How I chose a university and obtained a visa for studying in Italy?

Choosing a university turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. I studied architecture in Nizhny Novgorod and dreamed of studying abroad from a young age. Initially, I planned to participate in an educational program in England, but later I changed my mind and decided to apply to France.

During the semester exchange program in this country, I had the idea to continue my education in a master's program. One of the main advantages of studying in France is the opportunity to receive free education. However, I faced language difficulties—I was unable to pass the exams in French.

Searching for a university

In my search for a suitable university, I started considering the Technical University of Turin. It seemed to be the best fit for me, especially since I'm pleased that in Italy, it's possible to study programs in English, which I am quite comfortable with.

While exploring the university's website, I found clear information about admissions and the required documents. The questions I had were usually resolved quite quickly, within one or two days. However, at the final stage of the admission process, I encountered some difficulties.

• To complete the process, a document showing the average grade was required, which is not usually done in Russia.
• I tried to explain that the education system in our country is different, but I was advised to look for alternative options abroad.

During this time, I received help from the international department of Nizhny Novgorod University, and eventually, I was able to resolve my difficulties. In the summer of 2019, I was thrilled to learn that I had been accepted! The academic process was set to begin at the end of September, but before that, I had to deal with the visa application process.

Obtaining a visa

Getting a student visa has been a real challenge for me. The information about visa issues on the educational institution's website was quite limited, and I didn't know where to start. In the end, I sought help from an immigration lawyer who specialized in moves from Russia to Italy and scheduled a paid consultation.

I hesitated for a long time about whether it was worth it, as the consultation cost 8000 rubles, and I had already incurred significant financial expenses. But I don't regret the money spent: the consultation lasted about two hours, during which I received clarifications on many questions.

• I found out what documents I will need.
• Where to go for information and assistance.
• I received useful contacts, such as information about the embassy and recommendations for collaborating with translators.

After the consultation, I realized that I should follow a clear plan to successfully obtain the visa.

The visa application process

To apply for a student visa, I needed to go through the process of document apostille and upload them to a specialized Italian website. Then they had to be verified and sent to the consulate. At the same time, I was able to submit my visa application.

This process turned out to be quite complicated for me, as I had never dealt with such matters before and I needed to prepare a large number of documents. To submit the application, I had to provide the following:

• Diploma.
• Transcript of grades.
• A document for diploma recognition in Italy, which should have been submitted in advance.
• Portfolio.
• A certificate of available funds in the bank account (at least €6-7 thousand).
• Rental housing agreement.

Thus, my journey to studying abroad turned out to be much more labor-intensive and complicated than I initially expected. However, thanks to the support and qualified advice, I was able to gather all the necessary documents and successfully enroll in a university, which has become an important milestone in my professional and personal development.

Moving and documents

Moving and adapting to a new country can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to gathering and processing the necessary documents. The process of translating all the documents turned out to be a serious task for me due to high costs and time resources.

To submit documents for studying my specialty, I needed to prepare a study plan, which I decided to create myself since I couldn't find valuable information on the websites of Russian universities. As a result, my study plan stretched to an impressive 20-30 pages, which can be considered a logical outcome of five years of education.

After calculating the expenses for translations and notary services, I concluded that it required significant financial costs and a lot of time.

Translation of the diploma

The process of getting my diploma translated also turned out to be a complicated task. I had to translate the diploma twice because initially, I didn't know that I needed to go to an official translator at the embassy who has a special stamp for certifying documents.

As soon as I figured out this procedure, I was able to apostille all the required documents, translate them, and upload them to the educational portal to apply for the recognition of my diploma and obtain a visa.

Obtaining a visa

As for obtaining the visa, the process went quite quickly — just four days. After that, I set off on my journey: after flying through Istanbul toMilan, I needed to get to Turin. The trip turned out to be challenging due to the double flight and COVID restrictions, including the need to provide PCR tests. This caused additional stress and fatigue.

Upon arriving in Italy, I was placed under a two-week quarantine due to strict health measures in the country, and I tried to follow all the guidelines.

Housing search

Regarding the search for housing, we initially contacted agencies, but soon decided that we were quite capable of handling it ourselves. Working with realtors turned out to be quite costly: in addition to two months' rent, we had to pay a deposit for the same period and an advance payment.

We started searching for an apartment using Italian online platforms. Fortunately, we had an acquaintance in Turin who helped us with the selection and filtering of suitable options. She communicated with the owners, clarifying important details, and even visited some apartments, taking videos of them, which greatly simplified the selection process.

Selection criteria

When choosing accommodation, the most important factor for us was the price, as rent in Turin could be quite high. Most of the available options were located in less favorable areas, which raised some concerns for us.

My boyfriend, who is Italian and previously studied in Turin, knew the city well, which really helped us in our search. We aimed to choose a place that would be convenient and quick to get to the university.

Renting an apartment

In the end, we signed a lease agreement for four years. The rent was fixed at540 eurosper month. The apartment is located in the center of Turin, which allows for a 15-minute tram ride to the university, or a 30-minute walk.

This part of the city started just across the road, and a little further down was the Port-Suz station. The apartment is quite modest: one bedroom and a kitchen that resembles more of a lounge area with a sofa than a full living room, and there is also a small bathroom.

For the two of us, this accommodation was quite comfortable. At this stage, despite all the difficulties, I was ready to take on any challenges to start a new life in another country.

The old house, which lacks adequate insulation, creates an unappealing reality. In winter, the temperature inside remains too low, and drafts seep through the walls and windows.

Hot water is available exclusively from the boiler, which cannot meet the demand. You can stay in the shower for a maximum of 20 minutes, after which the water runs out, and the next user will have to wait two to three hours for it to heat up again. A similar situation occurs when washing dishes.

The heating, although installed, is not functioning effectively. We conducted our own research: with the heating off, the temperature in the apartment drops to 15 °C, and with the heating on, it only rises to 18 °C. The temperature difference is minimal.

In the first year, it was difficult for me, but over time I adapted and even toughened up. In Italy, such heating situations are considered normal, regardless of the comfort level of the housing. However, unfortunately, we weren't lucky with hot water.

Comfortable housing

My acquaintances rented a more comfortable apartment – a two-bedroom with a spacious living room and kitchen. They paid 1500 euros a month for three people, and the conditions there were significantly better.

• a fresh renovation that is highly valued here;
• a stylish bathroom, like from a trendy magazine;
• The house itself was warmer.

However, I have rarely come across such options.

Utility payments

When it comes to utility bills, the electricity bills come once a year and amount to 600 euros. Gas costs 80 euros per month, but there’s no payment during the summer (payment is only for half the year). Internet costs 30 euros per month.

January becomes the most expensive month, as it requires payment not only for electricity but also for garbage collection and cleaning of common areas. As a result, the cost of additional services during this time often exceeds the rent itself.

Bureaucracy and its characteristics

Life in Italy is filled with many nuances, and bureaucracy becomes an ever-present companion. I often found myself dealing with endless visits to various offices. Once, I found myself in a difficult situation:

• To register with the tax office, I needed a tax identification number (TIN).
• But to obtain it, you needed to go to the tax office already having a TIN.

You feel trapped.

There were difficulties with the housing contract as well: I needed a residence permit for that, but to get it, I first had to obtain a visa, and to get the visa, I needed a rental agreement. It turned out to be a vicious circle.

There are quite a few such pointless situations. In practice, they are resolved directly in the offices. I went to the tax office without an appointment, explained my problem, and asked what I should do. They replied that I could process the documents without having an INN.

Conclusions about life in Italy

Many important points are not reflected on online resources. However, if you go to the office, most issues are resolved much faster.

Agreement and visa formalities

I reached an agreement with the apartment owner for him to send me an invitation, formatted as if I have the right to free accommodation. This is required solely for visa processing. In reality, we have fully paid for the rent and left a deposit.

I heard that many chose hotels for temporary accommodation. Some actually combined their vacation with apartment hunting, while others obtained their visa and canceled their booked rooms afterward.

The process of obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit can take a lot of time, but it is not as complicated as it may seem at first. A little anxiety is normal.

In Turin, I underwent a medical examination and received treatment at a local hospital, following all the necessary formalities.

Medical insurance

At first, I had private health insurance, but soon I encountered difficulties in accessing medical services and visiting specialists. This process became lengthy and confusing.

At some point, I concluded that it was better to get government insurance, which really simplified everything. Yes, there are some minor bureaucratic hurdles in the process of obtaining it. First, you need to visit the post office to purchase the insurance, and then take all the necessary documents to the social services for activation. After that, you can be assigned to a specific doctor.

Treatment and medical certificates

When treatment begins, it is necessary to obtain special certificates from medical specialists for free access to medications. This may seem complicated at first, but you quickly get used to the process, and it becomes much more convenient later on.

State health insuranceIt covers all medical treatment expenses (it can be obtained if you have a residence permit or if you have already submitted the documents for it). It is slightly more expensive than private insurance: 149 euros per year compared to 130, but it turns out to be really effective!

Reviews of the healthcare system

I hold a somewhat unconventional opinion about the healthcare system in Italy: I like how it is organized. Each patient is assigned to their family doctor, who acts as their general practitioner. In any situation, you can turn to them specifically.

I chose a doctor who is nearby, which has been very helpful for consultations. If a fever, rash, or any other issue arises, it's easy to seek medical help; you will be received and consulted, and treatment will be prescribed if necessary.

Experience of treatment

During my treatment, I didn't worry about anything. The doctor decided on his own what tests or procedures were necessary. If there were any changes, I was immediately informed, providing new addresses and times for visits.

Everything was organized in such a way that all I had to do was show up for the appointment. Moreover, many medications can be obtained for free. Even at the pharmacy, you can get available medications prescribed by a doctor without payment, but this mostly applies to serious illnesses.

In the case of minor illnesses, the insurance only covers part of the expenses, and it doesn't apply to inexpensive medications, but their prices are usually quite affordable.

Working with bureaucracy

When you start working with bureaucracy, you may encounter some difficulties, but once you get the hang of the process, everything becomes easier and clearer, without unnecessary stress. Sometimes there can be confusion in the system, and the requirements placed on you may not be as strict.

It's possible to not make it on time, not submit all the documents at once, and then just add the missing papers at a convenient time later.

Interaction with local residents

My interactions with the locals made me think deeply about how to optimally prepare for submitting documents and achieve a positive outcome. Using English helps me communicate, but it can be challenging at times. As soon as I started expressing myself more confidently in Italian, the whole process became significantly easier.

First visit to the immigration office

I remember my first trip to the immigration office: it seemed to me that everyone around was behaving extremely aggressively, and the awkwardness in the air was almost palpable. However, a year later, when I returned here, I realized that this is just the usual communication style of the locals. Italians are not mean at all; they just have their own way of interacting.

It's important not to rush to conclusions, as language misunderstandings can create a false impression of hostility. Once you master the language, it's much easier to find common ground and make new acquaintances. Italians, even those living in the north, often turn out to be very friendly and responsive. Everyone knows about each other's lives, and when you can clearly express your thoughts, it makes many tasks easier and helps in resolving various issues.

The education system in Italy

As for the educational process, the learning system in Italy has changed my perception of studying. There are no strict time limits here, which allows students to learn at their own pace. I am currently in my third year, even though the program is supposed to last two years.

If for some reason you are unable to pass the exam or are not satisfied with the result, it is enough to discuss this with the teacher and agree on a retake at a convenient time. Exams can be retaken multiple times, and having three sessions a year allows you to choose the most suitable moment for testing your knowledge. Teachers are understanding towards those who have not passed the exams, as this is not an indicator of failure, but simply means that additional time is needed to master the material.

Advantages of a flexible system

On one hand, such freedom can create the temptation to prolong the learning process, but in cases where a deeper understanding of the subject is needed or when health issues arise, it turns out to be a significant advantage. I was able to continue my education at my own pace, which was very important to me.

Education cost me2.6 thousand eurosIn a year. In my first year, I paid the full amount upfront, in my second year I managed to get a scholarship that covered all expenses, and now I'm borrowing funds again for my third year. Some students can reduce their education costs, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to do that.

Future plans

In the near future, I plan to do an internship in Northern European countries, possibly in Denmark or Belgium, to gain new experience in the field of architecture. My acquaintances, who are already interning in these countries, share positive feedback about how they work and live there. I would also be curious to spend some time there and become part of a different cultural environment.

Job search

When it comes to job searching, the situation among students is quite varied. There are those who come from other countries and successfully secure official positions. I am preparing for this stage and hope to find an internship or a job in my field. Every day brings me closer to my goal, and I feel how this country and its culture are gradually captivating me.

Introduction

In this article, I shared my experience of choosing a university and finding accommodation in Italy, which was a significant step for me towards realizing my dream of international education. Since I started studying architecture in Nizhny Novgorod, the thought of being able to continue my studies abroad has been incredibly enticing for me.

Overcoming difficulties

I have gone through many difficulties: from undesirable admission results at English and French universities to bureaucratic hurdles when processing documents for studying in Italy.

My choice fell onTurin Polytechnic UniversityI was able to continue my education in English. This aspect became one of the decisive factors, as knowing the language allowed me to feel confident.

However, at the stage of submitting documents, I encountered a lack of understanding of the education system in Russia, which required me to take decisive actions and be flexible. Ultimately, with the help of the international department and advice from a migration lawyer, I was able to overcome all obstacles, and in the summer of 2019, I received the coveted admission letter.

Visa application process

The difficulties didn't end there. The processvisa applicationFinding housing turned out to be a real challenge. I searched for information and advice for a long time, but I couldn't have managed without the support of friends and professionals. Every document I gathered and every consultation cost us time and money, but I didn't regret these expenses, as they played a crucial role in the successful completion of my move.

Searching for housing in Turin

Searching for an apartment in Turin has become another important and challenging task. My boyfriend and I tried not to rely on agencies, as it significantly increased our expenses.

Our introduction to the city through a friend who had already lived there helped us find the perfect option. We chose carefully to ensure that the accommodation:

• met our price criteria;
• It was conveniently located.

Conclusion

Thus, new horizons and opportunities opened up before me that I could never have imagined. The time spent in Italy became not only a path to an educational goal but also a true challenge that strengthened me and taught me important life lessons. Each stage I went through was filled with its own difficulties, successes, and, equally importantly, new friends and experiences that I am sure will stay with me for a lifetime.