Residence Puccini

The worst part was the deposit. They tried to return less than the amount I paid when signing up, which I consider a dishonest and illegal practice. The conditions are poor, problems keep coming up, and there are hidden costs. The building has cockroaches, and fumigation with an ineffective product changes nothing; the infestation continues week after week. In winter, it's common to go several days without hot water or heating. The rooms are run-down, dirty, and neglected, and the facilities are a complete mess. The laundromat downstairs has just one machine and charges €8 per wash, which is outrageous. Since the residence is at the last stop on the red line, you also need the most expensive transport pass, adding a considerable monthly cost. If you're looking at it because it's cheaper than other residences in Milan, I'd think twice, since the poor quality of life and extra expenses make it costly in the end. This so-called residence is a disgrace. Don't consider it.

The one good thing was being five minutes from the metro and train stations. Otherwise, I'd look for somewhere better if you can. I stayed for five months, and the cheapest room was €450 a month, which felt too expensive, especially since this is Sesto San Giovanni rather than Milan and the metro costs more. The rooms are small, with just a bed, wardrobe, and table. The kitchen is small too, and there's always smoke in the room. The bathroom is shared and ordinary. My neighbors were really nice, though you never know how it'll be with others. The deposit is high at €1,060, and they keep the €60 cleaning fee even when the room is clean. I also lost €60 for leaving a month early, although I'd told them two months ahead that I was leaving that day. There was never anyone around to answer questions, and my emails went unanswered. The heating was practically nonexistent, and December was unbelievably cold. Wi-Fi costs €20 a month and usually doesn't work, and each laundry load costs €5.

The place is in a lovely area, though outside Milan. It's about a 1.5 km walk to Sesto 1 Maggio metro station, which takes you straight into Milan. The rooms are very small and basic, and the first impression can be a bit harsh. Still, it could work well for workers or students. Monthly rates aren't especially cheap.

The owner threatens fines whenever something seems off, and everything was dirty when I arrived, so I'm not sure what they clean before keeping the €60 cleaning charge from the €1,060 deposit. Rooms that are supposed to be limited to one person for €500 a month sometimes hold families of up to five. The kitchen was greasy, with dust all over the furniture. Heating is nearly always off. Laundry is a rip-off too, €4.50 for a standard washer with no detergent, which you have to supply, plus €1 for every ten minutes in the dryer. Paying €20 a month for Wi-Fi hardly seems worth it: you're lucky if it works, reaches your room, or gets above 300 kb/s.