Chain migration and student mobility in Sicily

This study explores the phenomenon of chain migration among university students from Sicily to central and northern Italy. Over recent decades, such trends in mobility have been growing. Utilising data from the Italian Ministry of University and Research and focusing on first-year students from the 2014 and 2017 cohorts, this work investigates possible chain migration effects on mobility patterns, together with some other determinants. The study employs a gravity model to analyse the data, considering factors such as quality of life, university services, and the presence of social networks at the destination. Results suggest that student mobility is not only driven by economic and educational opportunities but also influenced by existing social ties, supporting the presence of chain migration. Specifically, the data reveal that students are more likely to enrol in universities where they have pre-existing connections, which facilitates their transition and integration.