Life on campus

Foundation Year students receive comprehensive pre-departure arrival information and assistance with the visa process, and upon arrival will find out how to access students services at Ca’ Foscari such as fully equipped libraries (open late), student cafeterias, campus-wide wifi, the buddy programme for international students, and more.

Student services

Tax Code

The Italian Codice Fiscale, or Tax code, identifies citizens in their relations with public bodies and administrations. It consists of 16 alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers reproducing your personal data: surname, name, gender, place and date of birth).
Tax codes are issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Office).
The Foundation office will request the Tax Code for you, thanks to an agreement with the Agenzia delle Entrate (Revenue Office) which issues this document. Alternatively,before your arrival, you can also request the tax code from your nearest ItalianDiplomatic authority in your Country of residence. If you decide to do this please let our office know.

Cartaconto

Upon enrolment, Foundation Year students receive a University ID card (Cartaconto) that can also be activated as a pre-paid credit card. The ID card will allow you to receive student discounts around Italy, and gives you access to the library and its services.
 

Student support

Student reps

Every year, the Foundation Year office looks for motivated and enthusiastic students — one for each study track — to join the Student Committee and help shape the student experience at Ca’ Foscari. As a Student Representative, you will have the opportunity to:

  • voice your peers’ concerns and ideas to faculty and staff
  • help organize events and activities that enhance the student experience
  • collaborate with faculty and administration to improve academic and student life

There are no specific requirements—just a genuine interest in making things better for everyone. It’s a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, connect with fellow students, and make a real impact on campus life.

Tutoring

The SIE offers free tutoring for Foundation Year students, providing additional academic support across several courses. If you're finding certain subjects challenging or simply want to deepen your understanding, attending tutoring sessions can help you build confidence and improve your academic performance.
These tutoring sessions, usually in small groups of students from the same class, are designed to clarify course content, offer personalized explanations, and provide extra practice on topics that may be more difficult to grasp. The tutors - senior students or teaching assistants - are available to guide you through complex concepts, answer your questions, and provide study tips tailored to your needs. Tutoring is available for a wide range of subjects, depending on the course and availability of tutors.

Find out all the tutoring services offered by the University:

Buddy programme Spazio Ascolto - Counselling for Ca’ Foscari students Inclusivity and disability services

Living in Venice

Budget

Find out  a list of general expenses you should include in your budget on Students: your stay, insurance, transport > Costs and accommodation webpage.

Transportation to Campus

If you're living in the Venice city center, getting to campus is easy — either take the vaporetto (water bus) or simply walk to the university buildings. For students residing on the mainland, such as in Mestre, you'll need to get to Piazzale Roma by bus (final stop) or to Ferrovia Santa Lucia train station. From there, it's a short walk to your classes.

Getting around the city

While several apps are useful for understanding distances between locations, be aware they often provide inaccurate directions in Venice, particularly when it comes to exact positions or addresses. For reliable navigation, it’s better to follow signs or ask locals.
Also, during the “acqua alta” (high tide) season, especially in October and November, you may experience flooding in some areas. Be prepared with waterproof footwear and be mindful of the high tide, which typically lasts 3-4 hours.