Choosing L’Aquila for your academic journey means immersing yourself in a setting where the educational excellence of the University of L’Aquila (UnivAQ) meets a student-friendly quality of life. The city offers a perfect balance of study, social life, and close contact with nature.
Getting to L’Aquila
L’Aquila is strategically connected to the main areas of Central Italy, making commuting and weekend trips home convenient.
From Rome: The fastest and most frequent option is via intercity buses (TUA and private companies like Gaspari) departing from Tiburtina Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the A24 motorway.
From Pescara: Connections are mainly provided by TUA buses, with regular departures from the bus terminal near the central station. The trip lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A25 and A24 motorways.
By car: L’Aquila is served by two highway exits (L’Aquila Ovest and L’Aquila Est), giving quick access to both the city centre and peripheral university campuses.
University Campuses in L’Aquila
The University is spread across several campuses, each with its own character:
Coppito Campus: Located near San Salvatore Hospital, home to the Departments of Medicine, Physical and Chemical Sciences, and Biology. A modern area bustling with student life.
Roio Campus: Perched on a panoramic hill overlooking the city, hosting the Departments of Engineering and Economics. This is one of the university’s historic hubs.
Historic Centre: Home to the Departments of Humanities (Literature, Languages, Philosophy). Studying in the heart of the city allows students to soak up L’Aquila’s authentic atmosphere as it continues its renaissance.
University Campuses and Higher Education Institutions
Alongside the University of L’Aquila, the city stands out for a diverse and surprisingly international educational ecosystem, where science, art, and music coexist within a single urban setting.
Gran Sasso Science Institute (GSSI): The Gran Sasso Science Institute is one of Italy’s most advanced research centres. It is a higher education institute with a special status, entirely focused on PhD programmes and research in physics, mathematics, computer science, and social sciences. Its approach is strongly international: courses are taught in English, admission is highly competitive, and there is close collaboration with leading research centres such as the Grand Sasso National Laboratories. This is not a large-scale institution, but rather a highly specialises hub that significantly contributes to the city’s scientific profile.
Academy of Fine Arts of L’Aquila: The Academy of Fine Arts of L’Aquila is a key institution for contemporary artistic education. Founded in 1969, it is part of the AFAM system (Higher Education in Art, Music, and Dance) and offers programmes ranging from visual arts and design to new media and digital technologies applied to art. In recent years, it has strengthened its role through innovation projects and interdisciplinary collaborations with universities and cultural institutions, helping position L’Aquila as an evolving creative hub.
“Alfredo Casella” Conservatory of Music: The Alfredo Casella Conservatory is one of the most important music institutions in Central Italy, with a long-standing traditions and a comprehensive academic offer covering both classical training and contemporary experimentation. Beyond teaching, it plays an active role in the city’s cultural life through concerts, artistic productions, and international projects. Its collaboration with other local institutions makes it an integral part of the broader interdisciplinary educational system.
Urban Transport and Mobility
Getting around the city is easy thanks to the local public transport service managed by AMA, with discounted passes for students. The main routes connect the Collemaggio bus terminal—the hub for intercity lines—to Coppito and Roio campuses via dedicated shuttles that ensure frequent and punctual service during lecture hours.
Cost of Living and Services
Living in L’Aquila is generally more affordable than in Italy’s major cities. The city provides student accommodation, university cafeterias managed by ADSU (Azienda Diritto agli Studi Universitari), modern libraries, and numerous discounts at local businesses and gyms.
Social Life and Free Time
Student life revolves around the historic centre, now the social heartbeat of the city. Piazza Chiarino and Piazza Palazzo are popular spots for aperitifs and post-study evenings. University Thursdays are a regular fixture, featuring events and live music that involve the entire academic community.
Nature and the Gran Sasso
One of the unique perks of studying in L’Aquila is its proximity to the Gran Sasso d’Italia. Within minutes by car or bus, students can reach the cable car base at Campo Imperatore, ideal for winter sports, trekking, climbing, or simply enjoying pristine natural surroundings—a perfect escape from exam stress.
Culture, Music, and Theatre
L’Aquila boasts an extraordinary cultural density, offering students access to nationally recognized artistic experiences. Music is a cornerstone of the city’s identity, with historic institutions such as the Società Aquilana dei Concerti “B. Barattelli”, Istituzione Sinfonica Abruzzese, and the I Solisti Aquilani string orchestra presenting world-class concerts.
For theatre lovers, the Teatro Stabile d’Abruzzo (TSA) is a key venue, featuring productions with Italy’s leading performers. The presence of the Accademia di Belle Arti, the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatory, and cinematic culture centers like the Istituto Cinematografico “La Lanterna Magica” enriches the cultural landscape further, offering continuous exhibitions, performances, and festivals. University students often benefit from discounted access, making culture an accessible and integral part of daily life in L’Aquila.
