ERASMUS LIFE AND EVENTS IN PALERMO

Read these useful information for any international person coming to Palermo - INFO

For any updates about trips and international event follow the pages of:

ERASMUS PALERMO

EXPATS LIVING IN PALERMO

We are constantly working on whatsapp as well, this is the link to access the Palermo Erasmus  Life group 2025-26:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IsP9gp9H7EdB74GbnOdLkz

You can also join the private facebook groups:

PALERMO ERASMUS LIFE AND APARTMENTS

PALERMO EXPATS, FOREIGNERS, DIGITAL NOMADS & INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE

OUR ACTIVITIES:

LANGUAGE EXCHANGE MEETINGS - INFO

AEOLIAN ISLAND TRIP 

TRIPS AROUND SICILY

SPORT EVENTS

For a direct contact with the administrator of the page:

DAVIDE, WHATSAPP 00393284250480

APARTMENTS:

🏠 Palermo Housing: Prices & Safety Warning for Erasmus Students

Good News: Palermo offers some of the best student rental prices in Europe!

🚨 CRITICAL SAFETY ADVICE

Unfortunately, some landlords try to take advantage of foreign students (charging higher prices or attempting scams).

NEVER go to a flat viewing alone. It is highly recommended that you take a local student or friend with you. A local person knows the fair price and can tell immediately if the owner is trying to cheat you.

✅ Accommodation Assistance

If you are an international student and need a room, you can check directly for availability with a trusted local contact:

➡️ Send a private message on WhatsApp to: +39 328 425 0480

Check all the complete list of apartments here on our safe network:

https://www.palermoerasmuslife.net/english/apartments-for-rent/

TELEPHONE COMPANIES: Buying a telephone card can be very important!

Here it is an update of the costs, updated to November 2025

Best Value for High Data: Iliad

Iliad is often considered the best choice for budget-conscious students who need a lot of data. They are a major operator known for straightforward, low-cost plans with no hidden fees.

• Key Plans/Data: Iliad consistently offers plans with massive data allowances, such as 150 GB to 300 GB per month for a very low price (often under €12 per month).

   

• Cost: Extremely competitive, often the cheapest for the amount of data offered. Expect to pay a one-time activation/SIM fee of around €9.99.

   

• EU Roaming: They typically include a generous amount of their national data for use within the EU (e.g., 20 GB to 30 GB, which is more than many competitors).

   

• Coverage in Palermo/Sicily: Iliad's network is strong in major cities like Palermo, though it can occasionally be less consistent in very rural areas compared to TIM or Vodafone. They use a mix of their own network and the WindTre network.

🥈 Great Low-Cost Alternatives (MVNOs)

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are smaller companies that use the network infrastructure of the main providers (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre) but offer even cheaper, high-data-volume deals.

These operators often offer the biggest data-per-euro ratio but may cap your maximum 4G speed. For most daily use (streaming, social media, studying), this speed is perfectly adequate.

🥉 Main Operators (Best Coverage/Speed): Vodafone & WindTre

If you plan to travel outside of Palermo frequently, or if speed is your absolute top priority, one of the main operators is a reliable choice.

• WindTre: Generally has the best overall 4G/5G coverage and availability across Italy. They often have specific "Young" or "Under 30" plans that are very competitive, sometimes offering 100 GB+ of data.

   

• Vodafone: Known for having some of the fastest data speeds, though their plans are often slightly more expensive than Iliad or the MVNOs for the same amount of data. They also frequently have specific student/youth plans with large data bundles.

   

Summary for an Erasmus Student in Palermo

1. For Maximum Data per Euro (Recommended for most Erasmus students): Iliad or an MVNO like Very Mobile or Ho. Mobile. You will get 150+ GB for under €10-€12/month.

2. For Best Coverage/Speed (If you travel often): WindTre or Vodafone. Look for their special youth/student plans, which provide good data allowances at a better price point.

Important Tips for Buying a SIM in Palermo

• You Need Documentation: To purchase and activate a local Italian SIM card, you will need your Passport and your Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code). As an Erasmus student, you should apply for your Codice Fiscale upon arrival, as it's required for many things, including getting a long-term phone plan.

• Activation Fee: All carriers charge a one-time activation/SIM card fee, usually between €5 and €15, in addition to the first month's plan cost.

• Where to Buy: The easiest places are the official, branded stores for Iliad, Vodafone, WindTre, or TIM, which you can find in the city center of Palermo. They will handle the registration process for you. For MVNOs, you may need to buy online or at authorized dealers (look for smaller phone shops or certain electronics stores).

   

Would you like me to look up the exact addresses of the Iliad or WindTre stores near the University of Palermo?

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE: It’s important you go as soon as possible to the International office for the registration. Only with the registration you will be a real Erasmus student in Palermo.

The International Office at the University of Palermo (UniPa)

The International Office (often referred to as the International Relations Office or the Welcome Office for Erasmus students) at the University of Palermo is the central administrative hub for all incoming exchange students. It's the first and most important place you must visit to formally start your Erasmus experience in Sicily.

What is the International Office?

It is the University department responsible for managing international mobility programs, primarily Erasmus+. Think of it as the official gateway to the University of Palermo for any non-local student.

• Location: The main International Student/Welcome Office is typically located on the University campus (Viale delle Scienze), often within Building 2 (Edificio 2) or Building 3, on the second floor. However, always check your official acceptance emails for the most up-to-date building number.

   

• Key Services: They handle all the non-academic, formal paperwork required for your mobility.

Why is it Crucial to Visit Upon Arrival?

Visiting the office upon your arrival is the single most important administrative task you have. You must go as soon as possible for the following reasons:

1. Official Check-in/Registration: This is where you officially "check in" and activate your status as a UniPa student. You are not considered a "real" Erasmus student until this step is complete.

    

2. Attendance Certificate: They issue the Certificate of Arrival (or "Declaration of Arrival"). This is a vital document required by your home university to validate your mobility period and release your Erasmus grant payments.

    

3. Student Card/Access: Once registered, you gain access to various University facilities, such as the student canteens (mensa) for subsidized meals, libraries, and Wi-Fi.

    

4. Administrative Support: They provide guidance on other initial steps, such as registering for your Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code, essential for renting and opening a bank account) and, if you are a non-EU student, applying for your Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit).

    

In short, no check-in, no Erasmus grant, no official student status.

⏰ Typical Timetable (Opening Hours)

The International Student/Welcome Office at UniPa typically maintains limited public hours. It is highly recommended to check the official UniPa website or your welcome email for confirmation, as hours can change, especially during holiday periods.

MEETINGS AND PARTIES: 

Expats Living in Palermo: The Local Immersion

This group is a fantastic resource for Erasmus students looking to meet either students or non-students (both locals and long-term foreigners) and participate in more varied activities than just parties.

How to find them: The primary hub for this community is their Facebook Page and Facebook Group (Search for "Expats Living in Palermo" or "Palermo Expats, Foreigners, Digital Nomads & International People").

Check the event calendar as well on the website:

https://palermoforexpats.com/events/

ERASMUS FOOTBALL MATCHES

Do you like to play football? would you like to join our weekly match?

we play football every week, if you want to join us, contact Davide through WHATSAPP 00393284250480 to be part of the international football community in Palermo

EVENTS AND PICTURES OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS

Click here to look to all the past folders