Housing Services

The apartment option is ideal for those who want to live a more independent lifestyle and is the most popular among students. Apartments in Italy, especially in the historic centers, are situated in antique buildings and will surely differ from those in the student’s home country. They are most often on the second floor (or higher) within buildings that likely do not have an elevator/elevator access. Although LdM maintains a standard for all apartments, no two apartments are alike. LdM apartments vary in appearance, style, configuration, lighting, size/number of bedrooms, size/features of common space or living areas, and/or size/features of the kitchen.

The apartments used by LdM are located in different buildings across various parts of the city center of Florence and of the town of Tuscania. All are within walking distance of the school. The standard apartment bedrooms are double occupancy with two single beds in the same room within a shared apartment. Although students may request a single room (consisting of a single bed in one room within a shared apartment), it is really important that they remain open to placement in a double room, as single rooms are only available in limited number. Please be advised that the shared apartments are not mixed gender.

All apartments are NON-SMOKING, fully furnished and equipped with bed linen, towels, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, basic appliances, washing machine, TV and Wi-Fi. Apartments are NOT equipped with a phone or air conditioning.

The rental period begins on the Housing Check-In Day and ends on the Housing Check-Out Day.

Academic Year students must pay the rent for both semesters and a single security  deposit.

Housing is provided for the Fall and Spring semesters. It is not provided during the winter break.

Students staying for two consecutive summer sessions must pay their rent for each session and a single security deposit. Housing costs cover the rent for the reserved months, including the one-week break between summer sessions, even if the sessions are in 2 different cities.

LdM Apartment housing includes:

• Rent, with fixed check-in and check-out dates as specified
• Repairs that are not caused by students
• Average Utilities (water, gas, electricity). Any above average consumption costs are subtracted from the security deposit and split amongst the students in the same apartment
• Internet connection
• One apartment cleaning every two weeks per semester

LdM Apartment Housing does not include:

• Meals
• Damage(s) caused by students, extra cleaning and excessive consumption of utilities. Please see the specific details on the check-out procedure form
• Any cost above average consumption will be charged to the students sharing the same apartment and deducted from the security deposit.
• Extra cleaning (If the apartment is not clean on the specified check-out date, students will be responsible for an additional cleaning charge. The total amount due will then be deducted from the security deposit.

For further information, please check the specific campus.

Please click on the headings below to get more information on LdM Housing Service.

Living with a host or host family is an experience that offers students linguistic and cultural benefits while gaining a deeper understanding of Italy and its people. Furthermore, being part of a household means participating directly in Italian daily life building life-long bonds with hosts while being involved in their everyday routine from sharing meals to daily conversations. Homestays are recommended to students committed to learning Italian. The combination of formal Italian lessons and home-based language practice with native speakers is an authentic, effective means of better understanding the local culture.

Please note that the rent period begins on Housing Check-in Day and ends on Housing Check-out Day. Housing is not provided during the winter break. For further information, please contact:  housingapplication@lorenzodemedici.it

*Homestay has always been an integral part of our housing service. However, with the advent of Covid-19  and in line with preventive measures, LdM has decided to temporarily suspend the homestay option.

During A.Y. 2022-2023, our Housing Offices will offer shared-apartment accommodation only.

Students are not obligated to choose housing through LdM. Students who are interested in independent housing options should ask for a list of real estate agencies at  housingapplication@lorenzodemedici.it.

Those who prefer this option can download, fill out and sign the Independent Housing Form (the last page of the Housing Application Form), stating that they have secured housing independently from the LdM Housing Office. The completed and signed form can be sent to  housingapplication@lorenzodemedici.it.

Students are responsible for submitting the Housing Application Form and supporting documentation to LdM Housing Services by the scheduled deadlines listed below. Also please find below the Check-In and Check-Out dates for upcoming semesters.

Once students have been accepted to their LdM program for the semester, they will receive the link to the LdM Online Housing Application. Once the housing submission will be completed, students will receive an email with the housing request confirmation.

After the submitting process students will receive an email from the housing staff with a dropbox link where they have to upload the required documentation (passport, flight itinerary, visa if needed, payment proof if applicable per billing arrangement).

Approximately one week before the beginning of the term, the student will be provided with the following information via email:

• Apartment address, specifying roommates and apartment mates
• Information regarding Housing Check In
• the most updated information regarding the  travel requirements to enter in Italy

FALL 2021 HOUSING CANCELLATION POLICY

If an official cancellation notice is received from LdM:

• 45 days or MORE prior to the Housing Check-In date, no penalty will be applied.
• 44-31 days preceding the Housing Check-In date, the student will lose the security deposit (€250/$300).
• 30-14 days preceding the Housing Check-In, the student is liable for the €250/$300 security deposit and 25% of the total rent.
• 13-8 days preceding the Housing Check-In, the student is liable for the €250/$300 security deposit and 50% of the total rent.
• 7-0 days preceding the Housing Check-In date (or fails to check-in to his or her housing assignment), the student is responsible for the full rental amount of the accommodation and the security deposit for the entire academic term.
• The student will be fully liable for the total housing cost and security deposit if no official notice of the student’s cancellation is received by LdM before the Housing Check-In date. Given the costs paid to external housing providers on behalf of the students are non-recoverable, refunds beyond those outlined above are not possible, regardless of reason (including but not limited to those related to COVID).

LdM believes that providing students with residential comfort and safety is a critical component to the study abroad experience. We aim to provide everyone with the information and tools necessary to maintain this standard. This section is for students in shared living LdM units.

For those who have chosen the homestay option, we recommend they consult their host or LdM Housing Services for information on housing safety and individual housing needs and issues. 

As for students living in independent accommodation, they should contact the proprietor/landlord/agent responsible directly for any concerns.

Below are a few guidelines for safety and wellbeing for those who have requested a shared apartment with other students through LdM. 

Housing Issues and Emergency Numbers: Students should record on their mobile phones the name, number, and e-mail of contact persons (landlords or agencies) listed in the envelope they received on arrival day. In the event of a housing issue, please contact the landlord or agency directly. It is mandatory to inform the student advisor of any problems. For urgent needs or repairs concerning an apartment outside of the office hours, contact the LdM emergency cell phone number provided on check-in.

Locked Doors: For the safety of all students and their personal belongings, ALWAYS REMEMBER TO deadbolt the lock when leaving the apartment. When occupants are inside the apartment, remember to deadbolt the lock and remove the key from inside the lock. The entrance doors do not lock automatically. Always be sure to lock the entrance door either when entering or when leaving the apartment.

Keys: It is imperative that students not keep the address of their apartment attached to the key ring or written anywhere. Tenants should always check to make sure the keys are in hand before leaving their apartment. If they forget their keys inside or they are lost, contact the landlord or agency contact person. Please note it may be difficult to reach anyone over the weekend or late at night to recover keys.

Noise: Don’t make noise after 11:00 p.m. Remember that the building is shared with other residents. Italian law requires that noise is kept at a minimum after 11:00 p.m., which means neighbors can call the police if noise is excessive. Parties are not allowed. We kindly ask that students of LdM show respect and not disturb others in the building by paying attention to making noise in the stairwell, especially late at night, or in the apartment with loud music.

Overnight Guests: In accordance with the leasing agreement and with Italian law, overnight guests are not permitted. Should anyone other than the tenants be found in the apartment, the landlord or the LdM Housing Service coordinator has the right to require them to vacate the apartment.

Utilities: Utility costs are very high in Italy. LdM strongly recommends all students to respect energy conservation. Using washer machines after 8:00 p.m. and on the weekends is recommended, as well as turning off lights, computer or any other domestic appliances when not in use. Also, be sure these items are off when exiting the apartment to avoid being charged for excess usage. 

Heating System: According to Italian law, heating can be turned on Nov. 1 and must be turned off on April 15. Tenants can keep the heat on in winter up to 10 hours a day at 20 degrees (Celsius) maximum. Only the landlord can set the thermostat, so occupants need to inform their contact person about the times they would like to keep the heating on. If there are any issues in this regard, contact the landlord or agency. If the thermostat is changed without permission and set on a higher temperature, there may be extra costs charged.

Proper Ventilation: Most student accommodations are located in historic centers in classic Italian structures, and special attention should be taken into account regarding ventilation. Please remember to let fresh air into the apartment for at least 30 minutes a day. Additionally, leave the bathroom window open after a hot shower to prevent mildew from forming on the walls. Make sure to close ALL of the windows whenever leaving the apartment.

Waste System: Students live in apartments like Italian citizens, and therefore they are expected to pay attention when separating waste collection and putting their garbage in the right bins. The waste collecting agency could charge students an expensive fine for those who do not respect the waste separation rules and leave trash in the streets. More detailed information on the waste separation system and recycling is given to the tenants upon arrival at their apartments. We suggest that occupants take out the trash daily to enjoy a healthy stay in their accommodations.