Frequently Asked Questions
We strongly recommend always visiting the apartment before entering into any formal agreement. If you are not in Bologna during your search, you can ask the landlord to arrange a video call so you can view the accommodation remotely. If this is not possible, it may be a warning sign: carefully consider why a virtual tour is not allowed.
No, SAIS does not directly manage bed spaces or accommodation facilities. Instead, it facilitates the connection between those looking for housing and those offering it. The service supports users throughout the search process by providing language assistance and guidance on contractual aspects, making the process simpler, clearer, and more accessible.
Follow these steps:
- Log in by accessing your Personal Area;
- In the SEARCH section, you can view all active listings on the website, with the option to apply filters and sorting based on your preferences;
- Contact landlords or property managers of the listings you are interested in to request further information;
- Submit a booking request by clicking the dedicated button.
Bologna is home to one of the largest universities in Italy, the University of Bologna. For this reason, the availability of accommodation tends to increase between the end and the beginning of the Academic Year (June–September), and then gradually decrease until rising again around the second semester (January–March). Finding accommodation in Bologna can be particularly challenging, but not impossible. For this reason, regardless of the period, it is advisable to start your search as soon as the University communicates your study period.
No, Bologna is a relatively small city and is very well connected.
We recommend not limiting your search to the historic city center, but instead broadening it and considering all areas and listings that you find interesting.
Google Maps can help you check the distance between available accommodations and your faculty. If you are already in the city and have doubts about a specific location, we suggest visiting the area in person and taking a walk around the neighborhood.
You can consult many websites when looking for accommodation in Bologna. The SAIS service recommends the following:
Be cautious of online rental scams. Avoid making transactions through unreliable channels or to non-Italian bank accounts. We always recommend using traceable payment methods. If you are in Bologna, always visit the accommodation before signing a contract and/or transferring any money. In many scam cases, the landlord may claim they cannot show you the apartment for various reasons. Make sure to verify the landlord’s identity: always ask for an ID document before paying any money or signing any agreement. Check whether the price is realistic by comparing it with similar properties in the same area. If the requested amount is significantly lower than comparable rooms or apartments, it may be a sign of a scam. If you have any doubts, contact us: the SAIS staff is ready to support you.