Padua is probably not the first city in the Veneto region that comes to mind, as Venice and Verona do. However, you should know that Padua itself is one of the most suitable Italian cities for a university student to live in.

It is convenient, livable, welcoming, and people-friendly. It offers various cultural activities, as well as leisure and entertainment for young people. In addition, because of its central location, it is easy to reach other Italian art cities or even seaside or mountain resorts for out-of-town trips.

If you are thinking of moving to Padua, you should know that it is a university city, offering excellent institutes and courses of study even for foreign students. It is considered a dynamic, lively and young city, characterized by a strong historical and scientific culture. It is an easy city to live in, therefore an excellent choice for those who are leaving home looking for adventure and opportunities for growing, but with the security of finding a welcoming place to live and study.

In this city you will find many Italian students, also from other regions of the country, and young people coming from abroad, thanks to the Erasmus project. This makes it a cosmopolitan place where you can meet many different people with whom to have unique experiences.

Now we take you to discover Padua, its universities and the quality of life for a university student.

Student life in Padua

A student's life in Padua is rich and full. In fact, it is a city recognized for the prestige of its universities and the higher education it offers, but also for the large number of young people who live there, the activities to do and the events it hosts.

Here you will find the advantages of small towns in terms of personal relationships and simplicity of life, but with all the amenities you can find in big cities. Suitable for all kinds of aptitudes, you won't have to give up your hobbies or sports, and you can find and try new ones.

In addition, university paths in Padua allow students even from abroad to integrate and find professional and job opportunities in their respective fields. Increasingly, in fact, universities are forging ties with companies in the area to help students find internship or entry-level job opportunities.

In general, it is a quiet city, but not boring! There are many attractions and venues for young people: bars downtown where you can drink great spritzes, nightclubs to keep the evening going, and temporary events and activities that at various times of the year bring new life to the city.

Let's dive deep in the following paragraphs, starting with the educational offerings.

The University of Padua

Padua boasts one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, founded in 1222, and that is the University of Padua, also known as UniPd. Depending on the direction you want to take, you will discover a highly professionalising and focused education here. You will gain new knowledge, build a strong cultural foundation, and experience the university's vibrant international culture.

The courses of study offered are varied and are divided into different departments:

• Cultural Heritage;
• Humanities and Language Studies;
• Law;
• Sociology;
• Psychology, of which the University of Padua is among the most renowned;
• Medicine and Surgery;
• Pharmacy;
• Sciences of various kinds;
• Engineering;
• Economics and Finance;
• Political Science.
  

Bachelor's, Master's or Single-Cycle degree programs are available in any of these areas, depending on the type of regulation, Master's or Doctoral degrees. Thus, an undergraduate student can choose to move to Padua at the beginning of his or her path or to continue or deepen it, securing experiences different from what he or she was used to.
In addition, with a view to growth, there are international and all-English degree programs, open to both Italian students and those from a foreign country. In addition, there are new courses every year and the existing ones are updated to be in line with European standards and the needs of the world and the market, such as human-wildlife interaction, animal care and management,technological innovation and more.

University scholarship for students

If your desire is to continue your path in education you should know that the University of Padua provides scholarships and facilities of various kinds. For example, facilities for working students or those who are enrolled part-time, study awards for deserving students, merit loans, waivers and incentives upon application and submission of the necessary documentation.

There are also scholarships for international students that are provided by the University of Padua according to merit or other requirements such as income. Other facilities are awarded by other national or international, state or regional agencies.

To be eligible, you must meet the requirements, which we recommend looking into on the university's website and submit applications, providing the appropriate documentation and within the specified time frame.
The duration of scholarships can vary, with some requiring you to apply every year, while others are valid for two or three consecutive years.

Erasmus in Padua

If you are planning to study abroad, Erasmus+ for Studies is the programme that allows you to spend a period ranging from 2 to 12 months at one of the more than 500 participating universities, including UniPd.

You can apply to study in another European country for any course of study, whether for attending lectures or exams, preparing your dissertation or carrying out internship activities.

Erasmus grants are reserved for citizens of the European Union, as well as students residing in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Turkey. Students in possession of a permanent residence permit in an EU member state are also eligible, then each university sets its own selection criteria.

Padua fills up every year with a large number of out-of-town students, and both around the city and inside the university there are groups of diverse young people. This creates a perfect atmosphere for making new friends, learning the traditions of other countries, sharing personal knowledge and learning foreign languages outside the classroom.

The city of Padua is also very advantageous for other aspects besides education and specialisation, let us look at them in the following paragraphs.

Cost of living in Padua for students

One of the main concerns for an out-of-town student is how much it costs to live while away from home. Obviously it depends on your personal lifestyle and how good you are at managing your finances, but the good news is that by paying a little attention in Padua you can live even while spending little.

Moreover, if you are a university student you are entitled to discounts and concessions, for example a lower price for public transport season tickets, both annual and monthly. If you like to get around independently, you can also consider a Bike Sharing subscription or buying a second-hand bicycle. The city is quite well equipped for cycling because many students choose this system, plus the city centre is large and completely pedestrianised.
As for food, you will obviously be able to save money by shopping in the right supermarkets and making a good selection by evaluating prices and quality of products. But there are plenty of excellent restaurants in which to have lunch or dinner in Padua and which offer solutions for different budgets.

Interesting activities to do in your free time

Padua is a multi-faceted city that offers many things to do and places of interest to visit. Simply strolling through the city streets you can reach: the Cathedral of Padova, the huge square of Prato della Valle, the university Botanical Garden, the Basilica di Sant’Antonio, the famous Piazza delle Erbe, the Palazzo della Regione, the Scrovegni Chapel, the Clock Tower and much more.

To discover even more deeply its rich history, there are a number of museums to visit:

• The Archaeological Museum, which offers a wide selection of ancient painted vases and artefacts from the Paleovenetian, Roman and pre-Roman periods;
• The Museum of Modern Art, which houses prestigious works including Giotto's Crucifix and other masterpieces by Veronese and Tintoretto;
• The MUSME, Padova's Museum of the History of Medicine, a unique place that tells the story of the medical profession from antiquity to the present day.
  

If you are a lover of the sky, a place you cannot miss is the Astronomical Observatory, which was converted into an astronomical museum. The path winds its way inside the ancient tower where you can retrace the steps of the great astronomers of the past.

Other interesting things to do if you live in Padova is to sit at the Caffè Pedrocchi, a café that has become a true institution for Padovans whose speciality is mint coffee garnished with a green cream and a dusting of cocoa. Or have an aperitif with an excellent Spritz while chatting with your friends.

Where to live in Padua

You can find flats for rent in different parts of the city or student housing, depending on your needs and wishes. Obviously prices are higher in the city centre, as in all Italian and European cities, but there are other areas such as the residential Arcella district where you can find good compromises between quality and price.

Also, consider how far or how easy it is to reach your university department, as they are located in various places in the city depending on the faculty you choose. In any case, getting around Padova is easy, as we have seen, either by public transport or on foot or by bicycle.

It all depends on your budget, where the University you intend to attend is located and that bit of luck you need to find the right flat.