Living in Brescia as a student: your practical 2026 guide
Brescia is Lombardy’s second-largest city and one of Northern Italy’s most exciting university hubs. With the Università degli Studi di Brescia and the Cattolica campus, it offers top-tier academics—without the premium price tag of Milan.
The main points:
Brescia is Lombardy’s second-largest city and a highly underrated university hub. Home to UniBS (around 14,000 students, outstanding for medicine and engineering) and a Cattolica campus, it offers a great student experience at a fraction of Milan's prices. The city center (singles €450-620), the Via Branze area for STEM, and the Spedali Civili neighborhood for medicine are the most popular spots; San Polo and the northern districts are perfect for tighter budgets. Getting around is a breeze thanks to the automated metro system. Estimated monthly cost of living is €630-1,160, with Milan just 50 minutes away and Verona only 30.
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Brescia for students: everything you need to know
Brescia is a city that often slips under the radar of Italian university students. Big mistake. Dynamic, well-connected, with a high quality of life and rents that are way more affordable than Milan, Brescia is the smart choice for studying in Lombardia without paying big-city prices.
The universities: UniBS and Cattolica
Brescia is home to two major universities. The Università degli Studi di Brescia (UniBS) has around 14,000 students across Medicine, Engineering, Economics, Law, and Sciences. The campus is spread across the city, with the medical hub next to the Spedali Civili and science faculties in the via Branze area.
The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has a dedicated campus in Brescia for humanities and education, located in the Porta Milano area.
The best neighborhoods to look for rooms
Historical Center
Brescia's center is compact, elegant, and packed with amenities. Living here means being close to everything — faculties, services, and student nightlife. Rent prices are medium-high for Brescia. Single rooms range from €450 to €620.
University Zone & Via Branze
The area around the UniBS science campuses is highly sought after by engineering and science students. Great public transport connections. Single rooms from €400 to €550.
East Brescia — Urago and Lamarmora
Quiet residential areas, easy to reach by bike or public transport. More budget-friendly with a good selection of shared apartments. Single rooms from €350.
Spedali Civili Zone
Ideal for medicine and nursing students. Right next to the hospital and medical faculties. Single rooms between €380 and €520.
San Polo and Prealpino
Northern neighborhoods further out but with excellent transport links. Among the cheapest rents in the city. Single rooms from €320.
Cost of living in Brescia
Brescia offers a great balance between quality of life and costs. Way cheaper than Milan, and just slightly pricier than student cities in Emilia.
Single room rent: €330 – €620
Groceries: €150 – €240
Transport: €35 – €50 (monthly pass)
Going out & fun: €90 – €200
Study materials: €20 – €50
Estimated total: €630 – €1,160 per month
Getting around
Brescia has a modern automatic metro system that connects the main areas of the city quickly and efficiently. It’s the easiest way to hop between different university campuses. A student monthly pass is about €35.
The city bus network (Brescia Mobilità) covers rest of the grid perfectly. Brescia is also bike-friendly, with dedicated cycle paths constantly growing.
Brescia train station sits on the Milan-Venice line, with frequent trains in both directions. You can reach Milan in just 50 minutes and Verona in 30. A massive plus.
Student life in Brescia
Brescia is a city that works hard but knows how to enjoy life. The cultural scene is alive and kicking, with world-class spots like the Santa Giulia Museum, great theater programs, and nightlife buzzing right in the historic center.
The student community is active and fully integrated into the local vibe. Student associations organize events, cultural projects, and sports tournaments throughout the academic year.
Finding a room in Brescia: practical tips
Keep the metro in mind. The metro map completely changes your options. A room further from the center but right next to a metro stop can be much easier for your daily commute than a central spot with no transport nearby.
Think ahead for Spedali Civili. If you study medicine or nursing, being close to the hospital is a lifesaver. Rooms around Spedali Civili go fast — start looking early.
Factor in the total cost. In Brescia, some rooms don't include bills, which can impact your monthly budget. Always check the real, all-inclusive price before you commit.
Make the most of the location. Brescia is right between Milan and Verona. If you have friends or family there, traveling back and forth is incredibly quick and easy.
Why choose Stanza Semplice in Brescia
With Stanza Semplice, you get single and double rooms in fully renovated apartments, with all bills included and zero security deposit. Everything is clear from day one — no surprises, no pointless paperwork.
Our rooms in Brescia are picked for their prime location near the faculties and public transport. Fully furnished and designed specifically for student life.
Find your room in Brescia and make the absolute most of your university years.
Our tip
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In Brescia, the real game-changer is the driverless metro: a room further out but close to a station is way better than a central one with no transport links, so plan around the stops. If you're studying medicine, being near the Spedali Civili is gold, and rooms nearby fly fast—act quick. And always check the bills, as they're often not included in the rent here.
