INTERNATIONAL

STUDENT
GUIDE

LIVING STUDYING THRIVING

Index
Welcome to the University of Pisa and to Italy 2
Italy: history, culture, traditions and nature 4
Box 1. Italy in brief 5
Box 2. Tuscany in brief 5
Box 3. Pisa in brief 5
Planning your stay 6
1. Before you leave 7
2. On arrival 8
Box 4. Check-list for EU citizens 10
Box 5. Check-list for non-EU citizens 11
Being a student at UNIPI 12
1. Academic calendar 13
2. Credits and grades 13
3. Degree programmes 14
4. Fees 14
5. Extraordinary contribution 14
6. DSU scholarships 15
7. Dining halls 15
8. Sports 16
9. Libraries 16
10. Study rooms 16
11. Museums 16
12. USID – Assistance for students with special needs 17
Living in Pisa: the basics to manage your daily life 18
1. Communicating 19
2. Living 19
3. Eating 20
4. Moving about the city 20
5. Opening a bank account 21
6. Shopping 21
7. Free time 21
8. Health 22
Welcome to the University
of Pisa and to Italy

Dear Students,
Welcome to the University of Pisa! Founded in 1343, the University is one of
the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy. It reflects a historical and
cultural heritage of great value, which Pisa and Italy are very proud of.
Galileo Galilei, considered the father of modern science, studied and taught
at the University of Pisa. The University is also famous for having three Nobel
prize winners amongst its professors: Giosuè Carducci (Literature, 1906),
Enrico Fermi (Physics, 1938) and Carlo Rubbia (Physics, 1984).
Due to the quality of the teaching and the excellence of the research, a
degree from the University of Pisa is a strong point in the curriculum of many
professionals, including scientists, intellectuals and leading politicians in Italy
and Europe.
But Pisa can offer even more: famous across the world for the Leaning Tower
and its enchanting historical centre, this beautiful Tuscan city with a pleasant
climate is located just a few kilometres from the sea and is in fact perfect
for students. The city has a lively cultural side. This culminates in the “Giugno
pisano” in which throughout the month of June there are important events and
traditional festivals that attract many visitors and tourists.
We know however that you will need a bit of time and help to adjust. This
guide, designed for you, will provide you with practical information that will
allow you to deal with your first few days in Pisa and help you integrate
quickly into life at our University.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us!

The International Office staff

 4 5

Due to its geographical position, its numerous

Italy: history, culture, and convenient roads and rail links, and its 1 Italy in brief
large international airport, Pisa is the ideal
departure point to explore the landscapes,

traditions and nature

Surface area: 301,340 km²
sea, famous cities and enchanting villages Coastline: 7,460 km
ITALY

ITALY
found in Tuscany. Beyond the borders of Bordering countries: Austria, France, Slovenia,
Tuscany, there isn’t a corner of Italy that doesn’t Switzerland, Vatican City, San Marino
deserve at least one visit; the nature, history, Population: 61 million
art and culture, as well as the traditions and Capital city: Rome
food, make this country a unique place in the Official language: Italian
world. Every year there are over 50 million Currency: Euro
Form of government: Parliamentary republic
tourists who travel along the Italian peninsula,
Bank Holidays: 25th April, 1st May, 2nd June
attracted by the charm of the landscapes, but Catholic Holidays: 1st January, 6th January, Eas-
also by the richness of the archaeological and ter Monday, 15th August (known as Ferragosto),
historical heritage and more generally for 1st November, 8th December, 25th December,
what has become famous across the world as 26th December
the inimitable Italian style of life.

2 Tuscany in brief 3 Pisa in brief

Surface area: 22,992 km² Surface area: 185 km²

Coastline: 397 km Elevation: 4m above sea level
Bordering Regions: Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Smaller neighbouring towns: Calambrone,
Umbria, Marche, Lazio Coltano, Marina di Pisa, San Piero a Grado - La
Population: 3,750,000 Vettola, San Rossore, Tirrenia
Regional capital: Florence Larger Neighbouring towns: Cascina, Collesal-
Other important cities: Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, vetti, Livorno, San Giuliano Terme
Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena Patron saint day: 17th June (San Ranieri)
 6 7

Upon your arrival in Italy you will discover that in order to orga-

Planning your stay nise and manage your new daily life, you will first have to deal
with certain bureaucratic issues. Some of these issues concern the
YOUR STAY

ITALIASTAY
documents which are necessary to live and travel within Italy.
If you’re a citizen of a country which is neither part of the Euro-

YOUR
pean Union nor of the European Economic Area, obtaining these
documents will be a longer and more complex process. In fact,
you will have to carefully organise your stay and make sure that
all the necessary documents are in order before coming to Italy.

1. Before you leave

EU citizens

Those who intend to stay in Italy for more than 3 months must
go to the Registry office at the town hall (see paragraph
entitled “Registration”). Before you leave, check the validity and
expiration date of your identity card or passport. Remember to
also bring your European Health Insurance Card, or EHIC. If you
have any health problems or would like to permanently reside in
Italy, you will need to bring other documents with you. You can
find them listed at www.unipi.it/health-insurance Entry Visa
You can visit the following web-
Non-EU citizens page to find out more about the
documents you need as well as
what the visa process entails:
Entry Visa
www.unipi.it/entry-visa
In order to enrol in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or long single cycle de-
gree programme at the University of Pisa, it is necessary to have
a visa for study reasons/university enrolment.
 8 9

Tax Code 2. On arrival Non-EU citizens

On your arrival, you need to go to
Tax Code Residency permit
YOUR STAY

YOUR STAY
the Italian tax authority as soon as
possible to request your tax code. The tax code is a personal code which consists of letters and num- Non-EU citizens who decide to stay in Italy for more than 3
You can find all the information bers that uniquely identifies individuals within Italy. In particular months, or are in possession of study visa type D, must request a
about this procedure at the tax code is used for tax and administrative purposes. It does residency permit within 8 working days of their arrival in Italy.
www.unipi.it/tax-code not constitute an identity document but it is necessary to obtain
if you need to enrol at the university, rent an apartment, open a
bank account or buy a phone card. Enrolment at the University of Pisa
Erasmus Along with the request for a residency permit, you must proceed
EU citizens with enrolment at the University of Pisa. The procedure is described
If you are an Erasmus student, in detail at this webpage:
read the webpage dedicated to www.unipi.it/non-eu-students-enrolment
Erasmus students and follow the in-
Enrolment at the University of Pisa
structions published here If you wish to enrol in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme,
in a Doctorate programme or in a One-Year Specialisation
www.unipi.it/erasmus-programme
programme, please read the information and follow the
procedures described here at www.unipi.it/eu-student-enrolment

Registration at the Town hall

EU citizens who decide to stay in Italy for longer than 3 months
Residency permit
must register at the ‘ufficio Anagrafe’ (Vital Records Office) of
the Town Hall in Pisa or in the city where you decide to live. If the If you need help obtaining your
stay is for study reasons, please present the documents listed at: residency permit, you can go to
www.comune.pisa.it/uploads/2012_10_3_11_57_12.pdf one of the “Patronati” present in
For further information, please see: Pisa: these offices will help you for
free. All the information is on this
www.unipi.it/index.php/right-of-residence-for-eu-citizens
webpage:
After you have completed your enrolment and have found www.unipi.it/residency-permit
accommodation, please contact the ‘ufficio Anagrafe’
(Vital Records Office) of the municipality in which you live
to ask questions and to register. If it’s in Pisa, use this link:
www.comune.pisa.it/it/ufficio/1333/anagrafee-toponomastica.html
 10 11

4 Check-list for EU citizens 5 Check-list for non-EU citizens

YOUR STAY

YOUR STAY
• Passport or national identity card • Passport
• EHIC (S1 certificate for stays longer than 3 months) • Entry visa type D (study/university enrolment in order to have access to
• In special cases, health insurance or an EU certificate confirming health Bachelor’s, Master’s or long single cycle degree programmes)
insurance coverage • Health insurance coverage (http://www.unipi.it/health-insurance)
• Certificate showing that you have been issued a scholarship or a bank
Documents required to enrol in a Bachelor’s or a Long Single Cycle degree document that demonstrates the possession of sufficient means and eco-
programme nomic resources for your stay in Italy (around 450 euros a month for the
whole academic year)
• The original version and a photocopy of your High school diploma
• Official translation into Italian of the Diploma, legalised (or with an Documents required to enrol in a Bachelor’s or in a Long Single Cycle
“apostille”) and validated by the Italian diplomatic authorities in their degree programme
home country with the Declaration of Value (DV) of High School Diploma
(Dichiarazione di Valore), issued by the Italian diplomatic authorities • The original version and a photocopy of your High school diploma
in their home country and verifying that 12 years of schooling have • Official translation into Italian of the Diploma, legalised (or with an
been already attended. Alternatively, the ENIC-NARIC certificate is “apostille”) and validated by the Italian diplomatic authorities in their
Erasmus students EU: accepted (in Italian or in English Language). home country with the Declaration of Value (DV) of High School Diploma Erasmus students non EU:
(Dichiarazione di Valore), issued by the Italian diplomatic authorities
Documents required to enrol in a Master’s degree programme in their home country and verifying that 12 years of schooling have • You must bring a declaration
You must bring a declaration
been already attended. Alternatively, the ENIC-NARIC certificate is issued by your home university
issued by your home university
• The original version and a photocopy of the Bachelor’s Degree accepted (in Italian or in English Language). which clearly states that you are
which clearly states that you are
• Official translation of the academic qualification into Italian, legalised an Erasmus student
an Erasmus student
(or with an “apostille”) and validated by the Italian diplomatic authorities Documents required to enrol in a Master’s degree programme • Entry visa and residency permit
in their home country with the Declaration of Value (DV) (Dichiarazione (www.unipi.it/entry-visa)
di Valore) of the Bachelor’s Degree issued by the Italian diplomatic • The original version and a photocopy of the Bachelor’s Degree
authorities in their home country. Alternatively, the ENIC-NARIC • Official translation of the academic qualification into Italian, legalised
certificate is accepted (in Italian or English language). Alternatively, the (or with an “apostille”) and validated by the Italian diplomatic authorities
Diploma Supplement is acceptedd in their home country with the Declaration of Value (DV) (Dichiarazione
• University transcript with the list of courses taken, with an official di Valore) of the Bachelor’s Degree issued by the Italian diplomatic
translation in Italian, validated by the Italian diplomatic authorities in authorities in their home country. Alternatively, the ENIC-NARIC certificate
your country is accepted (in Italian or English language). Alternatively, the Diploma
• Content description of each course taken written on the University’s Supplement is accepted.
official letterhead stationary or validated with the University stamp. • University transcript with the list of courses taken, with an official translation
For further information: http://matricolandosi.unipi.it/en/ in Italian, validated by the Italian diplomatic authorities in your country
• Content description of each course taken written on the University’s
official letterhead stationary or validated with the University stamp.
 12 13

1. Academic calendar

Being a student at Unipi The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: the first
lasts from the end of September to February and the second
from the end of February to July. Lessons usually start at the end
IUNIPI

UNIPI
of September and they finish halfway through December. They
restart at the end of February and finish at the end of May.
The exams from the first semester are held during the months of
January and February and those in the second semester are in
the months of June and July. Each department publishes its own
academic calendar with a timetable of lessons and the dates of
the exams.

2. Credits and grades

In Italy, degree programmes are measured in terms of University
Formative Credits (CFU). These are equivalent to the European
Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. Each
CFU will require about 25 hours of lessons and study time. Each
year, a full time student should obtain 60 credits by passing ex-
ams. This corresponds to about 1,500 hours of work. The exam
itself is evaluated in terms of a grade, expressed by a number
between 0 and 30. The minimum passing grade is 18. The maxi-
mum grade is 30. Students whose exam is considered exceptional
may receive 30 ‘con lode’ (cum laude).

The Italian
Educational System

You can find more information

about our educational system by
visiting
www.unipi.it/educational-system
14 15

Academic offer 3. Degree programmes 6. DSU scholarships The DSU Toscana

You can find more information International students can choose to enrol in a degree programme Students can apply to the DSU for a scholarship and have their uni- The DSU Toscana is the regional
about academic offers by visiting or single courses if they are exchange students such as Erasmus. Agency of the Right to University
versity fees paid in full or reduced depending on their family income.
www.unipi.it/study-programmes In this case they have to organize a learning agreement with one Study programme that provides
UNIPI

UNIPI
The full scholarship includes free meals and accommodation and the services for university students
You can find more informa-
of their coordinators. supply of a monthly contribution for any additional costs (sport, books from Italy and abroad who are
tion about degree programmes Most degree programmes are held in Italian, but there are 11 etc). The annual announcement for the DSU scholarship is published in enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s,
held in English by visiting Master’s degree programmes in Engineering, Economics and July on the site www.dsu.toscana.it Doctorate or One-Year Speciali-
www.unipi.it/programmes-in-english Computer Science and other degree programmes like the One- sation programme. Some services
year specialisation programmes (Master di I/II livello) which are (dining halls, orientation, advice
taught in English. Starting in the 2015-2016 academic year, we
7. Dining halls in finding accommodation, dis-
counts for cultural and sporting
will offer an International Programme which is equivalent to the events) are available for all stu-
first year of study within 4 Bachelor’s degree programmes in Hu- Students can benefit from the dining hall service at affordable
dents, other benefits (scholarships,
prices. There are three dining halls in Pisa which serve daily places in university residence and
manities.
Fees meals, including a gluten free menu. The cost depends on family other types of economic contribu-
income and it can range from a free meal for those with the DSU tion) are assigned accordingly.
You can check the page about
UNIPI’s fees by visiting
4. Fees scholarship to a maximum of €4,50 for a full meal. To access the Check the site www.dsu.toscana.it
dining hall, you need your personal dining hall card, which all
www.unipi.it/tuition-fees
The amount of the university fee for enrolment in a degree pro- students receive when they enrol at UNIPI.
gramme depends on the student’s country of origin and can vary
from a minimum of €356 to a maximum of €2,452.

5. Extraordinary contribution Dining halls

Extraordinary
You can find more information
Contribution about the opening hours, card, lo-
Every year the University of Pisa offers an extraordinary contri- cation of the dining halls and dis-
To see the extraordinary contribu- bution to certain groups of international students, which generally counts at www.dsu.toscana.it
tion offered every year by UNIPI, consists of benefits and services such as free accommodation or
go to a reduced fee for the first few months of residency, free Italian
www.unipi.it/contribution language courses, dining hall discounts, etc.
16 17

Sports 8. Sports the exception of the Natural History Museum, which is in Calci, a
few kilometres from Pisa. Museums
You can find more information at The University Sports Centre in Pisa (CUS) is part of the Italian
cuspisa.unipi.it Olympic Committee, or CONI, and it offers the possibility to 12. USID - Assistance for students You can find more information at

practice sports such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, rugby and with Special Needs www.sma.unipi.it
UNIPI

UNIPI
field hockey, etc., as well as a large number of fitness courses
including aerobics, gymnastics, yoga and pilates. The membership The University of Pisa has been progressively working towards
Libraries card and the use of equipment is free, but participating in activities the removal of any obstacles that prevent special needs students
under the guidance of an instructor costs around €55-60 every from fully experiencing university life. For this reason, the Service
You can find information about term. If you want to sign up to the CUS you have to bring with you unit for the Integration of Students with Special Needs, or USID,
the location, opening hours and a medical certificate for non-competitive sporting activities. offers a variety of services including assistance with exams,
catalogues of the libraries at USID
academic tutoring, transport or assistance for those with mobility
www.unipi.it/museums-libraries and
problems and assistive technology. You can find more information
www.sba.unipi.it/en/ 9. Libraries about assistance for students with
special needs and the various
The library and archive system of the University of Pisa is made services offered at
Study rooms up of 17 libraries, as well as the University archives and the www.unipi.it/special-needs

You can find information on their Centre of documentation for administrative services.
location and opening hours at
www.unipi.it/sale-studio
10. Study rooms
The five study rooms are open from morning until late at night and
are open on bank holidays.

11. Museums
The University of Pisa has built up an extraordinary museum heri-
tage over time. The collections and museums, which make up the
University Museum System, recount some of the most important
stages of the evolution of scientific thought and European culture
up until today. The Museum System is divided into offices, muse-
ums and collections located in the historic centre of the city, with
 18 19

1. Communicating

Living in Pisa: the basics Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian language. Modern Italian
descends from the Tuscan dialect and the Florentine literature of

to manage your daily life

LIVING

LIVING
the fourteenth century. At the University, the use of English and
other main European languages is quite widespread, but for living
in Pisa and interacting with the locals, knowing at least some basic
Italian is essential.

• If you are a non-EU citizen who resides abroad and wish to

enrol at the University of Pisa you have to pass an Italian
language test or demonstrate that you possess a certificate of
Italian knowledge with at least a B2 level
• If you are an EU citizen, after enrolment at the University of
Pisa, we suggest that you attend an Italian language course
organised at the CLI, the University Language Centre
(http://www.cli.unipi.it)
• If you are an Erasmus student, on your arrival in Pisa you can
freely attend an Italian language course organised by the CLI.

2. Living
Most buildings of the University of Pisa are located within the old
city rather than on an independent campus. This means that the
University is not able to accommodate all of its students. However
you can easily find a place to live, especially if you are willing
to share an apartment with other university students. The average
cost of a single room is about €350 per month.
 20 21

To find accommodation, you can: 5. Opening a bank account

Cpt • Visit the university website to see our suggestions at:
Before opening a bank account, it’s useful to check the fees
www.unipi.it/accommodation
An efficient bus service managed charged by different banks. In general, online bank accounts
LIVING

LIVING
• look at paper adverts published on bulletin boards in the
by the Cpt (Pisa Transport Com- and those reserved for students offer more options. When you
pany, www.pisa.cttnord.it) allows you University Departments and in the dining halls
open a bank account, you have to fill in some forms and present
to reach the outskirts of the city, • consult the website https://housinganywhere.com which is an international
your passport (or national ID card if an EU citizen), tax code and
nearby towns and the coast. “student to student” platform for finding a room
registration at the town hall of residency.
• seek assistance from the DSU Toscana, which offers all stu-
dents free expert advice on how to find a place to stay. In
addition, every year the DSU issues a call for applications for 6. Shopping
the allocation of available places in their structures.
Cost of living € The main shopping streets in Pisa are Borgo Stretto, Borgo Largo
and Corso Italia. Here you will find many large chain clothes
bus ticket ‘70 1.20 3. Eating
stores, but also luxury boutiques. In the city centre there is also
newspaper 1.50
the Piazza delle Vettovaglie which has fruit and vegetable stalls
cinema ticket 7.50 Pisa has a large variety of places where you can eat (typical and
(student discount) 5.50 and grocery stores. On the outskirts of the city there are also
ethnic restaurants, wine bars, pubs, taverns, pizzerias, sandwich
coffee 1 some supermarkets and shopping malls.
shops, fast food, snack bars and self service). The cost of a meal
pizza+beer 15
single room 300/400 can vary a lot. A full meal in a simple restaurant may cost €10-
20, or you can have appetizers and a drink which costs between 7. Free time
€3-5.
Cultural life in Pisa revolves around the many museums, associations,
4. Moving about the city cinemas and theatres, often at discounted rates for students.
There are also many events which liven up the city, from festivals
Bicycles are the most convenient and popular means of transport. to historical events and folklore (among them the Luminara and
In the historic centre of Pisa, you can move about quickly and the Gioco del Ponte), especially during the “Giugno Pisano”. In
safely on a bike. You can hire a bike or subscribe to Ciclopi, the evening the historic centre becomes the place for nightlife and
the new bike sharing service in Pisa (www.ciclopi.eu). Buses are also is always full of students.
available with a reduced fee for students.
 22 23

8. Health For non-EU citizens

Useful phone numbers
emergency first aid
Voluntary registration to the Italian National Health Service (SSN) Health insurance coverage for medical care or hospitalization
118 guarantees medical care for all Italian citizens as well as all EU is required to obtain an entry visa for Italy and then later the
LIVING

LIVING
doctor on call and non-EU citizens. residency permit. Prior to arrival in Italy you can choose from one
+39 050 959866 of the three documents on the list:
USL 5 Toscana For EU citizens
+39 050 954908 • Consular declaration demonstrating the right to health care
CUP-to set up medical
If necessary, EU citizens who have the EHIC can request free on the basis of a specific international agreement
appointments
+39 050 995995 assistance from any Italian doctor specialized in general medicine. • Foreign insurance policy with a consular declaration of validity
emergency fire service EU citizens who do not have the EHIC have to pay for a visit. EU in Italy, specifying the terms and forms of assistance provided
115 citizens who have to register at the Town hall’s Registry Office • Insurance policy taken out with Italian entities or companies
emergency police service where they live (for stays longer than 3 months) or who need under an agreement with the Ministry of Health.
112 continual medical assistance, may enrol in the Italian National
airport On arrival in Italy, to request a residency permit (which must be
Health Service by going to the health district at via Garibaldi
+39 050 849300/111
198, email: estero.pisa@usl5.toscana.it. submitted within 8 working days), we suggest that you register
taxi service
+39 050 541600
for free to the Italian National Health Service. You can do this by
post office To enrol, you need: going to the health district at via Garibaldi 198, email: estero.
+39 050 519411 pisa@usl5.toscana.it. To enrol, you need:
police headquarters • an identity document
+39 050 583602/511 • your passport
• your Italian tax code
• your tax code
• an EU certificate concerning health insurance coverage (S1)
• your entry visa
ec.europa.eu/social/.
For more information: www.unipi.it/index.php/insurance
You will be asked to pay €150 by postal order (available at any
post office) as indicated on the webpage www.unipi.it/health-insurance. After
this payment you can choose your doctor and have a right to free
assistance, in addition to the European health insurance card (EHIC).
Text written and translated by
the International Office of the University of Pisa

Layout and graphics by the Press

and Communications Office of the University of Pisa

Photos by Bruno Sereni and Francesca Gelichi

Cover picture Monte Forato by Nicola Vaselli
Photos on page 8 and 10 by Laura Nelli
 University of Pisa
International office
Lungarno Pacinotti 44
I - 56126 Pisa
Italia

www.unipi.it/internazionale
international@unipi.it