Istituto Lorenzo de Medici (IDM)

Apartments were varied in appearance and size, but all the ones I saw were privately owned and all over the city. People were generally happy with their roommate circumstances and facilities.

Any housing offered in Italy needs to be taken with an open mind. Housing in a major city such as Firenze is much different then the housing and utilities we're used to here in the U.S. I thought the location was absolutely amazing, directly in the heart of the city. The utilities and services were exactly what I expected and you're forced to adapt. If you have a low level of adaptability and can't easily adjust to a new culture of living then it could be difficult. You must have an open mind.

The only aspect of the accomodation that I found frustrating was the expenses of going through an agency rather than dealing with the landlord directly. Besides that the accommodations were very wonderful.

The housing was great. I just didn't like my roommates. However, what ever you choose I think living with other students or a family is a learning expirence.

I chose not to live in the dormitory provided by the university. While dormitories are a great place to meet other people, I preferred to independently find housemates and an apartment through a housing agency in the city that regularly assists study abroad students. The apartments they offered were diverse in rent and location, but all were in good condition. My housemates and I chose one each semester that was right in the center of the city. I loved being able to live in the middle of the city hub, without having to rely on transportation to and from the dorms, which were futher out from the city's center.

It was a HUGE appartment in the center of Florence. It was 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a living room, kitchen, dining room, long hallways and a small porch. It was an amazing apartment and fully furnished too! half a block from the main train station (Santa Maria Novella)and right off of Via Tournaboni (the 5th avenue of FLorence. It was found through an agency - whose name was supplied/ recommended by the program.