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Cheap Student Housing in Rome: How to Find Affordable Accommodation

Rome is one of the world’s most iconic cities — but for students, finding affordable accommodation can be challenging. Between the high demand, rising rents, and limited student residences, securing housing requires research and persistence. This guide will show you the main options for cheap student housing in Rome, from university-run residences to private platforms and the best neighborhoods.

University Residences in Rome

Several Roman universities provide official student residences or collaborate with private providers:

  • Sapienza University of Rome offers a housing mediation service with agreements for student residences and guest houses.
  • Università Roma Tre has partnerships with agencies and third parties for student accommodation.
  • John Cabot University and The American University of Rome provide residence halls for international students, mainly in Trastevere.

Private Rental Platforms

If university housing isn’t available, private rental websites are the most common way to find a room or apartment in Rome:

  • Spotahome and Studentsville: verified listings with photos and landlord checks, useful if you can’t attend in-person viewings.
  • HousingAnywhere: large database of student rooms in Rome, from €250–€800/month depending on location.
  • Uniplaces: fully furnished, flexible contracts with online booking.
  • Student.com: a marketplace for shared flats, private rooms, and studios, ranging from budget options to high-end apartments.

Coliving & Student Residences

For a more community-based experience, several organizations in Rome offer coliving and managed residences:

  • The Social Hub: fully furnished rooms with services included (Wi-Fi, cleaning, events).
  • Camplus Roma: a network of student residences combining housing, study spaces, and community activities.
  • Uhomes: international platform with affordable rooms and apartments close to universities.
  • Collegio Rui: single and shared rooms with community programs and cultural activities.

Best Neighborhoods for Students in Rome

Choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right apartment. Here are the top student-friendly areas in Rome:

  • San Lorenzo: Next to Sapienza, affordable rents, lively nightlife, and Erasmus events.
  • Pigneto: Quieter, artistic, LGBTQ+ friendly, with bars and cafés.
  • Ostiense: Popular among Roma Tre students, with a strong cultural and nightlife scene.
  • Tuscolano: Affordable for Tor Vergata students, greener and suburban, well connected by metro.
  • Trastevere: Central, charming, home to John Cabot and American University of Rome, but more expensive.

Tips for Saving on Housing in Rome

  • Start early — housing is competitive, especially before each semester.
  • Join Facebook & WhatsApp groups for your university (Sapienza, Roma Tre, Tor Vergata).
  • Check if your university offers housing mediation services.
  • Be cautious of scams: always verify landlords and avoid “too good to be true” listings.
  • Consider living a few metro stops away from the center to save up to €200/month.

For more info on the overall student budget, see our Cost of Living Guide. You can also explore Degrees in Rome to find English-taught programs at Sapienza, Roma Tre, Tor Vergata, and private universities.

Final Thoughts

Finding student housing in Rome is not always easy, but with persistence and the right resources, you can secure affordable accommodation and enjoy life in the Eternal City. Whether you choose to live in San Lorenzo with other students, in a managed residence like Camplus, or in a shared apartment via Spotahome, the key is to start your search early and stay flexible. This way, you’ll be able to focus less on rent stress and more on embracing the culture, history, and student life Rome has to offer.