Erasmus students can also apply for rooms in private flats. Please notice that the University of Pavia does not own these flats. Centro Assistenza Studenti searches for flats in the private market.
Usually they consist of single or twin bedrooms with a common kitchen and bathroom.

Costs for accommodation in private flats may vary according to different factors:

• location of the flat
• quality of the flat
• number of people sharing the flat
• duration of the rental period

Location of the flat: Pavia is a small town and the accommodation market is very competitive. The majority of students look for accommodation either in the central area or in the west area of Pavia (near the railway station and the scientific faculties of the University). These are the most expensive areas. Prices decrease moving eastwards and north of Pavia

Quality of the flat: The standard for student accommodation in Pavia is quite low. Centro Assistenza Studenti works hard in order to provide the best conditions for all the students accommodated in private flats. All the flats have the essential furniture (beds, wardrobe, desks…) Some flats may have TV and a washing machine, but it is not very common. Usually bed sheets, blankets, pillows are not provided.

Number of people sharing the flat: studios (flats for one person) are the most expensive accommodation option. If you share the house with other students, prices are lower. Usually flats are shared among 2 to 4 people. Twin rooms are cheaper than single rooms.

Rental period: Although students look for accommodation from September to July, landlords want a yearly contract. They expect students to pay the rent for a period of 12 months. If you stay for a shorter period the monthly rent becomes more expensive to cover the costs for the whole year.

Approximate costs for accommodation

Single room in town centre or in the railway station area: € 300 per month
Twin room in town centre or in the railway station area: € 250 per person per month
Single room in other areas: € 250 per month
Twin room in other areas: € 200 per person per month
Studios in town centre or in the railway station area: € 450/500 per month
Studios in other areas: € 400/450 per month

Other Costs

Students will also be charged for:

• BILLS: These include costs for gas, water, heating, electricity, and the town council tax for rubbish. Costs for bills vary according to the use of facilities. Students will be charged directly by the companies that provide the services. Usually bills (such as electricity and gas) are issued every two months. When contracts are not already open, students will be asked to pay extra money to start the services.
• CONTRACT REGISTRATION FEE: In some cases there is a rent contract registration fee to pay. The cost depends on the rent.
• DEPOSIT: On arrival you will be asked to pay a deposit (cash) for your accommodation. Usually the deposit is equal to 3 months rent. It will be returned at the end of the rental period if no damage has been caused to the flat.

Rent Contract

Please notice that if you are accommodated in a private flat you will be asked to sign a rent contract. The rent contract will show the duration of the rental period, the monthly rent, the bills that will have to be paid and all the rules you will have to follow as a tenant. The rent contract is a standard one that all tenants have to accept and sign.
Once the rent contract has been signed you will have to respect all the obligations.
(i.e.: you cannot leave the room before the agreed period etc.).