Accommodation (Updated 31/5/25, still updating)
I’ve decided to make this page and put it on my blog for the service and help of fellow Lay Students at Pontifical Universities in Rome. I was inspired after much searching, calling, rejection, and grief. Also in praise and thanksgiving for God’s providence and mercy, I have a place. I hope in the future this page with all the convents etc. in one place can help others more easily. Firstly I will begin with the mixed accommodations (Accepting male and female residents). Following this I will list the male only places to stay and finally, female only accommodations. Please comment or shoot me an email if there are any updates or convents I missed. JMJ.
Mixed
Casa San Giuseppe di Cluny
This house is for students aged 19 to 25 (or 30 the website is not clear). They did take about forever to get back to me, and also rooms go fast, so plan at least a year ahead.
Casa per Ferie Maria Schinina
This house is for students (no age). One thing to note is that there is a curfew time set. Monday-Friday at 22:30 and Saturday-Sunday at 00:00. They responded very fast.
Convitto Lateranense
This accommodation has two locations. However, there is also a curfew time set. The cost is a bit high as well because meal service is included (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Also very fast response.
Casa per Ferie Suore Carmelitane Teresiane
It is not very clear whether this is mixed, but when Paolo and I contacted them, they said they were fully booked. However I am listing all possible places. The sisters also had a pretty fast response time to let us know that they were fully booked this year.
Lay Centre
No curfew, but the cost is also high because meal service is included (self-serve breakfast, lunch and dinner). Also mandatory weekly events to attend and two retreats. Another note: past residents have complaints about the “liberal direction.” Nice garden. Scholarships are available
Villa Nazareth (FREE)
Villa Nazareth is a rare gem. It offers a scholarship of free housing for students Italian and Foreign after competition. This is a mixed residence. More information is included in the link below! Unfortunately, MA degree students are not eligible, but first cycle students are!
French House
This is a house that accommodates French speaking students in Rome. You must speak fluent French as they do not speak English or Italian here. It it is in Piazza di Spagna-very prime real estate in rome, at competitive prices, but you are expected to be active in the community!
Benedict XVI House
MALE ONLY ( I didn’t have space below) They don’t have an official website, so here is the contact info: casaurbisaglia@dcjm.org +39 335 1561466. Great location, right by John Lateran and Metro A! I feel like I’ve curated a pretty decent amount of accommodations for the men lol
Outdated Resource
I’m including a link to an outdated resource I used to filter through all of the accommodations in Rome. It is helpful insofar as it gives you a color-coded map. However it was a bit frustrating because not all options are listed. You are always welcome to comment etc. for updates.
Male Only
Convitto San Tommaso
This is a house at the bottom of the Angelicum Hill. It is a very great place to live in the city center. And it is one of the only all male houses in the city center. Residents are asked to be mindful around the community (over-consumption of alcohol is frowned upon). Other than that it is a very great option with no curfew.
Cistercian Guest House
A few male friends live here! It is a great place and everyone seems very happy. They also say the meal service has very good food. The email I found is here foresteria@ocist.org. Mr. Elia Essa Kass Hanna seems to be the person in charge for the student accommodations. I also attached the link and you can click more information to be redirected!
House owned by German College
A very unlikely place that is not really advertised. My Chinese-German friend is staying at a house owned by the German college and he is very happy there. It is strictly male only. You will be speaking German living at this house. However, there are other English options in Rome.
Opera San Pio X
First year students are preferred, but not obligatory. There is a curfew time. No meal service, but a small kitchen to prepare meals. However, they encourage use of the university canteens etc. There will be surveillance in common areas. All information is in the “Rule” link.
Residenza Universitaria RUI
This is the accommodation for male students. I believe they are associated with Opus Dei. There is a scholarship opportunity for housing there. People from certain countries also have the possibility to receive financial aid. Meal Service is included. It is in a decent spot in Rome.
Residenza Universitaria Don Bosco
This is a bit outside of Rome. It is pretty difficult to find male only lay student accommodations compared to female only ones, but they exist. Also I happened to stumble across this one. Kitchen is provided for self catering. Very nice if you don’t mind a commute.
Female Only
Conservatorio Santissima Concezione
This is a great house that a few of my friends have/ or are currently living in! My friends said they have not felt unsafe and there are retreats and also a good community. This house is for female students, researchers, and doctoral professors.
Collegio teologico femminile S.Cecilia
This is the other sister house of the Conservatorio for female lay students, researchers, and professors of pontifical universities. A meal plan is offered or you have the option to pay for dinner only etc. They offer scholarships and this is located in front of Termini! This location has been the salvation of my lay friends when other accommodations fell through.
Villa Ximenes
Try saying that fast a few times hahahaha. The area is safe and a 15 minute bike/bus ride from the city center. If Sant’Angela or Sant’Anna is full and you still want to live in this zone: Villa Ximenes is your third option–a small house but has fast response. The outside is beautiful. Last year they only had double rooms left going for about 300 euros a month…Not bad!
Sant’Angela Domus
This is an all girls residence offered by the Ursuline Sisters. The house is run by professionals hired by the sisters! English is ok, but I suggest knowledge of Italian. Very quick response and great common rooms! There is a curfew on school nights. Laundry is unlimited with a $5 fee per month.
Sant’Anna
A very nice place to stay if Sant’Angela Domus is full or their price is out of the budget. Sant’Anna is about 15 minutes by bike or bus from the city center and in a safe residential area there are also many university students from Sapienza here. The nearest Metro station is Bologna/Policlinico.
Residenza Universitaria Celimontano
This house is the female only house of RUI run by Opus Dei! There is another one, so you can choose which location is more convenient for you. The same scholarship and aid opportunities are available for residents.
Residenza Universitaria Porta Nevia
This is the second female only house of RUI run by Opus Dei! It really depends on your presences, if you like the newer updated looking location or if one location is located in a better part of Rome based on your need. The same scholarships and financial aid is offered also at this house.
Pia Unione Figli E Figlie del Cuore Immacolato di Maria
This house does not have an email, but it welcomes female students and you can view photos and read the description of the house life below! I found an email and who you can ask to be connected to: Sr. Daniela Ioppolo ffcimroma@gmail.com and a phone number +39.06.2050262. It is a bit far from the city center, but regardless an option is you are at wits end.
Nicole in Rome 