FAQs

The most frequently asked questions

YES. The knowledge of Italian language is not an essential requirement. Communication will be done in English (spoken by staff and students). The Colleges hosts students coming from all over the world.

Yes. The building entrance is monitored by reception, which is open from 8/9 am to midnight seven days a week.
The building is equipped with a video-surveillance system to keep intruders out. For security purposes, all visitors must submit valid identification when they enter the building.
Anti-Covid protocols are in place at all halls of residence, with all the related hygienic measures (hand sanitisers and mandatory face masks)

No, there is no doctor present in the hall of residence. We recommend choosing your own doctor in Milan.

Life in the hall of residence is based on two principles: freedom and responsibility. There are hours and precise rules that establish the kind of conduct required in the hall of residence.
Every student is required to sign and follow the Educational Pact, which governs their conduct in the building. It is based on mutual respect and outlines the commitments that every student must uphold in order to be able to stay at the Hall of Residence.

No. There are protocols that they must follow when coming in and going out. To ensure the safety of guests and the security of the hall of residence, all arrivals and departures are logged.

YES, WITH SOME LIMITATIONS. All your visitors must register when they arrive and may only remain in the common areas and during the day.

The Hall of Residence hosts young men and women both. The beds in the double rooms are assigned to students of the same sex or to siblings.

Our history

Fondazione La Vincenziana is part of the Milan Diocese.

It was founded as an ecclesiastical body on 11 May 1934 and as a body recognised under civil law on 18 May 1935 by Cardinal Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster, who bestowed on it the “essential purpose of providing religious assistance to young workers without family in Milan”.

Indeed, at that time, many young men from villages in Lombardy and other Italian regions found work in Milan but ran the risk of “losing their way”. Instead, the Foundation offered them accommodation in a Hostel run by a priest, where they could enjoy a family atmosphere, assistance with the difficulties of life away from home and guidance to grow in the faith.

In the 1970s, the Foundation expanded its activities when it began managing a few Halls of Residence for university students in the city of Milan and various Hostels for workers that Fondazione Opere Sociali della Cassa di Risparmio delle Province Lombarde (the Social Works Foundation of the Lombardy Province Savings Banks) had built for migrant workers from Southern Italy.

Today, the Foundation runs the following accommodation facilities:

  • San Paolo University Hall of Residence
  • San Filippo Neri University Hall of Residence
  • Bertoni University House

The Foundation is a non-profit organisation managed by a Board of five people (one chairman and four directors) appointed by the Archbishop. It is based in Piazza Fontana 2, Milan.