University of L'Aquila (UAQ), Italy
RealMathsConsortium & UAQCoordinator
RealMathsDeputyConsortium & UAQ Coordinator
RealMaths International MSc Degree :: Year 1 in L'Aquila
Campus
Year
ECTS Credits
Language
Semester 1
Unit Title: Applied partial differential equations
ECTS Credits: 6 | Semester: 1 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Amadori Debora
Aims:
LEARNING OBJECTIVES. LEARNING OUTCOMES. 1. know basic properties (existence, uniqueness, etc.) and main techniques (characteristics, separation of variables, Fourier methods, Green's functions, similarity solutions, etc.) to solve basic partial differential equations (semilinear first order PDEs, heat, Laplace, wave equations);
The course aims at providing basic properties and main techniques to solve basic partial differential equations.
Those objectives contribute to the learning goals of the entire course of studies, as the inner coherence of the master degree in Mathematical Modelling was verified at the time of the planning of the master program.
At the end of the course, the student should:
2. understand and be able to explain thesis and proofs in the field of basic partial differential equations;
3. have strengthened the logic and computational skills;
4. be able to read and understand other mathematical texts on related topics.
Pre-requisites:
Students must know the basic notions of mathematical analysis, including Fourier series and ordinary differential equations, and the basic notions of continuum mechanics.
Reading list:
- L.C. Evans. Partial Differential Equations. Graduate Studies in Mathematics, Vol. 19, AMS, 2010.
- S. Salsa. Partial Differential Equations in Actions: from Modelling to Theory. Springer–Verlag Italia, 2008.
- S. Salsa, G. Verzini. Equazioni a derivate parziali: complementi ed esercizi. Springer–Verlag Italia. 2005.
- W.A. Strauss. Partial Differential Equations: An Introduction. John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2008.
- E.C. Zachmanoglou, D.W. Thoe. lntroduction to Partial Differential Equations with Applications. Dover Publications, Inc., 1986.
If your Year 2 is at any partner else than Hannover, you will also take:
Unit Title: Introductory Real Analysis
ECTS Credits: 9 | Semester: 1 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Rosella Sampalmieri, Antonio Esposito
Aims:
The purpose of this introductory course is to give a uniform background
of basic knowledge in mathematical analysis along with a common
mathematical language. Indeed, due to the international nature of the
course, Students come from different countries, with different study
curricula and mathematical training. Furthermore, over the years it has
been noted that most of the Students have a training in analysis that is
more applied than theoretical (calculus-type courses), which prevents the
full understanding of the more theoretical topics addressed in subsequent
courses. Therefore numerous fundamental topics, traditionally present in
mathematical analysis courses will be resumed and deepened. The
Student who has successfully attended the course should be able to
easily understand the presentation of more advanced and sophisticated
mathematical arguments and proofs and be able to apply the theory to
the proposed problems.
On successful completion of this course, the Student should
1-have a clear understanding of the basic notions and concepts of the
real analysis
2-know and know how to apply the theoretical results learned to the
proposed problems, using appropriate mathematical language;
3-understand and consciously reproduce a demonstration;
4- be able to read and understand scientific texts on related topics.
Pre-requisites:
The prerequisites to this course are the following:
Propositional logic. Propositional calculus.
Sets, set operations, relations, functions. Cardinality of sets, countable sets, uncountable sets. Elementary number sets. Integers and rationals. Induction principle.
More on functions: injective and surjective functions, invertible functions, image and pre-image.
The set of real numbers. Separation axiom, Dedekind cuts. Infimum and supremum. Archimedean property. Complex numbers: cartesian and trigonetric form, basic properties, powers, complex roots, fundamental theorem of algebra.
Introduction to functions of real numbers. Elementary functions: exponential and logarithmic function, trigonometric functions, irrational functions. Monotone functions.
The topology of real numbers: intervals, half lines, open sets, closed sets. The topology of the Euclidean space Rn: balls, open and closed sets. Compact sets in the Euclidean space.
The prerequisites to this course can also be found in the section ''Real Analisys: Foundations ''of the Pre-Master's Foundation Programme (PMFP) in Applied Mathematics whose purpose is homogenising the competencies portfolios of prospective students of the two Master's Programmes in Mathematical Modelling and Mathematical Engineering, in particular in Mathematical Analisys.
Reading list:
-An Introduction to Real Analysis - Calculus of several variables, -Principles of mathematical analysis -W.Rudin - McGraw-Hill 1976
John K. Hunter,
Department of Mathematics, University of California at Davis
Serge Lang,
Yale University,
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company
Additional info:
Teaching methods In addition to the classic lectures, the Students will be involved in informal discussions on the subjects presented, in order to stimulate a deeper understanding. Students will be asked to propose strategies to solve problems and exercises during the lessons. Moreover home-works will be assigned regularly and commented during the classes. Assessment methods As far as summative assessment is concerned, there will be a written test followed by an oral examination.
A support tutoring activity is also organized for the students.
There will also be 2/3 optional intermediate written tests, which aim to cover all the different parts of the program, whose passing will be equivalent to passing the written test.
The written tests will focus on both calculus and more theoretical exercises. A written test with a grade of 18/30 is considered sufficient. The oral tests will focus on definitions, statements of theorems and examples. The proof of 10 theorems presented in class will also be required, at the student's choice but within the whole program. The oral exam can add a maximum of 4 points to the mark of the written exam or decrease or cancel this mark if negative.
If your Year 2 is in Hannover, instead of the course above, you will take:
Unit Title: Mathematical modelling of continuum media
ECTS Credits: 3 | Semester: 1 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Donatella Donatelli
Aims:
Learning Objectives: Learning Outcomes: - understand the basic principles governing the dynamics of non-viscous fluids;
The aim of the course is to give an overview of fluid dynamics from a mathematical viewpoint, and to introduce students to the mathematical modeling of fluid dynamic type. At the end of the course students will be able to perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of solutions for particular fluid dynamics problems and to use concepts and mathematical techniques learned from this course for the analysis of other partial differential equations.
On successful completion of this course, the student should:
- be able to derive and deduce the consequences of the equation of conservation of mass;
- be able to apply Bernoulli's theorem and the momentum integral to simple problems including river flows;
- understand the concept of vorticity and the conditions in which it may be assumed to be zero;
- calculate velocity fields and forces on bodies for simple steady and unsteady flows derived from potentials;
- demonstrate skill in mathematical reasoning and ability to conceive proofs for fluid dynamics equations.
- demonstrate capacity for reading and understand other texts on related topics.
Pre-requisites:
PREREQUISITES for Mathematical Modelling of Continuum Media:
Basic notions of functional analysis, functions of complex values, standard properties of the heat equation, wave equation, Laplace and Poisson's equations.
PREREQUISITES for Mathematical fluid and biofluid dynamics, Mathematical fluid dynamics, Modelling and analysis of fluids and biofluids:
Basic notions of functional analysis, functions of complex values, standard properties of the heat equation, wave equation, Laplace and Poisson's equations, Sobolev spaces.
Reading list:
- Alexandre Chorin, Jerrold E. Marsden, A Mathematical Introduction to Fluid Mechanics. Springer.
- Roger M. Temam, Alain M. Miranville, Mathematical Modeling in Continum Mechanics. Cambridge University Press.
- Franck Boyer, Pierre Fabrie, Mathematical Tools for the Study of the Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations and Related Models. Springer-Verlag Italia.
- Andrea Bertozzi, Andrew Majda, Vorticity and Incompressible Flow. Cambridge University Press.
Semester 2
Unit Title: Parallel computing
ECTS Credits: 3 | Semester: 2 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Antonio Cicone
Aims:
Learning Objectives The aim of this course is to provide the student with knowledge of Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module, the student should:
Parallel Computing and the ability to analyze theoretical properties and
design mathematical software for high-performance computation.
- have profound knowledge and understanding of the most relevant
numerical methods for numerical computation and the design of accurate
and highly performant mathematical software;
- demonstrate skills in choosing the most suitable numerical method to
be implemented depending on the problem to be solved. Furthermore,
they should demonstrate ability in developing mathematical software and
in providing its theoretical analysis;
- demonstrate the ability to read and understand other texts on related
topics.
Pre-requisites:
Basic Numerical Analysis and Linear Algebra.
Contents
Reading list:
A. Quarteroni, R. Sacco, F. Saleri, P. Gervasio, Numerical Mathematics,
Springer (2014).
The book in pdf is available for all students of the University at
https://link-springer-com.univaq.clas.cineca.it/book/10.1007/978-0-387-22750-4
Unit Title: Parallel computing laboratory
ECTS Credits: 3 | Semester: 2 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Antonio Cicone
Aims:
Learning Objectives The aim of this course is to provide the student with knowledge of Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this module, the student should:
Parallel Computing and the ability to analyze theoretical properties and
design mathematical software for high-performance computation.
- have profound knowledge and understanding of the most relevant
numerical methods for numerical computation and the design of accurate
and highly performant mathematical software;
- demonstrate skills in choosing the most suitable numerical method to
be implemented depending on the problem to be solved. Furthermore,
they should demonstrate ability in developing mathematical software and
in providing its theoretical analysis;
- demonstrate the ability to read and understand other texts on related
topics.
Pre-requisites:
Basic Numerical Analysis and Linear Algebra.
Reading list:
A. Quarteroni, R. Sacco, F. Saleri, P. Gervasio, Numerical Mathematics, The book in pdf is available for all students of the University at
Springer (2014).
https://link-springer-com.univaq.clas.cineca.it/book/10.1007/978-0-387-22750-4
Unit Title: Italian Language and Culture for foreigners (level A2)
ECTS Credits: 3 | Semester: 2 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Roberta Antonetti
Aims:
The aim of this course is to provide the student with knowledge of pre-intermediate grammatical structures, vocabulary and comunicative structures of the Italian language. Many notions of Italian culture will be given during the course.
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:
Pre-requisites:
Italian language and culture - level A1
Reading list:
"Dieci A2" - Alma edizioni, Firenze 2019.
“New Italian grammar in practice”, Alma edizioni, Firenze 2015.
In addition to the three courses listed here, you will take a few others depending on your mobility path, as sketched below.
- Year 2 in Aveiro or Brno
- Year 2 in Gdansk or Karlstad
- Year 2 in Gliwice or Katowice
- Year 2 in Hannover
If your Year 2 is in Aveiro or Brno, you will also take:
Unit Title: Combinatorics and cryptography
ECTS Credits: 6 | Semester: 2 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Roberto Civino
Aims:
Learning Objectives. The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to modern public and private key cryptography, with particular attention to: - algebraic computational problems on which cryptosystems are based, in order to provide an insight into the key ingredients of a complex cryptographic protocol. These objectives are part of the educational aims of the course of study, as the internal coherence of the master's degree course in Mathematical Engineering was verified at the time of the planning of the program. Learning Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the course, the candidate - masters the basic concepts of arithmetic and theory of groups and rings necessary for cryptographic applications;
- modeling and analysis of possible attack scenarios,
- security definitions from the context of provable security,
- knows the different definitions of security and the relationships between them;
- can describe encryption algorithms and can prove their correctness;
- is able to discuss the security of a cipher and the corresponding cryptanalysis methodologies;
- is able to discuss the computational complexity of cryptanalysis techniques;
- knows how to implement the studied algorithms;
- is able to design computer-aided cryptanalysis techniques against test ciphers.
Pre-requisites:
The course is presented in a self-contained manner and provides, in the initial stages, a review of the elementary notions of algebra on which the entire course system is structured. These contents are essential prerequisites for passing the course. The course will also cover programming topics using the languaga Magma, focused on the implementation of cryptographic schemes and their attacks. It will be assumed that students who enroll in this course have basic programming skills, as instruction on how to code will not be provided.
Reading list:
Students are advised to rely on lecture notes as the main source of educational material. Lecture note contents are based on the following textbooks, each of which can be considered alone a textbook for this introductory course in cryptography. - Katz J. and Lindell Y. (2020). Introduction to Modern Cryptography - CRC Press.
- Smart, P. Nigel. (2006). Cryptography made simple - Springer.
- Hoffstein J., Pipher J. and Silverman J.H. (2008). An introduction to mathematical cryptography - Springer.
If your Year 2 is in Gdansk or Karlstad, you will also take:
Unit Title: Computational fluid dynamics
ECTS Credits: 6 | Semester: 1 | Year: 2 | Campus: Vienna University of Technology
Unit Coordinator: Manuel Garcia-Villalba
Aims:
To numerically simulate real fluid mechanical problems as well as to give an overview of the methods used in private and educational facilities.
Pre-requisites:
Partial differential equations, fluid mechanics
Reading list:
If your Year 2 is in Gliwice or Katowice, you will also take:
Unit Title: Curves, surfaces and discretization
ECTS Credits: 6 | Semester: 2 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Giuseppe Pipoli
Aims:
Learning Objectives.
The course aims at providing the basics of the geometry of curves and surfaces, continuous and discrete.
Those objectives contribute to the learning goals of the entire course of studies, as the inner coherence was verified at the time of the planning of the program.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, the student should
1. know the fundamentals of geometry of curves and surfaces, as tangent and normal space, curvature in the smooth and discrete setting;
2. understand and be able to explain thesis and proofs in geometry of curves and surfaces;
3. have strengthened the logic and computational skills;
4. be able to read and understand other mathematical texts on related topics.
Pre-requisites:
Calculus in several variables, fundamental of Mathematical Analysis.
Reading list:
Manfredo Do Carmo, Differential geometry of curves and surfaces.
Alexander I. Bobenko, Yuri B. Suris, Discrete Differential Geometry: Integrable Structure.
If your Year 2 is in Hannover, you will also take:
Unit Title: Advanced probability
ECTS Credits: 9 | Semester: 2 | Year: 1 | Campus: University of L'Aquila
Unit Coordinator: Ida Germana Minelli
Aims:
The course aims to give an introduction to the theory of stochastic processes with special emphasis on applications and examples. On successful completion of this module the students should become familiar with some of the most known stochastic processes and to acquire both the mathematical tools and intuition for being able to describe systems randomly evolving in time and to analyze their properties.
Pre-requisites:
Basic notions of probability theory, measure theory and integration. Markov Chains.
Reading list:
D. Williams “Probability with martingales”,
P. Billingsley “Probability and measure”,
Z. Brzezniak, T. Zastawniak “Basic stochastic processes”
Practical Information about your Year in L'Aquila
Academic Calendar & Term dates
Key Dates | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
Semester 1 | 23 September - 12 January (PDF Schedule) |
Christmas vacation | 23 December - 6 January |
Semester 1 examinations | 13 January - 23 February |
Semester 2 | 24 February - 7 June (PDF Schedule) |
Easter vacation | 17 - 22 April |
Semester 2 examinations | 9 June - 31 July |
Italian Holidays | 1 November, 8 December, 6 April, 25 April, 1 May, 2 June, 10 June, 15 August |
Visa information
Applying for an Italian study visa
Non-EU students selected to study at the University of L'Aquila will need to apply for a student visa at the nearest Italian Embassy/Consulate. The visa application requirements and processing time can be lengthy, taking anywhere from a few weeks up to several months. It is very important that you contact the nearest Italian Embassy for information as early as possible.
Please notice that, before joining our programmes, you will only need to apply for one visa only at an Italian Embassy/Consulate, as Italy is the location for your first semester/year. Afterwards, while you're spending your semester(s) in Italy, you will have the chance to apply for another visa or residence permit, e.g. a German one if you're spending your Semester 2 in Hamburg, at the German Consulate based in Rome.
Web-based visa application on Universitaly.it
The visa application procedure is completely web-based. All non-EU students not living in Italy are requested to pre-enrol using the online platform called UNIVERSITALY. Once your pre-enrolment request on Universitaly.it has been approved by the University of L'Aquila, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will have to get in contact with the local Italian Diplomatic-consular mission for the visa request process. Please note that the university confirmation email does not automatically imply the issue of a study visa for you, which is all up to the Diplomatic mission you're in contact with, instead.
Documents required
Please get in contact with the local embassy/consulate to learn more about the specific requirements they might have in that region.
Recognition of Qualifications
To complete your visa application first and finalize your enrolment after reaching L'Aquila, you'll have to submit verification of your previous university qualifications
Residence Permit
If you need a visa to stay in Italy, remember that you will also have to apply for an Italian residence permit within 8 days of arriving in our country.
Italian Residence Permit
The InterMaths team will assist you with preparing all the required documentation, which includes a couple of forms to be filled in and, among others:
A full copy of your passport (every single page, cover included)
A copy of your health insurance card
Accommodation proof
A temporary one from a hotel/B&B will also work (you may submit proof of your permanent accommodation at a later stage when visiting the Immigration Office)
Financial proof
Enrolment certificate
All you need to do is visit an Italian post office and withdraw the required form known as "kit permesso di soggiorno" ("soggiorno" sounds like "sojjorno"). Then, bring it to campus and we'll fill it in together!
After that, put all the required documents (including blank forms) back in the envelope, visit an Italian post office once again and complete the submission process (including payment of the required fees) with the post office clerks. After that, your application will be submitted to the L'Aquila Ufficio Immigrazione ("questura" in Italian, which sounds like "kuestura") via the post office itself.
At the end of the submission process, the clerk at the post office will hand you out three receipts, which will be considered as your temporary residence permit (always carry a copy with you whenever you're around and drop one off at our Registrar's Office to confirm your enrolment).
On such receipts, you'll also find the date and time of the appointment fixed for you at the L'Aquila police station (Questura, Ufficio Immigrazione) to complete the rest of the required procedures, which includes an interview for fingerprints (carry your passport & 4 ID-size photos). Eventually, you'll be summoned for another appointment to collect your final (plastic) permit card - the one you can see on this page.
The whole process will be complete in approximately 2 months (but it might even take longer) and will cost you around 120 euros.
Enrolment procedure
After getting to L'Aquila, you'll have to complete your enrolment at the University of L'Aquila, which is the coordinating institution of your MSc programme.
The enrolment process involves a preliminary online phase to be performed on our university info system "Segreteria Virtuale", which is usually taken care of by the InterMaths consortium.
The process consists of:
Account registration
Online pre-enrolment (it has nothing to do with the Pre-Enrolment on Universitaly.it to get a study visa)
Fee payment.
Afterwards, to finalize your online enrolment, you'll have to submit:
Qualifications (i.e., transcript and degree certificate) from your university of origin in their original format.
Verification of your previous university qualifications. To do so, you'll have to submit ONE of the following certificates:
CIMEA Statements of comparability
CIMEA (ENIC/NARIC network) has implemented a service of certification and comparison of Italian and foreign qualifications - note that you'll only need to request a statement of comparability.
Apply here
Declaration of Value (DoV)
The DoV is a document providing an official description of your academic certificates, duly legalized by the Consular office of the Italian Embassy in the country where such a degree was gained.
Diploma Supplement
Direct Verification via UAQ
Starting this year (2024 edition) you may entitle the University of L'Aquila to contact the institution where you obtained your previous degree and verify the genuine nature of your qualifications. Further information about this procedure will be emailed to you by our staff.
Note that some local Diplomatic-consular missions might still require you to obtain a Declaration of Value (DoV) or a CIMEA statement before they issue your study visa, even though they know that our university accepts other types of verification (any of the 4 listed above).
If that is the case, you will have to go through the DoV/CIMEA request process, otherwise, you will never obtain any visa from that specific embassy. Please check in good time in advance the particular requirements in force at the Diplomatic-consular you're about to visit for your visa.
For further information on this topic, check out the related webpage on the UAQ site: www.univaq.it/international
Health & Travel Insurance
AON 24/7 emergency assistance
Dial: +31104488260
Contact form (non-emergency cases): link
Find the nearest open pharmacy in L'Aquila
Waitaly (Generali) 24/7 emergency assistance
Dial: 800450130 (toll-free from Italian phones only)
+39 0258286788 (any other phones)
Doctor-on-call (Guardia medica)
Out-of-hours (on call) doctor.
Address: Ex ONPI, via Capo Croce 1 ("Torrione" neighbourhood).
Available Mon-Fri from 8pm till 8 am, and from 10 am on Sat till 8 am on the following Mon.
Psychological support
All our students (either non-EU or EU) must hold valid insurance covering risks related to health, accidents, death, permanent invalidity, and civil responsibility (including travel assistance) while they are outside their home country.
An insurance card will also be necessary to apply for a residence permit.
↘ Erasmus Mundus (EMJMD) InterMaths students (either scholarship holders or not)
Before their arrival, they will receive free of charge an insurance card covering risks related to health, accidents, death, permanent invalidity, and civil responsibility, as per the minimum requirements set out by EACEA
↘ Other students (enrolled in the RealMaths or MathMods programs).
Non-European students must ensure they hold valid insurance to obtain a visa, a residence permit, and enrolment at university. Requirements may vary a lot from country to country even within the Schengen area. Generally speaking, such insurance must offer coverage of medical costs for min. 30,000 EUR, as well as risks related to health, accidents, permanent invalidity, urgent health attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or even death, including possible repatriation for medical reasons.
EU students, on the other hand, won't need to purchase any additional private insurance if they don't think they need one, as long as they hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Though you may get an Italian residence permit even by providing cheap insurance coverage, we encourage everybody to ensure that the insurance you are about to purchase is as comprehensive as possible.
Note that some of the options listed below, though officially valid throughout the Schengen area, may not be sufficient to obtain a visa/permit when you are going to spend a semester in another country, in Germany or Austria for instance. Always double-check before completing your purchase for a whole year or more, and contact the related staff at our partners in advance, because in other countries than Italy, they might require that you purchase a more comprehensive one and/or even public health insurance to obtain a visa/permit and even to seek enrolment at their university.
All the below-listed companies offer insurance that complies with the minimum requirements to obtain an Italian residence permit. Once again, though they are all officially valid within the Schengen area, they might not be enough to obtain a visa/residence/enrolment in other countries than Italy.
AON
[AON 24/7 emergency assistance: # +31 (0)10 44 88 260]Protrip-World by DrWalter
Waitaly This is the cheapest option (direct link) in Italy. However, note that it is not EACEA compliant (thus, not valid for Erasmus Mundus programs), but it is still valid to obtain an Italian residence permit to attend other programmes, like RealMaths for instance.
[Waitaly 24/7 emergency assistance via Generali 800 450 130 (toll free from Italian phones only) or +39 02 582 867 88]
Accommodation options in L'Aquila
Student's halls of residence
In Italy, students' halls of residence (including other facilities for students like cafeterias, gyms etc) are not managed by universities. The public body in charge of them is, in our case, the Abruzzo Regional Agency for Education, aka A.D.S.U. (Azienda per il Diritto agli Studi Universitari - L'Aquila).
If you wish to find a place in the dorms and shared flats managed by A.D.S.U., (this year, the student's flats are the ones in the block called "Il Moro" at a 20-minute walk from our campus, see Google Maps) you will have to apply typically in the second half of August. But note that:
Places are limited and usually reserved for students from low-income families.
Ranking lists might be published even in late October, which means you will be spending a lot for a temporary place to stay (e.g. bed and breakfast) in your first weeks in L'Aquila while you are waiting for the lists to be out.
Private halls
Lately, a new student hall has opened up in town - it's known as Camplus. It is a private one, with no relation whatsoever with our university, but it is ideally located in the heart of the city centre, it can be booked online in advance, and their fares include Wi-Fi, cleaning, maintenance etc. What's more, it is possibly the only one in town offering accommodation for a semester only (most other places will expect you to sign a one-year contract instead).
Check out their website to submit your application and find out more.
Private shared flats
As L'Aquila is undergoing huge reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake, we strongly suggest you opt for renting a flat from private owners. The cost per person ranges from 200 to 350 euros per month depending on several factors, e.g. shared or private rooms, utility bills included or not, and neighbourhood. By the way, living near the campus (the area is in a suburb in west L'Aquila known as Coppito) can be cheaper, but this means living away from the city life (events, nightlife, restaurants...).
Please make contact with Aquilasmus - ESN L'Aquila to receive support from a buddy with finding a place to stay in L'Aquila. Just so you know, support is provided free of charge by volunteers and only starts within 2 weeks after your arrival in L'Aquila (weekends not included).
Camplus is a newly-established hall of residence located right in L'Aquila city centre. It includes single and double ensuites, maintenance, wifi, cleaning, utilities etc. Check out the current selection announcement for more details and the applicaion form.
Accommodation options in L'Aquila
Your Aquilasmus buddy will typically meet you within two weeks (excluding weekends) after your arrival to help you find a place (note that they can't offer any kind of support before you get to L'Aquila). For your first days in L'Aquila, you may refer to the links below
ADSU Hall of Residence
ADSU (Abruzzo regional agency for education)
Adverts on Univaq.it
airbnb
Vacation rentals in L'Aquila
Idealista.it
FB group
"Cerco/Affitto Casa a L'Aquila!"
Bed & Breakfast in L'Aquila
Vacation rentals in L'Aquila
Periscopio
ADs listing on L'Aquila local newspaper
How to get to L'Aquila
Rome Fiumicino
Rome Ciampino
Additional coach services (operated by T.U.A., aka as A.R.P.A. and Itabus) are available from the "Tiburtina train station" (Stazione Tiburtina) located in East Rome. But that means you'll have to first get on a train/bus/undeground from the airport to get to the "Tiburtina train station", which will take you one hour or so, at least. So, we strongly suggest you use the other option above, as those coaches will be departing right from inside the aiport parking area.
Lastly, be informed that a bunch of European cities are also connected to the Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, located at about 100 km to the east of L'Aquila.
Getting to campus
Our programmes are coordinated and hosted by D.I.S.I.M. (Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics) located on the Coppito campus in via Vetoio - West L'Aquila.
The Coppito campus also hosts other faculties: biology, chemistry, physics and, most importantly, the main city hospital ("ospedale" in Italian). Keep that in mind whenever you ask for directions, as everybody knows where the main hospital (ospedale) is.
Then, the University of L'Aquila is made up of several other campuses spread over the whole city, each of which has its own focus and identity. To get an overview, check out this interactive map.
Bus routes
Both websites are only in Italian, but all you need to do is enter the word "ospedale" or "Università - Polo Coppito" or "L'Aquila Ospedale Università" in the search box (indirizzo di arrivo).
Number 1 or 2U buses are very likely the AMA buses you'll need most, as they connect our campus to the bus station at the My Suites Hotel (aka Hotel Amiternum), the "L'Aquilone" shopping centre, as well as the main bus station (known as Collemaggio or Terminal) in the old city centre.
As bus routes are not available on Google Maps yet, we recommend
Travel Links
About L'Aquila
The City of L'Aquila in brief
- Reasonable cost of living
- A town of artistic interest
- Safe and quiet but also a lively university town
- Direct buses to Rome in little more than 1 hour
- Three popular ski resorts nearby as well as three national parks
- Sandy beaches at a short distance
L'Aquila is an Italian city with about 70,000 inhabitants and around 20,000 university students. It is the capital of the Abruzzo region and it is conveniently located 100 km (62 miles) east of Rome. The city is on a hill at 720 m (2365 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains, most notably to the north by the Gran Sasso range, which includes the highest peaks (up to 2,900 m) of the Apennines, with several small lakes, trails and mountain climbing routes as well as deep caves. Within the province of L’Aquila there are also two national parks (Parco Nazionale Gran Sasso Monti della Laga and Parco Nazionale della Majella).
The city itself is full of history, traditions, beautiful buildings (like the Spanish Fortress) and churches (most notably, the Collemaggio Basilica). There are also a lot of good restaurants, pubs and places where students get together at night (most remarkably, on Thursdays and Saturdays). The city is also the home of L'Aquila Rugby - this team won the Italian championship five times.
For more practical and historical information about L'Aquila, click here.
Living costs
A student will spend approximately 600 euros a month:
Around 300 EUR on average for accommodation in a single room (in a twin room you may save ~50 EUR or more); note that such an amount does not usually include utilities (heating, electricity, water, Internet).
About 300 EUR to cover:
Meals (reduced fares for international students available for ~3 EUR or even free meals at the canteens in L'Aquila if you're awarded a Regional Grant).
Public transportation (a monthly bus pass in L'Aquila costs around 30 euros)
The costs for books, sports centres and other personal expenses.
Canteen at the Math Department (Coppito campus)
Location: between the "Coppito 1" and "Coppito 0" buildings, next to the University cafè.
Opening time: 12.30 pm - 2.30 pm Mon-Fri
Main university canteen
Open for lunch and dinner even at weekends
New location: via Dell'Arcivescovado 8, right in the old city centre, next to the main square Piazza Duomo
University canteens and cafeterias are managed by ADSU. You will need to register by ADSU to get a digital canteen card. This will entitle you to eat at reduced fares (~3 EUR) or even get a free meal if you're awarded a Regional Grant by ADSU.
Free Time
Aquilasmus
Aquilasmus is an official student association, part of ESN (Erasmus Student Network). Aquilasmus offers several services to Erasmus students, like organizing parties, trips, international dinners, cine forums and more. Take a look at their website, join their Facebook group and check out their Instagram page to get to know other international students and be involved in their activities.
Bars, restaurants, pubs & clubs, discos
Although several buildings in the old city are still to be reconstructed after the 2009 earthquake, dozens of bars and clubs have proudly reopened their doors. You will find lots of students hanging out mostly on Thursday nights (knonw as university night) and Saturday nights. Just ask the taxi/bus driver to drop you at "Fontana Luminosa" (the big fountain near the castle) and walk into the main road "Corso Federico II". You'll see that most people gather in a small square a few steps ahead near "via Garibaldi".
Cinemas
Movieplex, Via Leonardo Da Vinci, Pettino, L'Aquila (25 mins walk from the Math Dept.)
Theatres
TSA Teatro Stabile dell'Aquila
Auditorium del Parco (near the Spanish fortress/castle)
Music
Excursions
Being L'Aquila ideally located in central Italy, you'll have lots of opportunities to visit Italy's top destinations: Rome, Naples, Pompei, Sicily, Florence, Venice, Verona, Milan, Turin, to mention just a few. The easiest and most convenient way to reach any of these destinations is from the bus/train stations in Rome, where you can get to by TUA/ARPA coach or Flixbus from L'Aquila (either from the bus station "Collemaggio" or from the Hotel Amiternum). Some destinations (Bologna, Venice, Verona to the North or the whole beautiful Apulia region in Southern Italy - most notably the Salento Peninsula) are more easily accessible from Pescara train station, where you can get to by TUA/ARPA coach from L'Aquila bus station or even by train (you'll have to change trains in Sulmona). Recently, most popular Italian cities have also been connected to L'Aquila by direct coaches (Flixbus).
And, if you're into art, don't miss out on the opportunity to visit Rome museums for free on the first Sunday of every month!
Short excursions around L'Aquila
Amiternum archeological site
On the way to Pizzoli (west L'Aquila) you may stop by and visit the stunning archaeological site of Amiternum, an ancient Italic town founded by the Sabines and conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century B.C.!
The site features an amphitheatre, a theatre, public baths as well as an aqueduct.
For more information and opening times, visit this link.
Gran Sasso and other ski resorts
Gran Sasso is Italy's second highest mountain (2,912 m asl). From the bus station in L'Aquila you can catch a number M6 bus (free shuttle buses at weekends!) bound for Assergi/Fonte Cerreto (1150 m above sea level), which is the base of the cableway that will take you to Campo Imperatore (around 2100 m asl). Campo Imperatore is a ski resort where you'll also find an astronomic observatory, a hotel (where Italian dictator Mussolini was held captive), an alpine garden, lakes and several breathtaking trails. The cableway may not be available all year round (it's usually closed in summer). Anyway, if it's closed, you may still decide to get to Fonte Cerreto to go on a hiking trip: there are several amazing hiking paths starting there!
If you are into skiing, there are another 2 popular ski resorts at a short distance from L'Aquila, with better facilities than Campo Imperatore:
- Campo Felice: see here
- Ovindoli: see here
Stiffe Caves (Grotte di Stiffe)
Another place worth visiting in the neighbourhood is Stiffe (the nearby village is called San Demetrio dei Vestini), located at only 18 km from L'Aquila. The tour of these spectacular caves takes about one hour, but do not go there between November and April, as they may be closed because of the high water level inside. According to its official website, there are two buses going there every day from Collemaggio bus station in L'Aquila: one leaving at 8.15 am, the other one at 2 pm. Click here for details.
Lake Campotosto (Lago Campotosto)
Located at about 1,300 m asl, this lake is part of the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. It was created back in the 1940s to produce electric power. In winter the lake gets almost completely frozen, while in spring and summer, lots of people get there for canoeing, windsurfing, bird-watching, fishing (a permit is usually required) or just for picnicking. The road around the lake is ideal for walking or cycling. Several hiking paths connect Campotosto to nearby villages like Capitignano, Montereale and Amatrice. Click here for more information. The easiest way to get there is by catching an ARPA bus from Pizzoli to the village of Capitignano, then walk up to the lake, but it is going to be a 1-hour hike up to the lake and could be a bit strenuous for some. If you wish to get straight to the lake, you'll have to first get to the bus station in Collemaggio (L'Aquila city centre), then catch a TUA/ARPA bus to "Lago Campotosto".
Marmore Waterfalls (Cascata delle Marmore)
Marmore waterfalls are a man-made waterfall created in ancient times by Romans. Its total height is 165 m (541 feet), making it the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. Its source is a portion of the waters of river Velino (the rest of the river flows into a hydroelectric power plant), after flowing through Piediluco Lake near the community of Marmore. It pours into the valley below formed by the river Nera. Its flow is turned on and off based on a specific schedule, to satisfy the needs of tourists and the power company alike. Tourists try to be there the moment the gates are opened to see the powerful rush of water.
How to get there: catch a train from L'Aquila to Terni (a town in the nearby region called Umbria), then board a special bus called "Marmore link" which will take you from the Terni train station to the waterfalls in 20 minutes.
Adapted from Wikipedia
Gran Sasso National Laboratory
From the official web-site
The Gran Sasso National Laboratory is one of the four INFN laboratories. It is the largest underground laboratory in the world for experiments in particle physics, particle astrophysics and nuclear astrophysics. It is used as a worldwide facility by scientists, presently over 900 in number, from 29 different countries, working at about 15 experiments in their different phases. It is located between the towns of L'Aquila and Teramo, about 120 km from Rome. Go to www.lngs.infn.it for more details and guided tours.
Beaches on the Adriatic coast
There are many amazing sandy beaches on the Adriatic coast at only 1 hour-ride from L'Aquila. The easiest one to get to is Giulianova. All you have to do is get to the bus station in L'Aquila and buy a ticket at the TUA/ARPA office on the -2 floor. Get off at Giulianova Stazione (train station) and walk to the beach, it's just a few steps away. Alternatively, you can catch a Gaspari bus to another well-renowned seaside resort: San Benedetto del Tronto.
Other popular places are Alba Adriatica, Pineto, Pescara and Vasto. Pescara is by the way Abruzzo's largest city, with lots of shops, clubs and great nightlife, too. Just get to the main train station (Pescara Centrale, 2 hours away from L'Aquila, change trains in Sulmona; or just get there by TUA/ARPA bus). Outside the train station, you'll find yourself in the city centre with lots to do and see on the promenade that will take you right to the beach!
Calascio Fortress (Rocca Calascio)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocca_Calascio
How to get there: get to the bus station in Collemaggio (L'Aquila city centre), then catch a TUA/ARPA bus to Calascio (check out the TUA/ARPA website)
Sporting facilities
CANADA' Fitness Club [link]
WHERE. Coppito, campus of the Math Dept., just 2 minutes walking distance from our teaching buildings. MAP
DETAILS. Access to the area with weights machines ("sala pesi") costs only 25 euros/month (the average fare in other gyms is 40 euros) - a free trial pass is usually available. You can join extra courses like pilates, yoga, zumba, fitbox, and body pump, as well as reserve the outdoor fields. Check timetables and fares from the url.
CUS - Centro Universitario Sportivo [link]
WHERE. Statale 17 Bis (aka "Centi Colella", on the way from L'Aquilone Shopping Centre towards the My Suites Hotel - around 20 minutes walking distance from our department, but mind the traffic! Or just get on an AMA bus no. 2 or 19 from our department)
DETAILS. Large university sports centre with several halls and rooms for most popular sports (fitness, spinning, judo, climbing etc.), including outdoor fields (football, volleyball, rugby, tennis, etc.). Reduced fees for university students.
Piscina Comunale L'Aquila [link]
WHERE. Viale Ovidio 3 - L'Aquila (city centre, close to the castle)
DETAILS. City pool offering reduced fees for university students.
Circolo Tennis L'Aquila [link]
WHERE. Viale Ovidio 1 - L'Aquila (city centre, close to the castle)
SKI Resorts
Campo Imperatore [link]
Campo Felice [link]
Ovindoli [link]
L'Aquila Rugby [link]
WHERE. Strada Statale 17 Ovest, Centi Colella, L'Aquila (opposite the main Post Office)
L'Aquila football (soccer) Team [link]
There are quite a few private gyms (and swimming pools too) across the city, just google "palestra l'aquila" or "piscina l'aquila"
Libraries
Library in Coppito
(biblioteca in Italian), ground floor, Coppito1 building, DISIM (Math Dept.)
Open: Mon-Thu: 8.30 am – 7 pm, Fri: 8.30 am - 2 pm
The first time you enter the library you will be asked to register. So, bring with you an ID document and your student card.
More details can be found here
Library in the Department of Humanities (downtown, old city centre, address: viale Nizza 14)
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri: 8.30 am - midnight!
Sat: 9 am - 5 pm
Sun: 3 pm - 8 pm
Study & Computer rooms
You can find study rooms in the Canadà centre, which is at 2 minutes' walk from the main teaching building (aka Coppito1), (Math Dept).
There you'll also find a bar, a gym and a computer room, too.
Click here to view a map
Click here for their Facebook page
Find your nearest open pharmacy
Doctor-on-call (Guardia medica)
Address: Ex ONPI, via Capo Croce 1 ("Torrione" neighbourhood).
Available Mon-Fri from 8pm till 8 am, and from 10 am on Saturday till 8 am on the following Monday.
Psychological support
How to get to L'Aquila
Rome Fiumicino
Rome Ciampino
Additional coach services (operated by T.U.A., aka as A.R.P.A. and Itabus) are available from the "Tiburtina train station" (Stazione Tiburtina) located in East Rome. But that means you'll have to first get on a train/bus/undeground from the airport to get to the "Tiburtina train station", which will take you one hour or so, at least. So, we strongly suggest you use the other option above, as those coaches will be departing right from inside the aiport parking area.
Lastly, be informed that a bunch of European cities are also connected to the Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, located at about 100 km to the east of L'Aquila.
Getting to campus
Our programmes are coordinated and hosted by D.I.S.I.M. (Department of Information Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics) located on the Coppito campus in via Vetoio - West L'Aquila.
The Coppito campus also hosts other faculties: biology, chemistry, physics and, most importantly, the main city hospital ("ospedale" in Italian). Keep that in mind whenever you ask for directions, as everybody knows where the main hospital (ospedale) is.
Then, the University of L'Aquila is made up of several other campuses spread over the whole city, each of which has its own focus and identity. To get an overview, check out this interactive map.
Bus routes
Both websites are only in Italian, but all you need to do is enter the word "ospedale" or "Università - Polo Coppito" or "L'Aquila Ospedale Università" in the search box (indirizzo di arrivo).
Number 1 or 2U buses are very likely the AMA buses you'll need most, as they connect our campus to the bus station at the My Suites Hotel (aka Hotel Amiternum), the "L'Aquilone" shopping centre, as well as the main bus station (known as Collemaggio or Terminal) in the old city centre.
As bus routes are not available on Google Maps yet, we recommend
