Here we offer some tips for a quick and easy start concerning accommodation, dining facilities, shopping at a discount. When you arrive, you should visit our offices (both at Rettorato and at the Department where you follow your course) and take a look around, also contacting the students’ association (ESN). Please never hesitate to ask for assistance when necessary, we are here to help.

One word of warning for accommodation: the majority of university residences are not managed by UPO, but by EDISU (Ente per il Diritto allo Studio Universitario). Before leaving, please have a look at the Edisu website.

Alessandria

Where to stay. You may apply for an EDISU room at Casa Sappa (24 beds) in the annual selection process, or for a room at Collegio Santa Chiara, run by the Diocese with an agreement with UPO. You also may rent a flat through the web portal https://www.residenzeuniversitariealessandria.it/, which selects the best and cheapest opportunities in town.

Where to dine. Have lunch at the EDISU canteen (Via Parma) or choose one of the various partner restaurants, which accept the Student Smartcard and where dinner is also available.

Where to buy. Around 50 shops offer student discounts on many articles (printers, bookstores, gyms, food shops, pharmacies, beauty centres, etc.).

Hanging out. Bars and meeting points are scattered almost everywhere while concerts, events and exhibitions are regularly scheduled. Contact the UPO Students Associations, which are present in Alessandria, for more information on student life.

Novara

Where to stay. Edisu has two halls of residence in Novara: Castalia, located in Campus Perrone (82 beds) and Perrone, situated nearby (25 beds). Places are available subject to an annual competition, but some rooms can be reserved for temporary periods. Many landlords offer private accommodation (rooms, flats) at reasonable prices for students. Please check online for the countless options.

Where to dine. You may have lunch and dinner at the University Canteen in Campus Perrone, or choose one of the partner restaurants that accept the Student Smartcard.

Where to buy. Almost every shop or business activity near the University premises offer discounts for UPO students. Simply enter and ask for information on this.

Hanging out. Student life, as well as cultural life, social events, and sporting activities are packed with opportunities and multi-faceted. Concerts, performances, events, exhibitions, book presentations, football matches, sport games are regularly scheduled in town. Contact the UPO Students Associations in Novara for more information on student social life.

Vercelli

Where to stay. Edisu has two halls of residence, both situated in the city centre; Dal Pozzo (51 beds) and Quintino Sella (28 beds). These both offer accommodation subject to an annual selection competition but some rooms can be reserved for temporary periods. Many landlords offer private accommodation (rooms, flats) at reasonable prices for students. Please check online for the countless options.

Where to dine. There is no Edisu canteen in Vercelli, but there are many partner restaurants, which accept the Student Card and offer lunch and/or dinner.

Where to buy. Many shops and business activities near the University premises offer discounts for UPO students. Simply enter and ask for information on this.

Hanging out. A packed cultural calendar is regularly scheduled in town and includes concerts, performances, events, exhibitions, book presentations. Students and young people meet in the centre, with a lively weekend nightlife. Contact the UPO Students Associations in Vercelli for more information on student social life.