Rome

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 70^th

Where to start with the Italian capital? Well, most people probably start with the main sights – the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Forum, the Spanish Steps or the catacombs.

But as a student in Rome, the fun lies in discovering new sides to the ‘Eternal City’. Simply walking around can be a great way to feel the energy of the place – at once reminiscent of ancient Roman history and thriving with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.

You might also want to take in a show in one of Rome’s many theaters or enjoy a large outdoor performance at the Stadio Falminio or Olympic Stadium. The cost of living is fairly high, though it’s offset by relatively low tuition fees. And for bargain hunters, Rome’s antique fairs and flea markets offer reams of vintage and second-hand goodies waiting to be discovered.

There are a range of excellent universities in Rome, with the highest-ranked being the Sapienza - Università di Roma at 203^rd in the QS World University Rankings® 2020, making it Italy’s fourth highest-ranked university.

Rome achieves its highest score in the desirability indicator, raising five places this year to 55^th place worldwide, reflecting students’ positive perception of studying here. It received praise in our student survey for its culture, beauty, history and relaxed atmosphere.

When asked to name the best things about Rome, one respondent said: “It's the one of the oldest cities in the world, its history, architecture, monuments, nature, weather and people are just amazing and I can't imagine any city having all these,” while another described it as “the most beautiful city in the world”

Would Rome get your vote? Tell us why.

Internationally ranked universities in Rome

More about Rome

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.