01 Italian Climate
Italian Climate
Italy enjoys a temperate climate, thanks to the mitigating influence of the sea and the shielding effect of the Alps against chilling Northern winds.
Nevertheless, there is significant climate variation from North to South: the Alps experience very cold winters, while the South and coastal regions have milder winters. Summers are intensely hot, particularly in the South, and generally dry. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes that temper the temperature, while mountainous regions offer a pleasantly cool climate.
All four Unicollege campuses sit in the same climate band: humid with continental features.
| Campus | Location | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | Central Italy | Cold, down to 0 °C, occasional snowfall | Hot and humid, up to 35 °C |
| Milan | Northern Italy | Cold, down to 0 °C, occasional snowfall | Hot and humid, up to 35 °C |
| Turin | North-west Italy | Cold, down to 0 °C, occasional snowfall | Hot and humid, up to 35 °C |
| Mantua | Northern Italy | Cold, down to 0 °C, occasional snowfall | Hot and humid, up to 35 °C |
Spring and autumn bring a mix of sunny days and rainfall on all four campuses, rainy days are moderate in number, and winter is relatively drier than the other seasons. Fog is a recurring feature, heaviest in Milan, Florence and Mantua.
02 The Cost of Living
The Cost of Living
The cost of living and spending patterns can vary significantly based on individual preferences, needs, and the specific location of residence, so no single figure applies to everyone. On arrival it is advisable to have immediate access to cash for travel, food and other expenses: € 200 – 250 covers the first days. When exchanging currency, consider the timing to secure the best rate, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash unless necessary.
Plan the budget before arriving, including unforeseen and emergency costs. The items to account for are accommodation, utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, internet), groceries, transport, health coverage where applicable, and a margin for social activities and personal needs. Reviewing the plan during the stay helps to stay within your means.
Monthly budget
Approximate figures, to be used as a general guide.
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation · Florence | € 400 – 750 |
| Accommodation · Milan | € 400 – 800 |
| Accommodation · Turin | € 350 – 700 |
| Accommodation · Mantua | € 300 – 600 |
| Food | € 150 – 200 |
| Social life | € 100 – 200 |
| Local transport | € 20 – 30 |
Groceries
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk | € 1,20 / litre |
| Bread | € 4,00 / kg |
| Butter | € 1,70 / 250 g |
| Beef | € 9,00 – 19,00 / kg |
| Chicken | € 8,00 – 10,00 / kg |
| Rice | € 1,70 – 2,50 / kg |
| Pasta | € 0,80 – 1,20 / kg |
| Mineral water | € 0,50 – 1,00 / litre |
Going out
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cinema | € 9 – 11 |
| Eating out | € 20 – 35 |
| Pizza | € 15 – 20 |
| Fast food menu | € 6,50 |
| Happy hour | € 8 – 12 |
| Clubs and bars | € 10 – 20 |
| Concerts | € 40 – 50 |
| Private gym | € 40 – 50 / month |
| University gym | € 15 – 20 / month |
Getting around
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Public transport pass | € 22 / month, depending on the city |
| Taxi | € 15 – 20 per ride |
| Bike sharing | € 9,00 |
03 Everyday Services
Everyday Services
Mobile SIM
Most modern smartphones support eSIMs, allowing you to activate a mobile plan digitally without needing a physical SIM card. You can purchase and set it up online even before arriving in Italy. Italian providers and international services offer a variety of data plans.
To sign up with an Italian provider you need a valid ID card or passport and your codice fiscale. Prepaid cards are the most economical option, and activation usually takes a few hours.
Opening a bank account
Most banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 to 13:30 and from 15:00 to 16:30. To open an account you must:
- be of legal age, at least 18 years old;
- hold a valid ID or passport;
- hold a tax code, the codice fiscale;
- not have been declared bankrupt.
On signing, the bank provides the terms and conditions of service and the coordinates needed for international transfers:
- IBAN, International Bank Account Number: the alphanumeric code that identifies the account, made up of a check character, national bank code, branch number and account number;
- BIC or SWIFT, Bank Identifier Code: needed to send money worldwide.
An initial deposit is required before any transaction. Traveller’s cheques, cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, currency exchange offices, railway stations and airports.
Emergency number
For police assistance (Carabinieri), State Police, emergency health assistance and fire emergency, dial 112 from any phone, free of charge.
Mail service
The national mail service, Poste Italiane, is open from 8:00 to 13:35, with extended hours in some locations: in Milan several offices stay open until 19:05. Stamps are sold at post offices and also at tobacconists and bars displaying a “T” sign, while some services such as registered mail are available only at post offices. Poste Italiane also provides banking services, including current accounts and prepaid cards. Offices, services and opening hours are listed on posteitaliane.it.
Phone services
Several companies offer phone services, with rates that vary by time of day and type of call. Most homes have a fixed line, but mobile phones are far more common, on prepaid cards or on a contract.