Living in Pisa

Students can use the university canteens. Alternatively, there are plenty of restaurants and pizzerias throughout the university area in the city centre. Meal prices can vary widely, but it is generally possible to have lunch or dinner for between EUR 10 and EUR 20, while a buffet aperitivo usually costs between EUR 5 and EUR 15.

The main shopping streets in Pisa are Borgo Stretto and Corso Italia, which form an axis running perpendicular to the River Arno. Here you will find many clothing shops belonging to major chains as well as luxury boutiques.

For food shopping, the Piazza delle Vettovaglie area in the city centre is home to fruit and vegetable stalls and grocery shops. Supermarkets are also available across the city, with larger ones located outside the historic centre but easily reachable by public transport.

A large market takes place in Via Paparelli on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can find clothes, household linens and food products.

Pisa’s cultural life revolves around its museums, cultural associations, cinemas and theatres, which offer plays, concerts, operas, dance performances and other events.

The liveliest areas in the evening are Piazza delle Vettovaglie, the Lungarni near Ponte di Mezzo, Piazza Dante and Piazza Santa Caterina.

The city’s main theatre is the Teatro Verdi, located in the city centre. Built between 1865 and 1867 and officially inaugurated with Rossini’s William Tell, it has one of the most prestigious stages in Italy. Other theatres include Teatro Sant’Andrea, housed in the Romanesque church of Sant’Andrea (12th century), and Teatro Nuovo in Piazza della Stazione.

Pisa also offers several cinemas, both in the city centre and outside the medieval walls. At the Cineclub Arsenale, you can watch films in various European languages.

Most art exhibitions are held at Palazzo Blu and the Museo della Grafica in Palazzo Lanfranchi.

For more information
To stay updated on local news, cultural events and performances, visit the websites of the main local newspapers: Il Tirreno, La Nazione, Pisatoday, Quinewspisa.it, Pisanews, Sestaporta.news.

Pisa is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, which is the most popular means of transport. To reach the city centre and main university buildings, you can rent e-bikes or traditional bicycles (see the section on discounted fares), as well as use one of the many electric scooters available to residents, students and tourists.
The city also has a public bus service that connects Pisa with its suburbs. University of Pisa students are entitled to discounted travel fares — all information is available on the dedicated page.

The cost of living in Pisa can be quite low, depending on individual needs and monthly rent.

Suggested monthly budget:

Option 1 – Student renting a single room in a shared flatStanza con servizi: €400/€450 +
Room with utilities: EUR 400–EUR 450
Food: EUR 300
Other housing expenses: EUR 100
Total: EUR 800–EUR 850

Option 2 – Student renting an entire flat
Flat with utilities: EUR 600–EUR 700
Food: EUR 300
Other housing expenses: EUR 100
Total: EUR 1,000–EUR 1,100

Average prices of some basic items in Italy:

Milk (1 litre): EUR 1.50
Coffee (espresso): EUR 1.20
Bread (1 kg): EUR 2
Pasta (1 kg): EUR 1.20
Beer (at a pub): EUR 5
Pizza and drink: EUR 15
Bus ticket (within the city): EUR 1.70
Magazine: EUR 4
Newspaper: EUR 1.50–EUR 2
Cinema ticket: EUR 8.50

International students wishing to practise their faith will find a wide range of options in Pisa.

For Catholic students, there are more than 40 churches in the historic centre. Many of them are monuments of historical and artistic interest, and most are freely accessible, such as Santa Caterina, San Frediano, Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri and Santa Maria della Spina.

The University Church of San Frediano, located in Piazza San Frediano near La Sapienza, offers guidance and special services, welcoming all students who wish to practise their faith. The church organises moments for discussion and confession, sacraments and Bible readings, while the Apostoline Sisters offer personal conversations and meetings dedicated to reflection on the Word of God.
San Frediano – Tel. +39 050 46190 – Website

For members of the Waldensian Church, there is the Chiesa Valdese di Pisa, located in the historic city centre.
Chiesa Valdese, Via Derna 13, Pisa – Website

For Muslims, the Islamic Cultural Centre is a meeting place for worshippers who wish to practise their faith. It is located in the heart of the city.
Centro Culturale Islamico, Via delle Belle Donne 16, Pisa – Tel. +39 050 45466

For followers of Judaism, there is a synagogue in the city centre.
Sinagoga, Via Palestro 24, Pisa – Tel. +39 050 542580

For Buddhists, the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Pomaia, a small village a few kilometres from Pisa, is the most important Buddhist centre in Italy and one of the largest in Europe.
Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Via Poggiberna 15, Pomaia (Pisa) – Tel. +39 050 685654
There is also a Buddhist Group of Pisa (Gruppo Buddhista di Pisa).
Tel. +39 338 7544251