Università per Stranieri di Perugia (USP)

Housing at this University can be fantastic. During the week before classes begin local Italians scout the town/university for students in need of housing and will offer to show rooms that day and sometimes even let students move in that day. The local newspaper also lists open housing and if you still have no luck its as easy as asking fellow students. Flats closest to the university are usually smaller and older, may be undergoing exterior/interior repairs and restoration, usually do not have washer, never have dryer, may have hot water shortage or a number of other problems. Students who are not happy with their flats usually relocate within the first month without a problem. My personal flat was new, beautiful, clean, had washer and bathtub but was a 15 minute walk from campus versus the typical 2-5 minute walk- but who would complain about walking with a view of the country side and the lovely white village of Assisi just across the way.

I lived at a family (mother & daughter) only 5 minutes from the main campus and city centre. I had a room of my own, and could practice Italian together with the family.

Beware the greedy landlord!!!

During my stay in Italy, my host family taught me more about culture and language than any classroom setting could. I learned about the husband and wife dynamic, given insight to Italian traditions and superstitions and of course, enjoyed a multitude of authentic, home-made Italian dishes!

Housing is not arranged by the university. Generally, people refer to postings on the University board wall, seek out one of the many housing agencies, or look in the local paper "Cerco e trovo".

The housing in Perugia was quite ambivalent, because there was no support in finding the right appartement etc. The offered appartements were partly very dirty.