|
How do I apply for a VISA?
In order to attend our programs, European Union (EU) citizens do not need a visa. The Italian Government requires that all non-EU citizens/students must obtain a student visa before entering Italy for ALL periods of study. The Italian student visa is issued through your local Italian Consulate or the Italian Embassy. Please contact the Italian Consulate or Embassy of your jurisdiction to inquire about the necessary documents you must present when applying for a student visa - including a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from the School, a certified bank letter indicating your financial support, and other documents as required by the embassy. We strongly advise students to make arrangements for the VISA well in advance of travel, as waiting periods and lines become difficult during periods immediately before departure.
What happens when I arrive on campus?
Every student at LdM benefits from an extensive orientation session aimed at giving essential information about academic needs and expectations, housing, culture and community, and Italian law. Orientation sessions usually also include practical walking tours.
May I benefit of any LdM staff support while studying?
LdM students benefit from the regular contact and support of an energetic and dedicated team of academic advisors, who are accustomed to helping students adjust to the Italian environment. Every student at LdM is assigned an individual academic advisor.
What type of computers are available on campus for word processing and accessing the Internet?
All locations have a student center that is fully equipped with computers available for word processing. All facilities also offer computers with Internet access; in Florence, wireless Internet service is available as well. All computer and Internet access is free of charge.
How much is the average cost of living in Italy?
This is an extremely difficult question to answer, as students’ preferences vary greatly. Students who made it on a shoestring budget may have spent between $1000-$2000 (per quanto tempo?), while a lavish budget can be $4000 or more. It depends on you and your specific needs/ wants. At the time of your VISA application, your consulate will identify a financial support minimum. In determining your potential expenses for the semester, you should calculate your expenses on campus, (i.e. books, entertainment, meals, etc.), while factoring in travel expenses, an emergency fund, and other excursions or supplies.
The following are the results of some research we carried out about approximate, everyday expenses in Italy for an average student:
- Supermarket: approximately 50 euros/week;
- Buses: 1 ticket € 1 (lasts 1 hour from the time it is validated)€ 22 (25 day pass);
- Taxis: about € 30/month;
- Trains: about € 30/month;
- Pizza and a beer: about € 20;
- A dinner in a restaurant: about € 35;
- Cigarettes: € 3,00;
- Public laundry: wash € 3,50 - dry € 3,50 (soap free)
- Internet: 10 min. € 1 - 30 min. € 2,50 - 1 hr. € 3 - 24 hr. € 50 - weekly subscription € 20 - monthly subscription € 77
How does the money exchange system work in Italy?
Most banks have their own money exchange window. They generally offer the best exchange rates but also charge a commission. Many independent, non-bank exchange offices do not charge commission, but offer poorer rates of exchange. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:20am to 1:20pm and again from around 2:45 to 3:45pm. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Can I use my ATM card in Florence, Tuscania and Rome?
You may be able to withdraw money from your bank account at home by using your ATM card. All bank cards have symbols on the back of them, and two of these symbols are available in the Italian ATM system: Cirrus and Plus. If your card has one of these symbols and you find a machine with the same symbols, you should be able to access funds from your CHECKING account. Most of the machines have instructions in English. You can find ATM machines (in Italian - Bancomat) at almost any bank.
What kinds of cultural activities are included in the programs an courses?
LdM provides its students with exceptional cultural and recreational opportunities both inside and outside the cities. These include guided visits to historic sites, social activities (e.g., dinners at characteristic local restaurants, allowing students to sample Italy's exceptional cuisine), seasonal festivals, special events and conferences, field trips, theatre, concerts, and much more.
How do I receive mail?
We recommend that family and friends send regular letters via the National Postal Service of your country. Any packages can be sent via any of the shipping services or the National Postal Service of your country. We recommend that the packages state "For Personal Use Only - No Commercial Value" on them so that additional VAT is not charged.
You should have your family and friends address your letters and packages as follows:
For Florence:
(Student Name)
C/O Lorenzo de' Medici
Via Del Melarancio, 6/r
50123 Firenze, ITALIA
For Tuscania:
(Student Name)
C/O Lorenzo de' Medici
Largo della Rocca, 7
01017 Tuscania (VT), ITALIA
For Rome:
(Student Name)
C/O Lorenzo de' Medici
Via XX Settembre, 4
00187 Roma, ITALIA |
Frequently Asked Questions
|
