Published on 12 June 2026 by ISAD — School of Design in Milan

Starting a design education is an exciting step, but finding the right place to live and the right support to thrive can make all the difference. At ISAD – School of Design in Milan, we understand that our students come from all over Italy and the world, and we are committed to helping you settle in, feel supported, and focus on your creative growth. This page explains how our counselling services and accommodation assistance work, what you can expect, and how to make the most of these resources.

Why Counselling and Accommodation Matter for Design Students

Design school is intense. Between studio projects, critiques, and deadlines, students often face stress, self-doubt, and the challenge of balancing life in a new city. For international students or those moving from other Italian regions, the practicalities of finding a home, understanding contracts, and managing daily life can add to that pressure. That is why ISAD offers integrated support that goes beyond the classroom. Our goal is to remove obstacles so you can focus on learning and creating.

Counselling and accommodation support are not just emergency services; they are part of a proactive approach to student wellbeing. When you know where you will live and have someone to talk to when things get tough, you are more likely to succeed academically and personally. We see these services as essential components of a modern design education, not optional extras.

Accommodation Assistance: Finding Your Home in Milan

Milan is a vibrant but competitive housing market. Rents can be high, and the process of securing a room or apartment can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with Italian rental practices. ISAD provides guidance to help you navigate this landscape with confidence. While we do not own dormitories, we maintain a network of trusted landlords, student residences, and housing platforms that have been vetted by our staff and past students.

Our accommodation service includes:

• Pre-arrival guidance: We send you a housing guide with neighbourhood descriptions, average price ranges, and tips on avoiding scams. We explain the difference between a contratto transitorio (temporary contract for students) and a standard lease.
• Listings and contacts: We share verified listings for rooms in shared apartments, studio flats, and student residences. These are updated regularly and often come from landlords who have worked with ISAD students before.
• Contract review: If you are unsure about a lease, our staff can help you understand key clauses, deposit requirements, and your rights as a tenant under Italian law.
• Temporary housing: For students who need a short-term solution while they search, we can suggest reliable hostels, B&Bs, or short-stay apartments near the school.

We encourage you to start your housing search early, ideally two to three months before your course begins. Milan’s best options go quickly, especially in September and October. Our team is available by email and in person during orientation week to answer questions and help you compare options.

Neighbourhoods Popular with ISAD Students

While ISAD is located in a central area well connected by metro and tram, many students choose to live in neighbourhoods that balance cost, convenience, and lifestyle. Some popular areas include:

• NoLo (North of Loreto): A lively, multicultural district with lower rents and a strong creative community. It is about 20–30 minutes from ISAD by public transport.
• Città Studi: Close to universities and full of student-friendly cafes and libraries. Rents are moderate, and the area is well served by the M2 metro line.
• Isola: Trendy and design-focused, with many studios and galleries. It is pricier but offers a unique atmosphere for design students.
• Porta Romana: A mix of traditional Milanese charm and new creative spaces. It is slightly more expensive but very central and well connected.

Our housing guide includes a detailed comparison of these and other areas, including average monthly costs for a single room (typically €450–€700) and a studio apartment (€700–€1,100). Remember that utilities and condominium fees are often extra, so budget accordingly.

Counselling Services: Support for Your Wellbeing

Design education can be emotionally demanding. You may face creative blocks, performance anxiety, homesickness, or interpersonal challenges in group projects. ISAD offers free, confidential counselling to all enrolled students. Our counsellors are experienced professionals who understand the unique pressures of art and design schools.

Counselling at ISAD is not therapy in the clinical sense; it is a short-term, solution-focused service designed to help you manage stress, build resilience, and develop coping strategies. Sessions are typically 45–50 minutes and can be booked individually. You can discuss anything from academic worries to personal issues that affect your studies.

What to Expect from a Counselling Session

When you book a session, you will meet with a counsellor in a private office at the school or online. The first session is an assessment: you talk about what brought you in, and together you set goals for the counselling process. Subsequent sessions focus on practical strategies, such as time management, mindfulness techniques, or communication skills. The counsellor may also refer you to external mental health services if you need longer-term support.

“I was overwhelmed in my first semester, but talking to the counsellor helped me understand my anxiety and find ways to manage it. It made a huge difference in my studio work.” – ISAD student, Interior Design

We also run group workshops on topics like stress reduction, creative confidence, and work-life balance. These are announced via the student portal and are a great way to connect with peers facing similar challenges.

Practical Support Beyond Housing and Counselling

Our student support office can assist with many other aspects of life in Milan. We help with:

• Permits and visas: For non-EU students, we provide guidance on the student visa process, residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) application, and renewal.
• Health insurance: We explain how to register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) or choose a private insurance plan.
• Banking and tax code: We walk you through opening a bank account and obtaining a codice fiscale, which is essential for contracts and other formalities.
• Language support: While our courses are in English, we encourage students to learn basic Italian. We can recommend language schools and conversation exchange partners.

All these services are designed to make your transition to Milan as smooth as possible. You can find more information on our Contatti page or by visiting the student services office during opening hours.

How to Access These Services

All enrolled students receive an email before the start of the academic year with links to the housing guide, counselling booking system, and a list of orientation events. During orientation week, we hold dedicated sessions on accommodation and wellbeing, where you can meet the support staff and ask questions in person.

For accommodation, you can email our housing coordinator or drop by the office. We recommend bringing any specific requirements (budget, preferred area, accessibility needs) so we can tailor our suggestions. For counselling, you can book directly through the student portal or speak to a staff member in confidence. There is no limit to the number of sessions, but we encourage students to be proactive and seek help early rather than waiting until problems escalate.

Our Commitment to Student Wellbeing

At ISAD, we believe that a supportive environment is fundamental to creative excellence. Our counselling and accommodation services are continuously improved based on student feedback. We regularly survey students about their housing experiences and the effectiveness of counselling, and we adjust our resources accordingly. We also collaborate with local organisations and other design schools to share best practices and expand housing options.

If you are considering ISAD, we invite you to learn more about our history and our location to see why Milan is an ideal place to study design. And if you have any questions about accommodation or counselling, please do not hesitate to reach out through our contacts page. We are here to help you make the most of your time at ISAD, both inside and outside the studio.

Written by ISAD — School of Design in Milan