Student life in Reggio Emilia: everything you need to know
Reggio Emilia is one of the most liveable cities in Emilia-Romagna. Home to the UNIMORE campus, it's student-friendly and way more affordable than Bologna. Here’s your go-to guide to finding a room and living your best student life.
The main points:
Reggio Emilia is one of the most livable and budget-friendly university cities in Emilia-Romagna, often overshadowed by Bologna and Modena but with a growing UNIMORE student community (studying economics, education sciences, engineering). The city center (single rooms €380-550), the station/Viale Timavo area, and quieter neighborhoods like Gardenia or Ospizio offer lower prices starting at €280. With an estimated monthly cost of €580-1,050, the city is highly bike-friendly and just 15 minutes from Modena and 30 minutes from Bologna.
Illustration generated with AI
For illustrative purposes only; not a specific property.
Reggio Emilia for students: everything you need to know
Reggio Emilia is a city that surprises you. Often overshadowed by neighbouring Bologna or the more famous Modena, it actually offers an excellent quality of life, far more affordable rents, and a rapidly growing student community. If you are deciding where to study or where to find a place to live, Reggio Emilia deserves your full attention.
The university: UNIMORE in Reggio Emilia
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE) has a major campus in Reggio Emilia, home to faculties of Economics, Education, Engineering, and more. The student population is constantly growing, which makes the rental market still relatively affordable compared to larger Italian university cities.
The best neighbourhoods to search for a room
Historic Centre
The centre of Reggio Emilia is compact and highly livable. Piazza Prampolini, the porticoes, local markets—living in the centre means having everything at your fingertips. Rents are the highest in the city but stay affordable by national standards. Single rooms range between €380 and €550.
Station Area & Viale Timavo
Well-connected by public transport and close to the centre. Popular with students because of its great balance of location and price. Single rooms range between €340 and €480.
Gardenia & Rosta Nuova
Quiet, residential areas with easy bike connections to the centre. Lower rents, ideal for those wanting to save money without sacrificing convenience. Single rooms start from €300.
Ospizio & Via Emilia all'Ospizio
A developing working-class neighbourhood with a good selection of competitively priced rooms. Well-served by bus. Single rooms start from €280.
How much it costs to live in Reggio Emilia
Reggio Emilia is one of the most affordable university cities in Emilia-Romagna. Here is a realistic estimate of monthly expenses:
Single room rent: €300 – €550
Groceries: €140 – €230
Transport: €25 – €40 (monthly pass)
Social life & going out: €80 – €180
Study materials: €20 – €50
Estimated total: €580 – €1,050 per month
Transport and getting around
Reggio Emilia is incredibly bike-friendly. Distances are short and cycling is the fastest, cheapest way to get around. The network of cycle paths is highly developed.
The local bus service (SETA) covers the entire city with regular routes. A student monthly pass costs around €25.
The train station of Reggio Emilia is on the Milan-Bologna line, with frequent trains to both cities. Modena is just a 15-minute train ride away, and Bologna is only 30 minutes. The location is highly strategic.
Student life in Reggio Emilia
Reggio Emilia is culturally vibrant, with a strong civic identity and a tradition of social innovation. Globally famous for the Reggio Emilia Approach in early childhood education, the city offers much more: museums, theatres, cultural events, and a top-tier food scene.
The student community is tighter than in Bologna, creating a friendlier, stress-free vibe. For those looking for a personal, human-scale university experience, Reggio Emilia is a smart choice.
Finding a room in Reggio Emilia: practical tips
Take advantage of the accessible market. Compared to Bologna and major hubs, Reggio Emilia still offers great options at fair prices. But the market is growing—the sooner you look, the better.
Get a bike. This city is built for cycling. Before choosing your room, check if you are on a convenient bike path to your faculty.
Consider proximity to the station. If you commute or travel home often, a room near the station will make your life much easier.
Know what is included in the rent. Like in all of Emilia-Romagna, utility bill management varies from flat to flat. Make sure you clear this up before signing.
Why choose Stanza Semplice in Reggio Emilia
With Stanza Semplice you get single and double rooms in renovated flats, with utilities included and no security deposit. Simplicity is in our name and service: no useless bureaucracy, no surprises at the end of the month.
Our rooms in Reggio Emilia are designed for UNIMORE students—well-located, fully furnished, and ready for you from day one.
Find your room in Reggio Emilia and kick off your university journey risk-free.
Our tip
“
Reggio Emilia is currently one of the most affordable spots in Emilia, but the market is moving fast: those who get in early still find great rooms at decent prices. The city is best experienced on two wheels, so before you book, make sure you're on a convenient bike path for your campus. And, as always in Emilia, get what's included in the rent in writing before you sign.
