u/razi914

Hi everyone,

I’m from Pakistan and considering moving to Italy for a 2-year Master’s in Cyber Security. I’m trying to understand the realistic side before making such a big decision.

Are there any international/non-EU students here who studied in Italy or are currently studying there? I’d really appreciate honest answers.

My main questions:

1. Do Italian universities/regional bodies really give scholarships or stipends to international students? Are they reliable enough to depend on, or should I treat them as a bonus?
2. How difficult are Master’s studies in Italy, especially in Cyber Security/Computer Science? I also do freelance development work, so I’m wondering if it’s realistic to study seriously while continuing some freelance work on the side.
3. How hard is it to make friends as a foreigner in Italy? I’m introverted and autistic, and I already struggle socially in my own country, partly because my values don’t align much with the culture here. Is it realistic to slowly meet people through university, smoking breaks, casual beers, meetups, etc.?
4. How important is Italian language for daily life, friendships, and part-time work? Is English enough at first, or would life become very difficult without Italian?
5. I take prescribed psychiatric medication and need continuity of treatment. How long does it usually take to register with the healthcare system, see a doctor/psychiatrist, and get an Italian prescription? Should I bring a few months of medication with a doctor’s letter before arriving?
6. After graduation, how realistic is it for a non-EU student to stay in Italy through a job, freelancing/self-employment, or eventually long-term residence? Is Italy actually a good route into Europe, or do many students struggle after graduation?

I’m not expecting Italy to be perfect. I just want to understand what is realistic, what is difficult, and what I should prepare for before making the move

Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’m from Pakistan and considering moving to Italy for a 2-year Master’s in Cyber Security. I’m trying to understand the realistic side before making such a big decision.

Are there any international/non-EU students here who studied in Italy or are currently studying there? I’d really appreciate honest answers.

My main questions:

1. Do Italian universities/regional bodies really give scholarships or stipends to international students? Are they reliable enough to depend on, or should I treat them as a bonus?

2. How difficult are Master’s studies in Italy, especially in Cyber Security/Computer Science? I also do freelance development work, so I’m wondering if it’s realistic to study seriously while continuing some freelance work on the side.

3. How hard is it to make friends as a foreigner in Italy? I’m introverted and autistic, and I already struggle socially in my own country, partly because my values don’t align much with the culture here. Is it realistic to slowly meet people through university, smoking breaks, casual beers, meetups, etc.?

4. How important is Italian language for daily life, friendships, and part-time work? Is English enough at first, or would life become very difficult without Italian?

I take prescribed psychiatric medication and need continuity of treatment. How long does it usually take to register with the healthcare system, see a doctor/psychiatrist, and get an Italian prescription? Should I bring a few months of medication with a doctor’s letter before arriving?

5.After graduation, how realistic is it for a non-EU student to stay in Italy through a job, freelancing/self-employment, or eventually long-term residence? Is Italy actually a good route into Europe, or do many students struggle after graduation?

I’m not expecting Italy to be perfect. I just want to understand what is realistic, what is difficult, and what I should prepare for before making the move.

Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’m from Pakistan and I’m considering moving to Italy on a study visa for a Master’s program. I wanted to ask for honest advice from people living in Italy, especially international students or people who moved there from outside the EU.

My situation is a bit complicated emotionally. My life in Pakistan is comfortable in some ways. I have my work setup, family/social familiarity, lower living costs, and I already work as a freelance developer. But culturally and personally, I don’t feel very connected to Pakistan. I’m not religious, and I often feel restricted by the social/cultural environment here.

Italy feels important to me because it could give me more independence, personal freedom, and a possible long-term path in Europe. But at the same time, leaving comfort behind feels scary and forced.
Italy also seems the most affordable to go to via study visa and its better then romania

Anyway, my main questions are:

1. Is student life in Italy manageable for a non-EU student if I also do freelance work online?
2. How hard is it to find part-time work without strong Italian at the start?
3. Is Italy a good place for someone who wants a more secular/private lifestyle?
4. Are italian people friendly
5. How difficult is the bureaucracy for student visa, residence permit, and later work options?
6. For people who moved from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, etc., did Italy actually improve your quality of life?
7. Would you recommend Italy as a long-term option, or only as a temporary study experience?

I understand Italy is not perfect. I know there can be bureaucracy, loneliness, language barriers, and job market issues. I’m not expecting a fantasy life. I’m just trying to understand whether the struggle is worth it compared to staying somewhere comfortable but culturally limiting.

Any honest advice would be appreciated.