Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088), the University of Padua, founded in 1222, or the University of Naples, founded in 1224 and the most ancient state university in Europe[1][2]. Universities are supported by state funding so that students do not have to pay much for tuition; some are owned by the Vatican. Many Italian students frequent a local university, and typically live with their parents while attending university.
Some of the main characteristics of Italian universities are the presence of goliardia and the high level of humanistic culture offered.