Incomer’s Guide / University of Calabria

The University of Calabria is a unique residential campus in Southern Italy, where many students live on campus, surrounded by vast green spaces.

Its strategic location allows students to explore coastal areas such as Scilla and Cariddi, Capo Vaticano, Tropea, Le Castella, all renowned for their crystal-clear waters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity. The Sila mountain complex, with beautiful landscapes and skiing facilities, is at accessible distance (45 min by car). Calabria is home to historic villages like Gerace, Rossano, and Bova, which preserve Greek-Bizantine, Norman, and Swabian influences, with churches, castles, and local traditions that tell centuries of history, far from mass tourism.

Best…in Rende

Restaurants and Bars

Italian cuisine is a symbol of our tradition.

If you’re in the area, excellent restaurants in the city of Cosenza are, among many others, Calabria Bella, Vicoletto, A Cantina Cosentina, 87cento.

For pizza: Al Solito Porzio and Pizzarosso deserve a try.

For a coffee or a snack near the Pietro Bucci bridge: try Bar Ventimiglia and Cubo Restaurant Café.

Museums

The museum system at the University of Calabria offers educational activities and tours, available both in person and through virtual modes.

Among the various museums, the Museo del Presente in Cosenza is highly recommended for contemporary art, while the Museo della Civiltà Contadina in Rende offers a deep dive into Calabria’s rural heritage, showcasing agricultural tools and local traditions. These museums highlight the region’s artistic and cultural richness.

Hangout Spots

The University campus is a gathering spot for students, with bars, libraries, and outdoor spaces. Each neighborhood has a common room where you can play ping pong, board games, cards, and sometimes parties are organized by the student representatives. The Quattromiglia area is also very popular.

Cultural Sights

The Svevo Castle in Cosenza offers a panoramic view of the city and hosts cultural events. Also worth visiting is the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stunning bridge designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava can be seen from many spots in Cosenza and Rende.

Events

The Festival delle Invasioni in Cosenza offers concerts and cultural performances every summer. The Carnival of Castrovillari, not far away, is one of the oldest in Southern Italy.

Many activities are organized by the ESN association, such as Speed Tandem to practice languages and meet new people, Discover Cosenza, visits to various locations, and trips, as well as cultural and linguistic initiatives by the University of Calabria.

Nature Spots

The Sila National Park is perfect for hiking, skiing, and nature trips.

The other mountain complex, Serre, also offers beautiful attractions and natural adventure parks.

Good to know…when living in Rende

Health Services

The campus has a Medical Center, located at Cube 34B.
Several pharmacies can be accessed nearby, such as Farmacia Campus in Rende.

Job Opportunities

There are opportunities for internships and part-time jobs in the university sector or in the service industry in the city.

Supermarket

Vivo supermarket, Conad, Campus (Interspar) and EuroSpin are the closest supermarkets to the University of Calabria. In Quattromiglia, there are Interspar, Contè and Market Punto è.

Hotel and Accommodation

The Hotel President, Hotel Marconi, Majorana, Domus are in Quattromiglia at relatively close distance from the University, but there are also many other options.

Transportation

Main service: Urban transport to the University of Calabria (Unical) is managed by Consorzio Autolinee, with routes connecting the campus to Cosenza and Rende. Main routes are 136 and 138, with strategic stops in Quattromiglia and along the way. The bus terminal is located at one end oft he University, near the entrance of the Pietro Bucci Bridge, where the flags of various countries are displayed.
Buses to Lamezia Terme Airport: FlixBus, IAS Autolinee, Autolinee Romano, Federico. It is advisable to check the website. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.
Train station: The nearest train station to the university is called “Castiglione Cosentino” and is located at Via Alessandro Volta, 114. Connections from distant locations often occur through the high-speed train hub station “Paola”.