A beautiful city with a great atmosphere and over 3,000 years of history, Padua (known as Padova in Italian) offers a lot for both domestic and international students.

If you are planning on studying in Padua but don’t know where to start, Student.com will help you settle into this gem of north-eastern Italy.

Book student accommodation in Padova with us and choose from cheap student apartments located close to your university. We offer student rooms that come equipped with modern amenities.

If you need further information on the student housing in Padua we offer, give us a call or send us a quick message on live chat. It’s quick and easy and our booking consultants are always happy to help!

Padua at a glance 

Located in the Veneto region, Padua is a beautiful mid-sized town with an incredible student atmosphere.

Sitting in the heart of north-eastern Italy, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Venice, Padua is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

While it is not as well-known as many other Italian cities, Padua still attracts millions of tourists each year. The city has many world-class sites and attractions, and is incredibly rich in history and artistic heritage.

History and artistic heritage 

With claimed history dating back to the 12th century BC, Padua may be the oldest city in northern Italy. It’s said to be over 400 years older than Rome.

With every stroll around the town, you will get a glimpse of the city’s rich history.

See the 14th-century frescoes that sparked the Italian Renaissance, and the houses in which the polymath Galileo Galilei and the sculptor Donatello lived. Walk the street on which the renowned architect Andrea Palladio was born, or witness the basilica in which the first woman with a Ph.D. in the world (Elena Cornaro Piscopia) was laid to rest.

Dozens of museums shed light on the different periods in the city’s lifespan.

Tourist attraction 

Close to many of Italy’s tourist magnets but often overlooked by tourists in favour of the nearby Venice and Verona, Padua remains mostly off the beaten track. However, that does not mean it’s not a pleasure to explore.

With its picturesque squares, palaces, and museums, Padua’s beautiful historical centre is like a patchwork of architectural styles and artistic influences spanning many centuries.

The city also has many unmissable sights such as the Orto Botanico – the oldest academic botanical garden in the world. The world’s first botanical garden is one of two Padua landmarks that feature on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The imperial Basilica of St. Anthony and the small but beautiful 13th century Duomo of Padova cathedral are just two monuments of Padua’s deep religious history.

Don’t miss the Piazza dei Signori, a beautiful square in the historic city centre, the majestic Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, and the scenic Portello university area.

The city’s landscape is not all sights of great historic and artistic importance though. It also has many canals and green areas where you can get some serenity.

A student-centred city 

Lively, dynamic, and home to the world’s fifth oldest university, Padua is genuinely a student-friendly city.

Students account for over 30% of the city’s total population of just over 200,000. Parts of the town centre have a very student feel to them. It’s hard not to notice young people revising under shady trees, meeting up in cafes and bars after lectures, or just strolling around the city’s streets.

But it’s not just the university and the city’s ancient history that keeps them around. There are plenty of fantastic things to do for students and visitors in Padua.

The city has a solid annual calendar of art, music, theatre, cinema, and sporting events throughout the year.

Great food 

Finding delicious food that doesn’t break the bank is also not a problem in Padua. The city has some enviable culinary traditions and specialities from bigoli (thick spaghetti traditionally served with duck- or sardine-based sauce) and bollito misto alla padovana (a stew combining different cuts of meat), to risotto and pizza.

If you have a sweet tooth, Padua will be perfect for you. There are many lovely shops dotted all over town that sell cakes, biscuits, sweets, and gelaterias.

Padua is not all about pastries, though. The Italian city is also big on coffee.

In the historical centre, you’ll find the imposing building of one of Italy’s most famous coffee houses - Caffe’ Pedrocchi (founded in 1831).

The city also hosts many restaurants serving international cuisine.

Student life in Padua 

From a rich palette of events during the Christmas holidays to a summer studded with concerts and festivals, there is always something happening in Padua.

And unlike some other Italian cities, you won’t have to burn a hole in your budget to have fun in Padua.

Nightlife 

With students making up such a large portion of the population, the city squares are frequently crowded with young people hanging out when the sun goes down.

During the Italian aperitivo hour, particularly in the summer months, look out for countless tables and chairs placed alfresco, tall glasses clinking and clanking, chatter and music filling the air, and students coming out in droves all dressed up and ready to relax after a long day at uni.

The jovial, lively, and fun atmosphere is perfect for engagement and a good time. Plus, with many bars and cafes lining the main squares, there are lots of places to head to.

After a stressful day on campus, let your hair down and enjoy some drinks at popular clubs like Bar San Clemente, Factory, and The Q. The city also has many bars that are open until the small hours of the morning such as Alexander, and Il vizio.

Perfect for yummy cakes and pastries, hot chocolate, and cappuccino during the days, Padua’s plush salons are also packed at night with people thirsty for some cocktail or grappa. Check out Bar dei Osei, or Caffè Pedrocchi, the oldest and most famous historical café in the city, for a taste of Padua’s very own Aperol spritz.

If you are into the performing arts, Gran Teatro Geox is the place to head to for concerts starring world-famous singers and bands, as well as musical theatre performances.

Transportation 

When you’re not in class, you’ll have lots of fun exploring your new hometown. With a well-organised and efficient air, rail, and road transport system, Padua is easy to reach and to navigate.

The city is crisscrossed by many buses and a very modern and convenient tram network. It also has an extended cycling path, and multiple bike-sharing options with special discounts for students. No matter where you are in town, you can quickly and easily get to the centre and anywhere else in the city without having to spend a large chunk of your budget on taxis.

You won’t have many reasons to leave Padua, but in case you do, you won’t have a hard time. Within close proximity of four airports that are served by flights from all over the world, plus other transportation links with the main cities in Italy and abroad, Padua is well-positioned. Its train station is one of the main hubs of the Italian railway system. And its large network of buses and coaches connects it to dozens of small towns and larger cities in the north and the centre of Italy.

Where to study in Padua? 

University of Padua 

Established in 1222, the University of Padua (Padova) is the second-oldest university in Italy and the fifth oldest in the world. Originally founded as a school of law by a group of scholars and students, today it’s made up of 32 departments and eight schools which are:

• Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
• Economics and Political Science
• Law
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Science
• Human and Social Sciences and Cultural Heritage

It also runs a host of affiliated centres, research organisations, and science and technology hubs. The university’s estate is also home to a school of excellence, the university hospital, a museum, a library, and 14 halls of residence.

In addition to standard degree programs, the University of Padua offers joint and double degree programs to around 60,000 students. Some of these programs, mostly at the graduate level, are taught in English.

Ranked as the 243rd best university in the world in the QS 2023 World University Rankings, Padua continues to be one of the most prominent universities in Italy and Europe.

The university also ranks highly in the QS Subject Rankings placing among the top 100 in the world in eight disciplines and first in Italy for three disciplines.

Part of a network of historical research universities known as the Coimbra Group, Padua has several research centres, including the CRIBI Biotechnology Center, the Cognitive Neuroscience Center, and the Center of Studies and Activities for Space “Giuseppe Colombo.”

Frequently asked questions about booking student rooms in Padua 

How do I apply for off-campus student housing in Padua on Student.com? 

After you’ve found a property you want to book from our list of off-campus student housing in Padua, go to that property’s property page by clicking on ‘View rooms’.

On the property page, you’ll need to choose the room you’d like to book. After making your choice, click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now.’ One of our booking consultants will be in contact with you to answer any questions you may still have and to guide you through the next steps in the booking process.

What are the different types of student rooms and dormitories you offer? 

In a Shared Room, you’ll share your bedroom with at least one roommate. You’ll share your bathroom, kitchen, and other living facilities with other tenants as well.

In a Private Room, you’ll get a bedroom all to yourself. Depending on the property you choose, your bathroom may be shared or private. Other living areas are shared with other tenants.

With the Entire Place, you’ll get a fully self-contained studio apartment with a private bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette. No need to share with anyone, so this is the perfect choice if you love your privacy!

Are bills included in the rent? 

Bills are usually included in the total cost of the rent. This is not always the case however, so make sure to check the property page of the property you’re interested in to see if bills are included there or not.

Do you list fully furnished apartments? 

Typically the apartments we list in Padua are not furnished, meaning you’ll need to bring your own furnishings. Our booking consultants will be able to give you more information in case we have something available that is furnished.