Your first weeks in Italy

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In short

• Within 8 working days: apply for your residence permit at the post office.
• Codice fiscale: your Italian tax code. You need it for almost everything.
• Health: make sure your insurance is valid, or register with the national health service.
• University: finish your enrolment so your visa is not revoked.

Checklist

1. Residence permit. Get the yellow kit at the post office and send it within 8 working days of arriving. Keep the receipt with your passport. See the residence permit guide.
2. Codice fiscale. If you are a non-EU student staying more than 90 days, the Questura assigns it during your residence permit process. You can also ask for it at an Italian consulate before you leave, or at an Agenzia delle Entrate office in Italy. Many universities help with this too.
3. Health cover. Keep your private insurance valid, or register with the national health service (SSN) at your local health office. See the health insurance guide.
4. Enrolment. Finish your enrolment at the university and pay the fees. If you are not enrolled on Universitaly by 31 January, your visa will be revoked.
5. Phone. Phone shops usually ask for your passport and your codice fiscale to sell you a SIM card. An Italian number is useful for the Questura and the university.
6. Bank account. Banks and online banks usually ask for your passport, codice fiscale and an address in Italy. Compare monthly fees before you choose.
7. Transport. Many cities and regions have cheaper passes for students. Ask your university or the local transport company.
8. Accommodation. If someone hosts you or rents you a room, they must tell the police within 48 hours. See the accommodation guide.

Your university’s international office is the best place to ask when something is not clear.

This site gives general information only. Rules change often, so always check the official sources.