Student Life in Perugia

At first, Perugia resembles many of the medieval hilltop towns in central Italy. Its landscape is flecked with charming pink and yellow roofs and encircled by ancient and medieval walls. This is a place, however, where magic meets modernity. Though the city has preserved its Etruscan roots, centuries-old churches, winding cobblestone streets, and an impressive smattering of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, it is also a vibrant contemporary city. Corso Vannucci, the main thoroughfare, hums with energy from restaurants, cafes, jazz music, pubs, museums, and art exhibits. Today’s Perugia offers an enchanting blend of ancient allure and modern vigor, breathtaking vistas alive with the pleasant bustle of la dolce vita. 

Nicknamed the “University City,” Perugia boasts a thriving international student scene. Each year, thousands of Italian and international students flock to the city to attend the Università degli Studi di Perugia (≈ 34,000 students), the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (≈ 5,000 students), and other studio and performing arts schools.

The historic center of Perugia, where all Umbra students live, is approximately is about the size of a large university campus and covers approximately a square mile – large enough for a wide variety of venues, yes small enough to get anywhere by walking. Unlike the more popular tourist destinations, Italian is heard on every street corner and in every shop, making the city a gem for language students seeking a truly immersive experience. Every night, students fill the main street (Corso Vannucci) or gather on the steps of city sqaure (Piazza Iv Novembre) to eat, drink, socialize, meet friends and make new friends. Part of living in Perugia is about being swept up in the city’s boisterous energy every time you step outside.

In other Italian cities, you feel like a tourist, a visitor, an outsider. In Perugia, you become one of the locals – the city is both your campus and playground, offering a one-of-a-kind international experience. As one student explained, “This is not just a study abroad experience. It is a life abroad experience”.

Student Housing

The Umbra Institute provides housing in shared apartments (between 2-6 students) located throughout the city center. Students may request to be housed with fellow classmates, local Italian students, or—for the truly ambitious—a host family. All student housing is within walking distance of the main piazza and the Umbra Institute. Within a just few weeks, you will know well your neighbors and neighborhood; the city center is small enough you are sure to bump into classmates and friends while out and about.

Umbra Activities

The Umbra Institute hosts many events, giving students the chance to participate in outdoor activities, weekend trips, walking tours, tandem language exchanges with Italians, pizza nights, and so much more. In addition to Umbra-sponsored activities, students can take advantage of the many shows, exhibitions, and events sponsored by the city of Perugia, most of which offer student discounts.

 

ESN Perugia Card

All Umbra students are elegible to become members of the local branch of the European Erasmus Student Network – ESN Perugia.
ESN Perugia is a non-profit association composed of volunteers that assist international students to settle in and enjoy their amazing adventure of studying and living in Perugia. In short, it’s experienced students helping new students.

ESN Perugia understands well that every newly-arrived student needs time to adjust himself/herself to a new life, and ESN’s main purpose is to make that transition easier. ESN provides a welcoming network of local and international students and hosts a variety of activities including day and weekend trips, parties, cultural venues much more.

ESN Perugia Facebook

Local Discounts

As a current student and soon-to-be alumnus of the Umbra Institute, you will enjoy exclusive and ongoing discounts on local restaurants, trattorias, pizzerias, cafés, hotels, and supply shops in the historic center. Show your Umbra Institute Student ID Card when making your purchase and you will receive the specified discount. Offers are valid also for visiting family and friends! 

Getting Involved

At the Umbra Institute, building a meaningful connection with the local community, both as a student and an active participant in local initiatives is an integral aspect of studying abroad. For this reason, Umbra offers students a diversified curriculum that incorporates the immense educational resources of Italy, particularly in the city of Perugia, through community engagement. But it does not end there. Beyond the classroom there are countless ways to get involved in volunteering, joining the university choir, intramural sports, student clubs, varsity teams, internships and more.

Traveling

Perugia is a walking city; students can get anywhere in the historic center by foot. But when it’s time to get out of dodge, you will likely take the mini metro to the local train station, or a taxi or bus to the local airport or other cities near and far. The local bus depot is within walking distance and buses operate daily to local towns and major destinations including Rome, Rome Airport, Florence, and more.