Politics · Italy · 6 hrs ago
Italian university students protest rising costs and lack of affordable housing
University students in Italy have pitched tents at about ten campuses and in Rome’s Montecitorio square as part of a nationwide protest.
The Udu student union says the cost of living and a lack of affordable housing are making it harder to study.
It argues that public money for student housing has supported private accommodation instead of creating enough affordable public places.
Udu says it wants more funding for scholarships, public housing, free university study and cheaper transport and meals.
The university ministry says more than 60,000 student beds are planned, with 33,000 already ready, and that 30% of the places are reserved for students eligible for study support.
Students dispute the government’s record, saying the housing target has not been met and only 3.8% of the beds are public.
Students are also preparing for a protest strike on October 16.
University students across Italy have pitched tents to protest rising living costs, housing shortages and the cost of studying.
The national mobilization was launched by the Union of University Students under the slogan “Dear Italy, how much do you cost us?”
Students are calling for more public funding for universities, scholarships, housing and transport.
The group’s coordinator says 33,000 student beds have been completed, although the minister cites a target of more than 60,000.
The University Ministry says more than 60,000 beds have been provided or are being built, with 33,000 already ready.
- Who
- University students, with the mobilization launched by the Union of University Students.
- What
- Students have pitched tents to protest living costs and housing conditions, and are seeking more public support for education and student welfare.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026. Students were preparing to strike on 16 October.
- Where
- At about 10 universities and in Piazza Montecitorio, including Sapienza in Rome and near Milan’s Biblioteca degli Alberi.
- Why
- Students say living costs, high rents and inadequate public housing threaten access to education and students’ welfare.
Student protesters
University Ministry
Student housing
Student protesters
Students say the government has wasted €1.2 billion in recovery funds on private rooms and that only 33,000 beds have been completed.
University Ministry
The ministry says the goal of more than 60,000 beds has been met, with 33,000 already ready.
Public support
Student protesters
Students call for at least €7 billion for public universities and the right to study, including funding for public housing and scholarships.
University Ministry
The ministry says resources for scholarships exceed €845 million and that more than 18,000 beds are reserved for students eligible for study support.
Students pitched tents across Italy to protest housing conditions.
The Union of University Students launched a national mobilization, with tents set up at about 10 universities and in Piazza Montecitorio.
Students brought tents to the Minerva monument at Sapienza University in Rome.
Students were preparing to hold a strike known as No Meloni Day.
- National mobilization
- Dear Italy, how much do you cost us?
- Student beds completed
- 33,000, according to the student group’s coordinator
- Student beds cited by ministry
- More than 60,000 targeted; 33,000 already ready
- Scholarship resources
- More than €845 million, according to the ministry
- Student housing in Milan
- Private single rooms cost €700 a month; student residence beds can cost up to €1,300 a month
What people are saying
We are back in tents because after pitching them across Italy three years ago, housing has only got worse.
This is a business, not a service that seeks to guarantee everyone’s right to study.
Without housing, there is no dignity for those who study and those who work.
Sources
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