How to Make Friends as an International Student at the University of Bologna

Arriving at the University of Bologna as an international student is an exciting milestone. You are about to study at one of the oldest universities in the world, surrounded by historic porticoes, rich culture, and incredible food. However, the first few weeks can also feel isolating. You might speak a different language, navigate an unfamiliar academic system, and miss the comfort of your home country.

The good news is that you are not alone. Thousands of international students enroll at UniBo every year, and most of them are looking for the same thing: genuine human connection. This guide focuses specifically on making friends as an international student University of Bologna style. It is not about generic advice. It is about real, actionable steps you can take in Bologna to build a solid social circle from day one.

Whether you are in Bologna, Forlì, Cesena, Rimini, or Ravenna, the same principles apply. You need to step out of your comfort zone, use the right tools, and understand the local culture. Let us get started.

Understanding the Social Landscape at UniBo

Before you start shaking hands or hugging everyone, it helps to understand how social life works at this university. Bologna is a city built around student life. The city center is compact, and many students live within walking distance of the main buildings.

Italians are generally warm and open, but they also have established friend groups from high school. Breaking into those groups takes time. Do not take it personally if locals seem reserved at first. Instead, focus on other international students and the Erasmus community, which is very active here.

Most departments organize welcome weeks, orientation events, and language tandem programs. These are not optional social events. They are your primary entry points. Attend everything during the first two weeks, even if it feels awkward.

Key Differences from Other Study Abroad Destinations

• Coffee culture is social glue: Italians do not “grab a quick coffee” alone. They stand at the bar, drink an espresso in two minutes, and chat. Join them.
• Aperitivo is sacred: From 6 PM to 9 PM, bars offer a drink for 8–10 euros, and you get a buffet of snacks. It is the cheapest and easiest way to eat and socialize.
• Group projects are common: Many classes in the humanities and social sciences require group work. Use this as a natural reason to exchange numbers.

Five Practical Strategies for Making Friends

Below are five methods that have worked for countless students before you. They range from low-effort digital tools to high-effort in-person activities. Pick two and commit to them for at least three weeks.

1. Leverage University-Specific Programs

The University of Bologna runs several official programs designed to connect students. The most famous is the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). ESN Bologna organizes weekly events, trips to nearby cities like Florence or Venice, and language exchange nights. You do not have to be an Erasmus student to join. Many Italian students volunteer as buddies.

Another resource is the Centro Linguistico di Ateneo (CLA). They offer Italian language courses at low rates, and the classes are full of international students. Studying a language together creates a natural bond. You struggle through the same grammar rules, laugh at your mistakes, and eventually grab a drink after class.

Do not forget your department’s notice board. In the School of Economics or Engineering, you will often find flyers for student associations, sports teams, and cultural clubs. Join one club, not five. Spreading yourself thin leads to surface-level acquaintances, not real friends.

2. Attend Local Events Outside the Campus Bubble

Bologna is famous for its festivals, markets, and neighborhood feasts. During the academic year, you have events like Festa della Donna (March 8), Settimana della Cultura, and the massive Sagra della Porchetta in nearby towns. These are not tourist traps. They are where locals and long-term international students hang out.

Check the Bologna Welcome app or the Zero magazine website for free events. Live music at places like Bravo Caffè or Mercato Sonato attracts a mixed crowd. Go alone. Stand near the bar. Smile. Say “Ciao, ti va un aperitivo?” to someone standing alone. It sounds bold, but in Bologna, it is completely normal.

3. Use Technology Intentionally

Apps can help, but only if you use them the right way. Facebook groups like “International Students in Bologna” or “UniBo Exchange Students” are active. Post something simple like: “I am new here and would love to grab a gelato near Piazza Maggiore this Friday. Anyone interested?” You will get responses.

WhatsApp groups form organically during orientations. Join every single one. Even the ones that seem spammy. Send a voice note introducing yourself. Ask a question about the best pizza place in your neighborhood. The goal is not to become a group chat celebrity. It is to create a reason for someone to meet you in person.

Important note: Do not rely solely on dating apps to make friends. They are for dating. Use platforms like Meetup or Internations for platonic connections. Bologna has a solid hiking and board game meetup scene.

4. Learn Basic Italian (Even Just 50 Words)

You can survive in Bologna with English, especially near the university area. But you cannot build deep friendships without making an effort to speak Italian. Italians appreciate even the clumsiest attempts. Saying “Scusa, sto imparando l’italiano” (Sorry, I am learning Italian) instantly softens people.

Take a two-week intensive course at CLA before the semester starts. If that is not possible, use Duolingo or an iTalki tutor for 15 minutes daily. Focus on phrases for social situations: “Che bello!” (How nice!), “Dai, andiamo!” (Come on, let’s go!), and “Un altro giro?” (Another round?). These small words make you approachable.

“I learned about 100 Italian words before moving to Bologna. The first time I used them at a bar, the bartender clapped. Two guys next to me invited me to sit with them. We are still friends three years later.” — Marco, former exchange student from Brazil

5. Master the Art of the Italian Coffee Break

In Italy, coffee is not a grab-and-go experience. It is a ritual. Between 10 AM and 12 PM, students and workers stand at the bar counter, drink an espresso in under a minute, and chat with the barista or the person next to them. You can replicate this at the university bars inside the Polo Navile or Via Zamboni area.

Go to the same bar every morning for a week. The barista will start recognizing you. Other regulars will notice. Eventually, someone will comment on your choice of pastry or ask where you are from. That is your opening. Reply with a smile and a question. “I am from [your country]. What do you recommend?” It is low pressure, but it works.

A Practical Weekly Plan to Build Your Social Circle

If you feel overwhelmed, use the table below as a simple weekly template. Follow it for the first month of your stay.

Day	Activity	Why It Helps
Monday	Attend Italian language class (CLA)	You meet the same people twice a week.
Tuesday	ESN Welcome Event or Aperitivo	Structured socialization with games.
Wednesday	Study in a shared library room	Easier to ask classmates for help.
Thursday	Join a free walking tour	Meet other travelers and new arrivals.
Friday	Go to the same bar for coffee	Builds familiarity with locals.
Saturday	Attend a local market or festival	Casual environment to start chats.
Sunday	Rest or go for a group hike	Relaxed bonding away from campus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many international students struggle because they repeat the same errors. Here are the most common ones, so you can skip them.

• Staying in your dorm room 24/7: Your room is a trap. Leave your door open when you are home. Go to the common kitchen. Say hello.
• Only hanging out with people from your home country: It is comfortable, but it will slow down your integration into the local culture.
• Saying “yes” to everything at first: Burnout is real. You do not need to attend every party. Choose 2–3 events per week and be fully present.
• Forgetting to follow up: You meet someone, exchange Instagram, and never message them. Send a simple “Hey, was nice meeting you. Want to grab a coffee on Wednesday?” within 48 hours.

Conclusion

Making friends as an international student at the University of Bologna is not about luck. It is about consistent, small actions. Show up to the same places. Learn a few Italian words. Use the programs that already exist for you. The city is designed for students, and the community is waiting for you to take the first step.

You will have awkward moments. You will say the wrong thing. Someone will cancel plans. That is normal. Keep going. By the end of your first semester, you will have at least two or three people you can call for an emergency gelato run. That is the real Bologna experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak fluent Italian to make friends in Bologna?

No. Many locals, especially students, speak good English. However, learning basic Italian phrases like “Come stai?” and “Grazie mille” will make people warmer and more willing to include you in conversations. It shows respect for their culture.

What is the best way to find roommates or flatmates in Bologna?

Use Facebook groups like “Affitto Bologna” or “Studenti fuori sede Bologna.” You can also check the website Subito.it or the university housing office. When you visit a potential apartment, talk to the current tenants. A friendly flatmate situation is often the fastest way to build a social base.

Are there specific neighborhoods where international students hang out?

Yes. The area around Via Zamboni (the main university strip), Piazza Verdi, and Via delle Belle Arti is packed with students day and night. Also, the Mascarella and San Vitale districts have many bars and affordable eateries where international students gather for aperitivo.