Housing

Student Housing Office

The Student Housing Office is composed of a dedicated staff  whose role is to place all students in the best possible housing situation.   We believe that finding and creating a space that will develop into a home away from home is of the utmost importance.  

 

Living overseas in any context implies a certain level of flexibility and patience, so while some of  the housing situations may offer a convenience level closer to what you might find at home, they are all very well kept, and adhere to a strict level of quality determined by both the school and all agencies contracted by the Housing Office.  The Student Housing Office personally screens the apartments and families were students are placed, as an additional measure to ensure quality living arrangements.

 

The Student Housing Office makes every effort to place students in the housing situation of their choice.  Upon your registration into the Housing program, you will be given an opportunity to tell us a little bit about yourself.  It helps us tremendously with the placement if we have a better idea about what kind of lifestyle you lead, and if you have any special requirements or preferences.  

 

 

Types of Housing

The Student Housing Office is pleased to offer enrolled students an assortment of housing options:  shared apartments, studio apartments, homestays.  Please see below for a detailed description of our housing options.  We make absolutely every effort to place the students into comfortable, modern housing for the course of their studies here in Florence.  As Florence is a very diverse city, each neighbourhood differs from each other, and as a result, the amenities within the neighbourhoods are also different.  All apartments are located in the center of town (with the homestay option sometimes being outside the center), with a 20 minute walking distance to school.  As they’re all centrally located, there typically are super or mini markets located nearby, and always caffès and coffee bars in nearly every corner, as is standard practice in Florence.  All housing options will differ in size, architecture, style and location but all are in a safe and welcoming environment.

 

The Student Housing Office makes every attempt at placing students according to any needs they might have.  If you have a medical condition or disability that you would like to disclose to the Housing Office, and which requires specific attention, please let us know either via email or on your housing application form.   

 

Based on our experience with student housing, we’ve found that the shared apartment is the most popular solution.  Students will be placed in an international setting, and have the enviable opportunity of living in an environment where multiple cultures, languages and backgrounds meld into one unforgettable experience.  Apartments are fully furnished and functional, and typically within walking distance from shops, food markets, caffes, museums, and bus stops.  Within the shared apartment option, unless specifically requested (and permission obtained from parents/guardians of all students involved), we are unable to provide coeducational housing at this moment.  The studio apartment option is available on a limited basis, and must be requested as early as possible.  

 

Shared apartments 

These apartments are fully furnished and fully functional.  The standard layout of the apartments consist of multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms (variable), kitchen, living room/dining room space.  As each apartment is unique, they will all have qualities about them that differ from place to place.

 

The bedrooms range from single bedrooms (typically this number is limited within the shared housing context) to triple bedrooms, with the occasional quad space.  Included in the bedroom space are bed linens, pillows, and sheets.  There is also closet space to accommodate clothing and luggage.

 

The kitchens are all fully functional, with sufficient utensils, plates and glasses per number of occupants.  Also included are refrigerators, ovens, stoves, basic cookware.

We advise that students bring their own towels, although occasionally they have been provided in the apartments.

 

The apartments are all within 20 minutes walking distance to your school, and are typically also located within walking distance of a bus stop, should you prefer this method of transportation.

As each neighbourhood in Florence differs, the local amenities vary from place to place.  However, there are never any shortages of supermarkets, mini markets, restaurants, shops and cafes to be found.  

 

Studio Apartments

These apartments are the ideal solution for those students who wish to have absolutely private living arrangements. These are available solely upon request, and are contingent on availability. The monthly rental rate for this housing option is possibly higher than the shared apartments and homestay options. As with the shared apartments, these typically come furnished with bed linens, cookware, plates, glassware, utensils and adequate clothing and luggage storage.  As with the shared apartments, we suggest that students supply their own towels.

 

However, the homestay option also is a highly requested alternative.  This option appeals strongly to those students who wish to deepen their initial foray into the Italian culture.  It provides them with a more extensive chance to practice their language skills, as most of the host families speak Italian and sparse English.  This is the ideal choice for students wishing to immerse themselves completely into Italian culture.  It requires flexibility on the part of the student, as there might be cultural differences to adjust to initially.  Host families also provide the student with a unique look into Italian lifestyles, as the families/hosts typically are from all backgrounds.  Some are families, some are professionals, some are young couples, some are retirees.  When selecting this option, it’s best to keep in mind that since you will be living directly with an Italian family, it’s always best to check with the family before taking any actions, and getting permission for anything out of the ordinary with regards to kitchen use, and entertaining guests.  Nearly all host families have extensive experience hosting international students, and are eager to provide the best arrangements possible for their guests.

 

Homestay 

Typically the homestay option offers a single room; however double rooms are available upon specific request and depend on availability.  Lodging will be within an Italian family setting, with the possibility of meals being provided (at an additional cost). Bed linens are provided.  Adequate clothing and luggage storage space will also be provided.  We recommend that students bring their own set of towels with them, although they have been provided in the past.

Depending on the family, and the program the student is enrolled in, kitchen use may be permitted. Hosts don’t always live in the center of town, so for this option, while the student might not be within 20 minutes walking distance, the homes are always located near a public transportation option, more often than not on a primary bus line. With this option, a student can select to have the half board version (breakfast and dinner provided by the host family), or the bed and breakfast version (breakfast provided by the host family).  We recommend that students enrolled in a culinary program register for the bed and breakfast option, as frequently food will be provided in the evenings through courses or internships.

 

 

Costs

The Housing Office determines a specific housing budget per student, and remains within that budget for the entire duration of the student’s enrolment period.  Our pricing is competitive, and thanks to our lengthy collaborations with several agencies based in Florence and Rome, we are able to offer a truly unique value to each student.  While we encourage students to enroll in the Housing Office’s program, students are welcome to seek independent housing, although naturally we cannot guarantee any external pricing structures.

 

Included in the overall housing expenses are monthly utility bills (limited to gas, electric and water), and a final cleaning cost service.  Possible damages will be covered by a €300 cash deposit made to the Housing Office upon check-in to the apartment.  Damages exceeding the initial deposit will be passed on to the occupants of the affected apartment.  If there are no damages determined, the cash deposit will be returned to the student at the end of their enrolment period.  Upon check-in, the occupants will be given an inventory sheet to compile.  Completion and submission of the inventories will help at the end of the enrolment period, as it gives the occupant the opportunity to point out any flaws with the housing.  This is also used to prevent disputes among tenants and the Housing Office when determining the amount of deposit to be returned at the end of the enrolment.  If you like, you are welcome to submit (electronically) any photographs or videos of imperfect conditions (scratched floors or surfaces, broken furniture, chipped paint, etc.) upon submission of your inventory.  We strongly suggest you fill out the inventory for your own personal living space, and also with regards to any common spaces.  

 

 

 

The pricing for housing taken through the Housing Office is structured as follows:

 

Shared Apartment Costs

Shared bedroom (double, triple) per Semester: €2200

Single bedroom per Semester:  €2850

Shared bedroom (double, triple) per Summer Session:  €550

Single bedroom per Summer Session:  €700

 

Studio Apartment Costs

Prices vary, depending on availability and housing provider

 

Homestay Costs

Single bedroom with Half Board:  €35-40 per day

Single bedroom with Bed & Breakfast:  €25 – 30 per day

Double bedroom with Half Board:  available upon request, slightly lower rate

Double bedroom with Bed & Breakfast:  available upon request, slightly lower rate

 

How To?

In this portion of the Housing Office description, we will do our best to explain the precise way to proceed with some of the paperwork involved in the housing process.  It can be an overwhelming task, and our aim is to make it as simple as possible for you to complete.  Also included in this section will be various rules and regulations, so be sure to read through it to find an answer to your queries.

 

I’d like to register for a housing placement to be handled by the Housing Office.  How do I complete my Housing application?

 

The first step to compiling and completing your application is to determine what kind of housing you would like to be placed into.  If you’re a solitary person, a shared bedroom in a shared apartment might not be your best choice.  You could opt for a single bedroom in a shared apartment, or if available, a studio apartment.  The important thing is to fill out the Housing application and questionnaire so we have an idea of your lifestyle.  Once completed, please be sure to send it in to your Admissions Office by the Admissions deadline.  Be sure when sending in that it’s been signed.

 

For More information please contact the Housing Coordinator at  housing@florencecampus.it