Got your admission and visa? Congratulations! Now it is time to prepare the move itself. This moving to Italy checklist covers everything students from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh need to sort out between the visa and the first week of classes: documents, housing, money, health cover, packing and the residence permit you must apply for after you land.
Use it as a to-do list. Tick off each item, and you will arrive in Italy calm, prepared and ready to start studying.
Key takeaways
- Carry all original documents in your hand luggage, with digital copies in cloud storage.
- Book at least your first few weeks of housing before you fly. Never pay a deposit for a flat you have not verified.
- Apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 working days of arrival.
- Get your codice fiscale early: you need it for a bank account, a SIM contract, rent and healthcare.
Moving to Italy checklist at a glance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4–8 weeks before you fly | Book housing, arrange health insurance, prepare money and banking |
| 2–4 weeks before | Organise documents, digital copies and translations; plan your arrival day |
| 1 week before | Pack, carry some euros in cash, confirm your accommodation check-in |
| First week in Italy | Residence permit, codice fiscale, university enrolment, SIM card, transport pass |
| First month | Bank account, health service registration, DSU steps if you applied |
1. Documents to carry in your hand luggage
- Passport with your study visa
- University admission letter and your Universitaly pre-enrolment summary
- Original degree certificates and transcripts, plus their translations and legalisations
- Declaration of Value or CIMEA statement
- DSU documents and your ISEE parificato paperwork, if you applied for DSU
- Health insurance policy (in English or Italian)
- Accommodation contract or booking confirmation
- Several passport-size photos
- Digital copies of everything, saved in cloud storage
Keep originals with you, not in checked luggage. Universities, the post office and the police may all ask to see them.
2. Housing: arrange it before you fly
Housing in cities like Milan, Bologna and Padua fills up fast before September. Your main options are DSU student residences (if you applied for DSU), private student residences and shared flats. Book at least your first few weeks before travelling.
- Never pay a deposit for a flat you have not seen through a trusted platform, agency or video call
- Ask for a registered rental contract, which you may need for your residence permit and residency
- Check the distance to your campus and public transport
- Ask current students in Facebook or WhatsApp groups about fair rent prices in your city
3. Money and banking
- Carry some euros in cash for your first days
- Use an international debit card or a money transfer app for the first weeks
- Open an Italian bank account or online account once you have your codice fiscale
- Keep proof of your funds, as some offices may ask for it
4. Health insurance
You need health cover for your whole stay. Many international students register voluntarily with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) by paying a yearly fee, which gives access to a local family doctor. Others keep private insurance that meets the residence permit rules. Check which option your region and university recommend.
5. Your first week in Italy
- Apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 working days of arrival. Pick up the application kit at a post office with a Sportello Amico counter, fill it in and submit it there. Keep the receipt: it proves you are legally in Italy while the permit is processed.
- Get your codice fiscale (Italian tax code) from the Agenzia delle Entrate, if you did not receive it before arrival.
- Complete enrolment at your university and attend the international student office’s orientation.
- Buy an Italian SIM card so you have a local number for offices and banks.
- Register with the health service or confirm your insurance, and choose a family doctor if you join the SSN.
- Get a public transport pass. Many cities offer reduced student prices.
6. What to pack for Italy
- Warm clothes: winters in northern Italy are cold
- Plug adapters for Italian sockets (types F and L)
- Any regular medicines, with a doctor’s prescription in English
- A laptop and the documents you need for your course
- A few items from home: familiar spices and snacks make the first weeks easier
7. If you applied for the DSU scholarship
Follow your regional agency’s instructions after arrival. You may need to confirm your enrolment, submit missing documents or move into a DSU residence by a set date. Our DSU scholarship guide explains the steps after the ranking is published.
Frequently asked questions
When should I arrive in Italy before classes start?
Arrive one to two weeks before classes start, so you have time for the residence permit, housing and enrolment.
What happens if I miss the 8-day deadline for the permesso di soggiorno?
Applying late can cause problems with your legal stay. Apply as soon as you can, and keep your post office receipt safe.
Do I need a codice fiscale before I arrive in Italy?
It helps but is not always required. Some students receive it through their university or the embassy; others get it at the Agenzia delle Entrate after arrival.
How much money should I bring when moving to Italy as a student?
Bring enough euros in cash for your first few days, plus access to your funds by card for the first month’s rent, deposit and living costs.
Plan the whole journey
Still at an earlier stage? Read our step-by-step guide on how to study in Italy, check our Italy study visa guide, or book a free profile review. EuroPath has an office in Verona and helps students from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh before and after they arrive.
