Housing in Italy

As a participant on an Arcadia program, you are guaranteed housing. Our priority is to provide a safe, clean, cost-effective and convenient place for you to live, while offering you every opportunity to explore the local culture and community. You will stay in student apartments in areas that are not overrun with tourists but have a local community feel, and when you are on field study you will stay in student dorms, hostels or bed-and-breakfasts.

• Your program fee does not include meals or meal plans but you’ll be within easy reach of food stores and amenities. Please check out our fees and budget estimates for additional expenses.
• If you want to submit a roommate request, we will need it from both you and your friend in writing. While we will do our best to accommodate your request, we cannot guarantee roommate requests.
• It is most common to live in single-gender housing in Italy, but occasionally students may be assigned to mixed-gender housing. In this event, your room will be single-gender, though shared common spaces can be mixed-gender. If you would prefer single-gender housing, please note this on your Housing Form.
• Internet access will vary according to your specific program accommodation but is available through host-institution libraries and study centers, and internet cafés.
• Italy is an environmentally friendly country and air-conditioning and central heating are not standard in a typical residence. In most cases, the heating will be regulated by the local government, being turned on and off depending on local ordinance.
• Expect a 15-20 minute commute from your housing to your program site. You may need to take the bus or other public transportation. 
• Most housing venues provide bed linens, blankets and pillows.
• You’ll have your accommodation throughout your semester, including breaks.
• We will do our best to honor your housing preferences, however we cannot guarantee any specific housing assignments.
• Since housing considerations can vary, we have to reserve our right to change accommodation options at any time.

Student Apartments

Student apartments or flats afford a high degree of independence and allow you to experience university life as Italian students would. Your building will also house Italian families so you’ll live in the heart of Italian life. You will typically share your apartment with other American or international students and have access to shared kitchen facilities. In most cases, you will prepare your own meals and should be prepared for a commute to campus.

Your housing arrangement – although important – should not be the sole measure that determines your academic and personal success overseas. Living situations vary and opportunities differ from city to city. For example, apartment and residence life may accommodate Italian, international, or program students in either a single, double or triple room. Regardless, observing and participating in the day-to-day activities of an Italian living arrangement is one of the best ways to be completely engaged with Italian language and culture.

Opting Out of Program Housing

We encourage you to take advantage of the accommodation provided by Arcadia or by your Italian institution. If you wish to decline these options and make your own arrangements, you must submit a written request. Your Program Manager can talk you through your options.

Special needs

If you have any special needs regarding your accommodation – dietary, medical, physical – please let us know when applying. Any information received will be treated as confidential and only shared with individuals involved in your housing placement.

Housing Deadlines By Semester

•    Fall: May 15
•    Spring: Nov 1
•    Summer: April 15
•    All Year: May 15

Read more

•    Specific program accommodation details are outlined on each program page.
•    Arcadia University Housing Policy is detailed in our Student Handbook.