Why this guide matters
Your first 2–3 weeks in Italy are packed with tasks you must do for your permesso di soggiorno, codice fiscale, health insurance, housing, ISEE, and student transport. Follow this order to save time, avoid repeat visits, and unlock student discounts fast.
Quick facts for first-timers
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Apply for permesso within 8 working days of arrival (non-EU).
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Codice Fiscale is free and needed for almost everything.
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SSN student insurance ~€700, valid until 31 December (of the same year).
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SIM activation in shop usually within minutes.
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Public transport single tickets start from €1.70 (valid 60–120 minutes, city-dependent).
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Pricey mistakes: filling the permesso kit yourself, skipping copies, forgetting the €16 marca da bollo.
1) Get a local SIM card (Day 0–1)
Have mobile data immediately—you’ll need it for bank OTPs, permesso SMS, and maps.
Student-friendly/affordable operators
Iliad, PosteMobile, Very Mobile, Kena Mobile, Fastweb Mobile, Lycamobile
Major networks (broader coverage)
Vodafone, TIM, WindTre
What to know
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Activation: usually within a few minutes in store.
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Offers: unlimited local calls, large data bundles, and international minutes to selected countries (varies by provider).
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Bring your passport.
Pro tip: Buy the SIM before any other steps so you can receive calls from the Questura, university, or courier.
2) Get your Codice Fiscale (Day 1–3)
You need this Italian tax code for rent, bank, internet, university payments, transport passes, and more.
Where: Agenzia delle Entrate (tax office).
Cost: Free.
Bring: Passport (+ visa, admission letter) .
Pro tip: Many universities host on-campus desks during enrollment weeks—ask your international office.
3) Apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno (within 8 working days – Non-EU)
This is your residence permit. Do not miss the 8-day window.
How to apply
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Pick up the yellow kit at the post office (Sportello Amico).
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Get the forms filled at a CAF (assistance center) — avoid filling them yourself to prevent errors.
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Attach copies: passport (bio + visa), admission letter, health insurance, proof of funds.
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Buy a €16 marca da bollo at a tabacchi.
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Pay postal/electronic-card fees (~€100–€130 total).
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Keep the post office receipt—it’s your temporary proof of stay.
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Wait for your Questura (police HQ) appointment for fingerprints.
Processing time: typically 2–6 months (city-dependent).
Pro tip: Take two sets of copies of every document; bring originals to every appointment.
4) Health insurance options (do this alongside permesso)
You must have valid cover throughout your studies.
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Use visa insurance: Many Questura accept the policy you used for your visa (confirm locally).
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Public SSN (student rate): About €700, valid until 31 December; register at the ASL office, choose a GP, and access full care.
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Private policies: e.g., Generali, WAI (prices vary by duration/coverage).
Pro tip: If you arrive late in the year, SSN still ends on 31 December; ask if it makes sense to wait until January to maximize coverage.
5) University enrollment (immatricolazione) — not just registration
Even if you pre-enrolled online, finalize enrollment on campus or via your student portal.
Usually required
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Passport
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Codice Fiscale
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Permesso receipt (or visa)
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Previous degree documents (with translations/legalizations if requested)
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First tuition installment
Pro tip: Activate your university email/app—this is how offices contact you about deadlines, fees, and class changes.
6) Housing contract & address basics
If you rent privately, ensure the landlord registers the contract at Agenzia delle Entrate (it’s their duty). You’ll need a registered contract for scholarships, residency requests, and sometimes ISEE.
Pro tip: Ask for your registered contract copy (with registration code) for your records.
7) ISEE Università (for fees, transport & scholarships)
ISEE is Italy’s income indicator for benefits and discounts.
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Apply at a CAF
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International students: prepare home-country income docs (translated + legalized) early—this step takes time.
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Used for: tuition reductions, regional scholarships (DSU/EDISU/ERDIS), and some city transport discounts.
Pro tip: Start ISEE ASAP; missing it often means paying full fees and losing discounts. First you need to get ISEE ordinario and then you can apply for ISEE parificato.
8) Student transport passes & tickets
Public transport is reliable and cheaper with student deals.
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Single tickets start from €1.70 (valid 60–120 minutes depending on the city), typically valid across bus, tram, and metro.
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Student monthly passes often €20–€30 (city rules vary).
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Discounts may be age-based (under 26) or require ISEE + student status.
Apps to install
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City transport: ATM Milano, ATAC Rome, GTT Torino, AMT Genova, TPER Bologna, Moovit, Trenitalia, Italo.
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Payments: Satispay, PostePay.
Pro tip: Always validate your ticket; inspections are common and fines are steep.
9) Banking (optional but useful)
Easier rent transfers, utility payments, and scholarship disbursements.
What you’ll need: Passport, Codice Fiscale, enrollment proof, address.
Tip: Compare student accounts or online banks to avoid monthly fees.
10) Keep a paper + digital folder
Italy loves documents. Save PDF scans + paper copies of:
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Passport, visa, permesso receipt
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Codice Fiscale
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Insurance policy
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Enrollment receipt
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Rental contract (registered)
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All postal/Questura receipts
Pro tip: Name your files clearly (e.g., Surname_PermessoReceipt_2025.pdf) so you can share them in seconds when asked.
Extra tips that save hours
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Arrive with passport photos (some forms still need them).
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Go early to post offices/CAF/Questura (queues are shorter).
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Use your university’s international desk—they know your city’s rules.
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Bring cash/card for stamps & fees (not every place accepts all cards).
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Read your university email daily in the first month.
