Student housing near Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti.
NABA sits in the Navigli district, one of Milano's most distinctive creative quarters, which puts you close to the city's canal network but far enough from the centre that your housing options span several very different neighbourhoods. With around 4,000 students and a high share of international enrolments, competition for well-priced rooms within walking distance of campus is real, so understanding the local geography early matters.
Typical rent
€600to€1200
per month, single room
Most landlords in Milano quote a base rent that excludes utilities, which are billed separately as spese condominiali covering heating, water, and building maintenance, typically adding €50 to €150 per month. Electricity and gas are usually on a separate contract. Expect a deposit of two to three months rent paid upfront. Fully serviced or all-inclusive contracts exist but are less common and carry a noticeable premium over bare rent.
The neighbourhoods
Where NABA students live
5 areas to compare on rent, commute, and vibe.
📍Navigli
€800 to €12005 to 15 min on foot or by tram 3
Canal-side streets, aperitivo bars, and a dense creative scene.
Best for: Students who want to live within the neighbourhood the school is part of.
📍Porta Genova
€750 to €110010 min on foot or 5 min by tram 14
Transitional area with studios, markets, and good transport links.
Best for: Students who prioritise walkability and direct metro access via M2.
📍Brera
€900 to €140020 to 25 min by tram 3 or metro M2 to Cadorna then tram
Historic art quarter with galleries, a calm residential feel, and high rents.
Best for: Students with a larger budget who want a central, culturally dense address.
📍Isola
€700 to €105030 to 35 min by metro M2 from Garibaldi to Porta Genova then on foot
Young, mixed neighbourhood with independent shops and community feel.
Best for: Students who want lower rents and a lively but non-touristy area.
📍Famagosta
€600 to €85015 to 20 min by metro M2 to Porta Genova then tram or on foot
Quiet residential zone near the southern ring, noticeably more affordable.
Best for: Students on tighter budgets who are comfortable with a short metro leg.
Getting there
Getting to NABA
NABA's main building on Via Darwin in the Navigli area is served most directly by tram 3, which runs from Duomo through Porta Genova and along Via Vigevano into the Navigli zone. Tram 14 connects Porta Genova to broader southern neighbourhoods. The M2 green metro line stops at Porta Genova FS, which is roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk from NABA and acts as the main transit hub for students coming from Isola, Famagosta, or the northern arc of the city.
Milano is relatively flat and cycle-friendly, and a second hand bike costs €60 to €120 at markets like Mercatone dell'Usato, making it one of the fastest ways to cover the Navigli area.
ATM, the city transit operator, offers a discounted annual pass for university students resident in Milano, which covers trams, metro, and buses across all urban zones.
Milano's autumn and winter bring persistent fog and rain, so factor waterproof gear or covered transit into your daily routine from October onward.
The timing
When to start looking
NABA runs two main intake periods, October and February, and the rental market around Navigli tightens sharply from July onward ahead of the autumn semester. If you are starting in October, begin searching in June at the latest. February starters have slightly more breathing room but should still be active by November. Listings at accessible price points near campus are taken quickly, and landlords expect decisions within days of a viewing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How far is Duomo from NABA?+
Duomo is roughly 4 kilometres from NABA's Via Darwin campus. By tram 3, the journey takes around 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. On a bike along the canal paths it is a similar time. There is no single metro connection, so tram or cycling are the most practical options.
What's the average rent near NABA?+
A single room in a shared flat within the Navigli and Porta Genova area typically runs from €700 to €1,000 per month excluding utilities. Studio flats in the same zone start around €1,000 and rise above €1,300. These figures sit at or slightly above the wider Milano average, which reflects the area's desirability and proximity to creative industries.
When should NABA students start looking for housing?+
October intake students should begin actively searching in June and aim to secure a contract by August. February intake students should start in November. Leaving the search until September or January respectively will significantly limit options close to campus and push you toward more expensive or more remote alternatives.
Where can I see live listings near NABA?+
Socials.homes tracks more than 250 housing platforms covering Milano and aggregates listings in one place. New matches are pushed directly to WhatsApp so you can respond to listings as soon as they appear, which matters in a fast-moving market like Navigli. You can filter by neighbourhood to focus on areas close to NABA's campus.