Q. When does the Institute arrange accommodation
A. We will arrange your accommodation approximately one month before you are due to arrive and details of the accommodation that has been arranged will be sent via post, fax or e-mail at that point. If you have requested accommodation and have not heard from us by 2 weeks before you are due to arrive please contact us immediately:
- Tel: 00 39 055 26778224 - 00 39 055 267781
- Email: accommodation@britishinstitute.it
Q. How do students get to their allocated accommodation?
A. You will make you own way to your accommodation when you arrive in Florence. We will provide you with the address and telephone number of your accommodation and you should get in touch with your host/landlord directly to let them know when you are due to arrive. We strongly advise you to get a taxi to your accommodation to avoid getting lost on the first day.
Q. How do I pay for my accommodation?
A. You will need to pay for your accommodation in cash upon arrival, monthly in advance. We will send you details once your accommodation is confirmed.
Q. Are all homestays central?
A. Homestays tend to be situated slightly outside the centre of Florence. This is where the majority of Florentine families live. All homestays are either within walking distance of the Institute or on a well-served bus route - normally no more than a 15 minute bus ride from the city Centre.
Q. In homestay accommodation is it possible to have half of the week with half board and half with bed and breakfast?
A. In most cases this is possible. If you would like this kind of arrangement please include it on your enrolment form in the accommodation section and we will try and arrange it for you.
Q. In homestay accommodation how many of the landladies speak English?
A. Not many. The homestay experience gives students a full immersion into the Italian way of life and culture. Some of the families/hosts speak a little English however all can make themselves understood.
Q. What are the ages of students that usually stay in student flats?
A. Student flats tend to be occupied by our slightly younger students (17-25). If possible we try and put students in flats with other students of more or less their age. We do not arrange private appartments for students wishing to rent on their own but can provide a list of English speaking rental agencies and landlords.
Q. Are all student flats central?
A. All of the student flats are found in the centre of Florence. Some are closer to the centre than others, however none are more than 30 minutes walk from the Institute.
Q. Are student flats equipped with everything necessary or do students need to bring certain things from home?
A. All flats are furnished, have fully equipped kitchens although they may lack some of the things you would expect to find in an English kitchen eg electric kettles and toasters. They all have washing machines and televisions. Landlords provide sheets and blankets but please check with us first whether you need to bring towels as this can vary from one apartment to another. If anything is missing or broken on your arrival please let us know immediately.
Q. How much should students expect to pay for utility bills each month in a student flat?
A. Utility bills are usually calculated according to a meter that can be found in the flat. If bills are not included in the price of your rent then the landlord/apartment manager will read the meter in the flat before you arrive. They will then take another reading at the end of the month and calculate the bills according to how much you have used. In general students should expect to pay between Euro 40-50 a month for bills in the summer and Euro 50-70 in the winter.
Q. Are all the flats mixed between girls and boys or is it possible to have single sex flats?
A. In general we do mix girls and boys in flats however if you would rather be in a single sex flat then please mention this on the enrolment form and we will try our best to arrange it.
Q. Can the Institute book a hotel/pensione for students?
A. We can book a hotel/pensione for you and can also provide a list of the hotels/pensioni with whom we regularly collaborate if you wish to make your own booking. Some hotels/pensioni impose a cancellation fee and we will advise you if this is the case with a hotel we have booked for you. If you do then cancel any fee payable will be your responsibility.