your student experience rather than just a place to sleep, this is worth checking out.

Quick Practical Checklist for an Easier Move

Non EU students often need a study visa and documentation from the university. Check your school’s international office pages for step by step guidance. 

• Budget for initial costs - Expected first month rent, a deposit, ID card fees, and a small fee for transport card issuance.
• Get a student transport card - It usually saves you a lot over daily tickets, and it can be very cheap for under 27s. 
• Learn basic Italian phrases - You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing hello, please, thank you, and how to order coffee will make everyday life friendlier.
• Read resident blogs for insider tips on Milan life and moving abroad - aparto’s blog has useful cultural and move-in posts if you want local pointers.

Conclusion

So, why study abroad in Milan? Because you get excellent academics and a social life that feels more like an adventure than a break between lectures. The city is a serious place to study, but it’s also endlessly enjoyable, with food, culture, travel and new friendships at every corner.

If you’re planning your move, start with the university international pages, sort your visa early, and choose a place to live that supports both your study goals and your social life, like aparto Milan. This stunning city is waiting for you. Ready to explore your options and pick your home base? Discover our modern, welcoming student homes in the heart of the city today.