A Campus Visit Review from Milan’s Top Business School

Thinking about studying business in Europe?

Let me walk you through my recent visit to Bocconi University in Milan, Italy—one of the top business schools in Europe and holder of the prestigious triple-crown accreditation. I visited as Chief Advisor at Beyond the States, but also as a parent. My daughter is a high school junior exploring her options abroad, and this visit was just as much for her as it was for the students we support.

Here’s what we discovered.

First Impressions: Milan and Campus Location

Before we even stepped on campus, Milan wowed us.

Milan exceeded our expectations with its walkability, historic charm, international vibe, and affordability. The public transportation was both efficient and budget-friendly, which is great for students.

But there’s a catch…

Bocconi isn’t right in the city center. It’s located on the southeastern edge of Milan, in a quieter, more residential area. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you’ll need to hop on public transit to get to the cultural hotspots.

Here’s the deal:

BU offers a well-organized and informative campus tour and info session, held in a sleek, modern lecture hall. The presentation focused on:

• The admissions process (spoiler: it’s competitive)
• Bocconi’s history and philosophy
• English-taught programs in business and social sciences
• Resources specifically for international students
  

With 15,000 total students—half of whom are international—Bocconi divides available spots in each program equally between Italian and international students. After the session, we joined a guided campus tour led by student ambassadors, exploring classrooms, social spaces, and dormitories.

But let’s get real for a moment.

Bocconi Isn’t for Everyone

This visit confirmed what many already know: Bocconi is not for the faint of heart. The two American students we spoke with were candid about the intensity and competitiveness of their experience. Both were top high school performers and described a demanding academic environment with a strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement.

Despite the rigor, they were enthusiastic about their decision to study at BU, citing strong career preparation, personal growth, and a high-caliber peer community.

Living at Bocconi: What to Expect

Let’s talk housing.

The campus itself was clean, compact, and bustling with student activity. Housing options include private dorm rooms (€500–€1,000/month), though many students opt for shared apartments off-campus. BU’s quieter location may appeal to students who enjoy a balance between focus and city access.

Is Bocconi Right for You?

Here’s the bottom line:

Bocconi University delivers world-class academics, an international student body, and strong career prep. But it’s not the right fit for everyone.

It’s perfect for students who:

• Have a strong academic record
• Are self-motivated and ambitious
• Thrive in a rigorous, competitive academic setting

If that’s you, Bocconi might just be your ideal match.

Want help figuring out if Bocconi—or another European university—is your best fit?

👉 Schedule a free strategy session with Beyond the States