The Best Places to Study in Rome: Tips from an International Student
I have to admit, for the longest time I was a very loyal study-at-home girl. You could not get me to study in a library or at university, too many distractions if you ask me (a lot of people would say the same about studying at home). But in recent times, things have changed. Maybe it is because I have been studying for a while, but I needed a change of scenery and decided to give studying outside of my comfortable room another chance.
I went out with my books and tested spots in Rome that are perfect for studying, so with delight I can now present my list of the best places to study in Rome. If they managed to convince me to study outside of my home, trust me, they are worth it.
Cinema Troisi
“The first study room in Italy open to all, free of charge, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with ultra-fast Wi-Fi.” Well, if this isn’t a slogan that grabs your attention, I don’t know what will. The word cinema might throw you off at first glance, but Cinema Troisi is way more than just a cinema.
The study room of Cinema Troisi is located on the first floor. Once you enter the cinema, you simply take the stairs up and you will find 45 indoor workstations and about 40 more on the outdoor terrace. Cinema Troisi works on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you want to secure an indoor spot with a power outlet, I suggest coming a little early. What “early” means is entirely up to you because, well, as you saw, the study room is open 24 hours. Honestly, I think this is genius, because I know a lot of night owls who prefer to study at a time when I am already in bed.
On the ground floor of the cinema you can find a café that sells drinks and snacks, so if you want to grab something you absolutely can. It is also worth noting that the location of Cinema Troisi is beautiful, right in Trastevere, where you can find plenty of cute cafés and restaurants if you want a study break.
In general, I really enjoyed studying at Cinema Troisi and I will certainly be back. The vibe is creative but also peaceful, and there are loads of students around, which makes it feel very productive. I mean, you could even catch a movie there too. What more could you want?
Caffè Letterario
The loyal reader might have noticed that I already mentioned Caffè Letterario in my blog post about the best cafés in Rome for reading, studying, and working. Since then, I have come here more often, and I love this place so much that it feels only right to mention it again. Besides, calling Caffè Letterario just a café would be selling it short.
I have previously described Caffè Letterario as a basement book café with a library, study and workspace, and it often hosts events like live music. It is located in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Rome, Ostiense.
When you first arrive at Via Ostiense 95, you might get a little confused, but since the place is at basement level, you need to walk down a long hallway. The hallway itself is already filled with objects and art, which makes it feel very creative, edgy, and inspiring.
The concept at Caffè Letterario is quite unique. While Cinema Troisi is free of charge, here you start by buying a day ticket for 5 euros, which acts as credit for the café. You can stay all day, and the 5 euros can be used for drinks, snacks, or whatever you like. If you spend more than 5 euros, you just pay the difference. When you buy your ticket, you also receive the Wi-Fi password, and in my experience it works perfectly.
While at first I thought this place might be a bit too dark for studying, the atmosphere is actually great for focusing. The energy feels calm and relaxed, and it almost feels like you have entered a different world, one made for studying. There are both quiet zones and areas where you can talk, and this is something I really appreciate in a good study spot.
Caffè Letterario is closed on Mondays, but open every other day from 10 in the morning until 2 at night, so whether you are a day or night studier, you will find a place here. Something I also have to mention is that my favourite vegan bakery is right around the corner, so definitely keep that in mind when visiting.
Aula studio Trionfale
Last but not least is Aula Studio Trionfale, located in the beautiful Prati neighbourhood, close to the Vatican. Aula Studio Trionfale is part of the Biblioteche di Roma network and, while entrance is free, you do have to create a library account to enter.
You can easily create an account through their website, where you can choose your annual free Bibliopass, which grants access to all the library spaces. You can also purchase a Bibliocard, which allows you to use Wi-Fi in all Biblioteche di Roma locations and gives you a few extra benefits. Something to keep in mind is that, while the registration process is easy, you will need your Italian tax code (codice fiscale) to complete it.
What I love about Aula Studio Trionfale is that it is very spacious, with around 80 study spots, and filled with natural light thanks to its many windows. It feels modern and clean, and stepping inside from the busy streets of Prati, it really feels like entering the perfect study bubble.
Aula Studio Trionfale is located right above the Mercato Trionfale, an amazing market that I can wholeheartedly recommend visiting. A small downside is that it is less suited for nighttime studiers, with opening hours during the week from 10:00 to 18:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 14:00.
Conclusion
I hope this blog post helps you find the perfect study spot in Rome. I think there is something here for everyone, from the nighttime studier to the one who loves exploring all the study spaces within the Biblioteche di Roma network. Personally, through visiting these spots I discovered that I actually love studying outside of my comfortable bedroom, as it can offer more focus, creativity, and even the chance to meet some great people.
If I missed your favourite study spot in Rome, please let me know in the comments. I am always on the lookout for more inspiration!
