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Relocation · 9 min read

International Students in Milan: A Premium Guide for Families Sending Children to Bocconi, Politecnico, and Beyond

Your child got into Bocconi, Politecnico, IED, or Domus Academy. Now what? Accommodation, banking, healthcare, safety, and how parents can ensure a smooth landing — without being there.


Your son or daughter has been accepted at one of Milan's world-class universities — Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, IED, Marangoni, Domus Academy, or Cattolica. You are thrilled and terrified in equal measure. Milan is safe, vibrant, and international. But you are sending your child to a foreign country where they don't speak the language, don't know the system, and need to set up an entire life from scratch.

This guide is for families — not for budget backpackers. It covers premium accommodation, private healthcare, banking, safety, and the dozens of practical details that determine whether your child's Italian experience is transformative or miserable.

Accommodation: Beyond the Student Flat

The standard student accommodation in Milan ranges from shared apartments (€500-800/month per room) to university residences (€600-1,200/month). For families seeking a higher standard — a private studio or one-bedroom apartment in a safe, well-connected neighbourhood — the budget is €1,200-2,500/month.

UniversityBest NeighbourhoodsBudget RangeNotes
BocconiPorta Romana, Bocconi area, Navigli€1,500-2,500/moWalk to campus, lively area, great dining
Politecnico (Leonardo)Città Studi, Piola, Lambrate€1,200-2,000/moUniversity district, quieter, well-connected
Politecnico (Bovisa)Bovisa, Isola, Porta Nuova€1,400-2,200/moIsola is trendy, Porta Nuova is premium
IED / Marangoni / DomusCentro, Brera, Navigli€1,500-2,500/moCreative districts, walkable to studios
CattolicaCentro, Magenta, Sant'Ambrogio€1,500-2,500/moHistoric centre, elegant neighbourhood

We work with premium rental platforms and private landlords to find furnished apartments that meet the family's standards — modern, safe, well-located, and with a proper Italian rental contract (not a sublet).

Healthcare: Because Parents Worry

EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/TEAM) for emergency care. Non-EU students with a study visa must purchase private health insurance (€150-400/year) that meets Italian visa requirements. But neither option gives parents the peace of mind they want.

We recommend a private GP retainer (€1,000-2,000/year) that provides an English-speaking doctor available by phone and with short-notice appointments. This is the single best investment for parental peace of mind. We can also arrange dental, dermatology, and psychological support referrals — all English-speaking.

Banking and Financial Setup

Safety and Parental Peace of Mind

Milan is one of the safest major cities in Europe. Violent crime is extremely rare. Petty crime (pickpocketing) exists near tourist areas and train stations but is negligible in residential neighbourhoods. The city is walkable, well-lit, and has reliable public transport until midnight (night buses after).

For parents: your child is safer in Milan than in most major Western cities. The biggest risks are scooter accidents (discourage moped rental) and apartment scams (never pay a deposit without seeing the apartment and signing a proper contract — we handle this).

The Welcome Package: What We Offer

For families who want their child's arrival handled professionally, we offer a Student Welcome Package:

Parents invest in their children's education. Investing in their landing experience ensures the education actually works. A student who is settled, healthy, and comfortable performs better academically and gets more from the experience.

For Parents Considering Their Own Move

Many parents visit Milan for the first time when dropping off their child — and fall in love with the city. If you are considering your own relocation, whether immediately or in the future, we provide the full range of HNWI relocation services: flat tax structuring, property acquisition, healthcare, private banking, and lifestyle integration. Your child's experience in Milan is often the first step toward the family's broader relationship with Italy.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of April 2026. University-specific policies and accommodation availability change annually. Contact us for current, personalised advice.

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