Design
02 Jul 2025
Studying abroad in Italy in 2025 offers design students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in a country renowned for its rich design heritage, from fashion in Milan to architecture in Florence. However, the transition to a new cultural and academic environment can bring challenges such as homesickness, language barriers, cultural adjustment, and the intense demands of design programs, all of which can impact mental well-being. Research suggests that international students are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety and depression due to these stressors (Journal of International Students). Recognizing this, top Italian design schools have developed robust mental health support systems tailored to the needs of international students, particularly those in creative and demanding fields like design. This blog explores the mental health resources available at leading Italian design schools, emerging trends for 2025, and practical tips for maintaining well-being, with guidance from Maitri Global Education.
Design education, with its emphasis on creativity, critique, and deadlines, can be mentally taxing. For international design students in Italy, additional challenges like adapting to a new culture, navigating language differences, and managing the pressure of producing innovative portfolios can exacerbate stress. A study in the Journal of International Students highlights that international students often face elevated stress levels due to cultural and academic transitions, making accessible mental health support critical. Italian design schools are responding by offering comprehensive services, including counseling, peer support, and digital tools, to ensure students can maintain their mental health and excel in their creative pursuits. These resources are particularly vital for design students, who must balance emotional resilience with the demands of producing high-quality, innovative work.
Italy is home to some of the world’s most prestigious design schools, many of which offer robust mental health services tailored to international students. Below is a detailed overview of the mental health support available at five leading design schools in Italy, all of which are well-suited for students studying abroad in 2025.
Politecnico di Milano, one of Europe’s leading technical universities, houses a renowned School of Design that attracts international students. Its PoliPsi service offers free counseling and psychotherapeutic support for students facing academic or personal challenges, such as stress from design critiques or cultural adjustment. Staffed by psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists, PoliPsi ensures confidentiality and is accessible through the university’s Online Services platform. The school also provides webinars in English on topics like stress management, making it particularly supportive for international design students. For urgent needs, referrals to local Mental Health Centres (CSM) are available (Politecnico di Milano Psychological Wellbeing).
Istituto Marangoni, a premier fashion and design school with campuses in Milan and Florence, supports its students through university-affiliated counseling services, such as those provided by the University of Milan. The University of Milan’s Individual Counselling Service offers free short-term counseling, with preliminary meetings via Teams and subsequent in-person or remote sessions. For more complex needs, students are referred to MIUR-recognized psychotherapy schools in Milan for 10-12 free sessions. These services are accessible to international students, with English-speaking counselors available upon request (University of Milan Counselling).
Domus Academy, a postgraduate design school in Milan, provides mental health support through partnerships with local universities, such as the University of Milan. Students can access free counseling services, peer support groups, and wellness workshops designed to address the unique pressures of design education. The school’s commitment to student well-being is reflected in its ranking among the world’s most sustainable universities by UI GreenMetric, indicating a holistic approach to student care (Domus Academy Rankings). International students can contact student services for guidance on accessing these resources.
NABA, with campuses in Milan and Rome, is a leading academy for design and fine arts. It offers mental health support through affiliations with universities like the University of Milan, providing free counseling and stress management workshops. These services are tailored to help students cope with the demands of creative projects and cultural transitions. NABA’s student portal provides information on accessing counseling, with options for English-speaking support to accommodate international students (University of Milan Counselling).
The SOS School of Sustainability, a postgraduate school in Milan partnered with Uninettuno International University, focuses on sustainable architecture and design. Students can access mental health support through Uninettuno’s counseling services, which include confidential counseling and online support options. These services are designed to support international students, with flexible access to accommodate the blended learning format of the program. Students can contact Uninettuno’s student services for appointments or referrals to local resources.
By 2025, Italian design schools are expected to enhance their mental health services to better support international students, building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Key trends include:
Digital and Telehealth Services: Schools like Politecnico di Milano are expanding online counseling options, making it easier for students to access support remotely. Platforms like Teams are used for virtual sessions, which are particularly helpful for international students adjusting to life in Italy.
Cultural Sensitivity: With a growing number of international students, schools are training counselors in multicultural awareness to address cultural and language barriers. This ensures that support is relevant and accessible to diverse student populations.
Proactive Wellness Programs: Design schools are introducing workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and creative resilience, tailored to the unique pressures of design education. For example, Politecnico di Milano offers webinars on managing academic stress, which are beneficial for design students facing intense project deadlines.
Peer Support Networks: Schools like Domus Academy and NABA encourage peer support groups, where students can share experiences and build community, reducing feelings of isolation.
These trends reflect a commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for design students, ensuring they can focus on their creative and academic goals.
Accessing mental health services at Italian design schools is straightforward. Students should visit their school’s website or student portal to find counseling office contacts. For example:
Politecnico di Milano: Access PoliPsi through the Online Services platform or email for appointments.
Istituto Marangoni and Domus Academy: Contact student services or affiliated universities like the University of Milan (servizi.counselling@unimi.it).
NABA: Use the student portal to connect with counseling services or request English-speaking support.
SOS School of Sustainability: Reach out to Uninettuno’s student services for counseling access.
Most services are free and confidential, with options for in-person or online sessions. English-speaking counselors are often available, making these resources accessible to international students. Maitri Global Education can assist in identifying programs with strong mental health support, providing guidance on applications, visa processes, and course selection to ensure a smooth transition.
To thrive while studying abroad in Italy, design students can take proactive steps to support their mental well-being:
Stay Connected: Use video calls or messaging apps to stay in touch with family and friends, reducing feelings of homesickness.
Engage in Campus Life: Join design workshops, student clubs, or exhibitions to build a sense of community and connect with peers who share your creative interests.
Practice Self-Care: Incorporate exercise, mindfulness, or creative outlets like sketching to manage stress. Italy’s vibrant cities offer opportunities for relaxation, such as visiting parks or museums.
Seek Help Early: If you feel overwhelmed, contact your school’s counseling service promptly. Early intervention can prevent issues from escalating and help you stay focused on your studies.
Explore Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with local helplines or community centers in Milan or Florence, which can provide additional support if needed.
Maitri Global Education is your trusted partner in navigating the exciting journey of studying abroad, offering comprehensive, cost-free support to students at every step. Unlike other services, Maitri charges no fees, ensuring accessibility for all. Specializing in design programs but supporting students across all disciplines, we provide personalized guidance from selecting the right university to securing admissions. Our assistance extends beyond academics, helping with practical needs like finding accommodation, obtaining a local phone SIM card, and opening a bank account to ease your transition. Additionally, Maitri connects you to a vibrant student community, fostering a sense of belonging through events, workshops, and peer networks. With our dedicated counseling and hands-on support, we ensure you feel confident and prepared throughout your study abroad experience, making it both seamless and enriching.
To avail our services please reach out to us: https://maitriglobaleducation/contact
By taking these steps and your association with us, students can maintain their mental health and fully embrace the creative and cultural opportunities of studying design in Italy.
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