Living in Naples

"Somewhere, something incredibile is waiting to be know" - Carl Sagan

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” - Carl Sagan

“We're made of star stuff. We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” - Carl Sagan

“[My study of the universe] leaves little doubt that life has occurred on other planets. I doubt if the human race is the most intelligent form of life.” - Harold Urey

“Very high altitude astronomy only works by ignoring established biological science” - Steven Magee

“I have worked with some of the greatest minds in astrophysics and it is now clear that they were the dunces of astrobiology.” - Steven Magee

“Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives.” - Socrates

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.” - Edwin Hubble

“To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.” - Stephen Hawking

“It is we who live in the extreme environment.” - Thomas Gold

“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” - Carl Sagan

“There should be no boundaries to human endeavor.” - Stephen Hawking

“The origin of life is one of the great outstanding mysteries of science.” - Paul Davies

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” - John F. Kennedy

“Space is for everybody. It’s not just for a few people in science or math, or for a select group of astronauts. That’s our new frontier out there, and it’s everybody’s business to know about space.” - Christa McAuliffe

“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” - Mae Jemison

“I know the sky is not the limit because there are footprints on the Moon - and I made some of them!” - Buzz Aldrin

“We are limited only by our imagination and our will to act.” - Ron Garan

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Enrolling in the new master program in the “Biology of Extreme Environments” means moving to one of the most vibrant and active cities in the world, Naples!. Despite the bad reputation, Naples is a great city to live in. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Naples is a vibrant cultural center, with hundreds of museums, theaters, art galleries and cultural centers. Located in the south of Italy, Naples provides easy access to a number of historical and natural wonders like the ruins of Pompei, the Vesuvio volcano and the world famous costiera amalfitana. The food scene is breathtaking, and traditional cooking can be enjoyed on the cheap side. Come visit and be stolen by the beauty and energy of this secular city!

To read some external opinions regarding the city, head to the blog Living in Naples or StudentsVille guide to Naples. Below you’ll find some general information regarding living and studying in Naples.

A view of Naples from Posillipo.

The University of Naples Federico II, commonly known as UNINA, is one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest non-sectarian university. Founded in 1224, UNINA has been in continuous operation ever since. Federico II funded the university to “educate the functionaries of the state, directly by the state”. In his vision, the education of the leadership of the Roman empire could not be outsourced to the church or to specific groups, and had to be carried out directly by the state. Today the University has about 75,000 students enrolled each year in all level courses, counts 26 departments and 6 campuses distributed around the city. For more information regarding the university, visit the UNINA heritage page or the UNINA Wikipedia page.

Castel dell’Ovo, at the center of the Naples waterfront.

Naples is the third largest city in Italy and one of the most densely populated cities in Europe. This means that certain areas of the city are pore suitable for international students that other. Rent costs are typically in line with the other major university centers in Italy, and a room in a shared student house would go in the range of 200-400 Euro a month, while a single occupancy apartment runs in the range of 500-1200 Euro a month, depending on amenities. The new master program is based on the Monte Sant’Angelo campus, in Fuorigrotta. This means that the area of Fuorigrotta and Parco San Paolo are very close to the classes site. Other area where to look for accomodation are “quartieri” of Mergellina, Chiaia, San Ferdinando, Centro Storico and Fuorigrotta. All these areas offer a good mix of accessibility, amenities and nightlife.

Living costs are lower than other italian cities, with food being one of the cheapest in Italy. A margherita in one of the historical pizzeria can be found for only 3.50 Euro, and your shopping list will not put you out of the bank. Street food is amazing and inexpensive (search for a “cuoppo di terra”), and small family owned restaurants are all over the place, and serve traditional food.

A phone line with internet access can be obtained through one of the major providers (Iliad, Tim, Wind, etc...) buying a SIM card with an expense around or below 10 Euro a month. Utilities vary depending on the size of your accomodation but are in line with the national average.

The archeological site of Pompei is of incomparable beauty and will time travel you back to the Roman way of living.