What it is and who it's for
It's a contract set out by Law 431/1998 (art. 5, paragraphs 2 and 3) and local agreements, reserved for university students enrolled in a town other than their residence.
It covers the temporary need linked to attending a course of study, which is why it has specific duration rules.
Duration
Duration ranges from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 36 months. At expiry there is no automatic renewal as in the 4+4 lease.
The out-of-town student status must be declared and documented (university enrolment).
What to check before signing
Make sure the contract states rent, deposit, expenses and the payment day, plus the property's cadastral details.
Check that the landlord is who they claim to be: on casaperstudenti.it you can see verified landlords and reviews from real contracts, and sign with SMS verification.
Informational material by casaperstudenti.it: it is not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a qualified professional.