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Interview with FUA Alum!
Interview with FUA Alum!
Click here to hear all about Enzo's experience in Florence studying abroad.
Suggested Packing List
Suggested Packing List
Comfortable waterproof shoes - boots are recommended (Bean Boots, Hunter Boots, etc.)
Comfortable walking shoes
Pair of nice shoes for restaurants/events
- Guys: nice black/brown shoes (Sperry's, Oxfords, etc.)
- Girls: flats or heels
Jacket (for cold weather and water resistant)
Clothes for layering - long sleeve shirt, light sweater, heavy sweater, etc.
Umbrella
Laptop and phone with chargers
Flip flops/slippers (travel and/or kitchen)
Gloves, hats, scarves
European adapter
Snacks for flight
1 semi-formal outfit for special occasions
Small travel size toiletries
Travel water bottle
Bathing suit for traveling
Backpack for daily/travel use
Small bath towel (or microfiber towel for travel)
First aid essentials
Antiperspirant (you will mostly find deodorants locally without antiperspirant)
Combo lock to secure baggage when traveling
Weather information:
Average temperatures:
Feb-Mar daytime high 50-60s low 40s
Apr-May daytime high 60-70s low 40-50s
Sept-Oct daytime high 70-80s low 50s
Nov-Dec daytime high 50s low 30-40s
Suggested Carry-on List
Suggested Carry-on List
Money
Important documents (Passport, Housing Details, Acceptance Email to FUA)
Valuables
Prescription medications in original containers
Change of clothes and some toiletries
Liquids - under 3 oz and in a clear bag
Emergency contact numbers and addresses
Credit card/debit card
Any medicine needed while away
Some cash in Euros
Suggested to Buy in Florence
Suggested to Buy in Florence
Most toiletries
Laundry detergent and dryer sheets
Books for classes
Sim card for local cell phone usage
Linens and Kitchen Items - Some items may be left over from previous students or provided by the university.
Grocery & Food
Grocery & Food
There are several grocery stores throughout the city of Florence including Conad, Pam Local, Carrefour, as well as convenience stores and open air markets. There are many cafes and restaurants available for dine-in or carry-out. Students will have access to a kitchen and are encouraged to make their own meals.
FUA issues 55 credits to students to use in their student run cafe called Fedora, the student run restaurant Ganzo, or in the student run spa. These credits will buy a variety of snacks, meals, or services, but are not to be viewed as a full meal plan for the semester.
Housing
Housing
Students stay in apartments located throughout the Florence city center and all within a walk to FUA facilities. Apartments are shared with other university students with fully furnished kitchens, washing machines and internet access.
International Student Orientation & Support
International Student Orientation & Support
All students will attend a mandatory on-site detailed Orientation in which specific Health and Safety information will be provided.
The Student Life and Development Department offers a series of activities during orientation, such as the Explore Your Neighborhood and Living in Florence seminars. The Explore Your Neighborhood tour helps students learn about their neighborhood and orientate themselves in the city of Florence.
All students will receive pre-departure information from the CNU Study Abroad Office and the FUA Student Life & Development Office (SLD).
Location
Location
FUA-AUF’s state of the art facilities are designed with the purpose of offering academically challenging studies in an esthetically stimulating environment. Six campus buildings are located in the historic city center of Florence, which is an official UNESCO World Heritage site.
The campus system is closely connected to the Florentine and Italian community, and represents a unique resource for cultural and local integration for all students. Within the FUA-AUF Educational Model, the Learning and Space approach represents FUA-AUF's vision for an extended learning environment that comprises and connects learning spaces within and outside of the campus network.
Transportation
Transportation
Florence is a very walkable city and the best way to get around the center of Florence is on foot. There is public transportation available should you wish to take a bus to class but keep in mind that it is usually more direct to walk.
If you are planning a trip outside the city center, regional buses and trains are a great, inexpensive way to travel.
Airport
Airport
There is one airport in Florence: Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)
Students will fly into FLR airport from the United States.
Public transportation is available from the city center to the airport via the tram service.
Student Services
Student Services
FUA's Student Life and Development Office provides a variety of services that are available to all study abroad students. Services include:
Printing Services
Campus Gym
Mail Services
The Writing Center
and more!
Student Life & Activities
Student Life & Activities
The student Life & Development Department offers a rich and varied calendar of activities suited to the diverse needs and interests of the student body. Student meet an Italian family, volunteer, attend events, or sign up for field learning programs.
Immigration Information
Immigration Information
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may enter Italy without a student visa for up to 90 days. For programs that are less than 90 days, students are not eligible to apply for a student visa, so they must exit Italy and the Schengen Area by 90 days.
The CNU in Florence program lasts 11 weeks (less than 90 days), so students will not be eligible to apply for a study visa. Students can remain after the program to travel, but are limited to a total of 90 days within Europe's Schengen Area.
ETIAS Pre-Travel Authorization should be implemented in 2026, so students will need to complete an application prior to travel once required.
Upon arrival to Italy, a residency permit may be needed. The cost of application is approximately $150 if needed.
For students who are not U.S. Citizens, please contact the Study Abroad Office in advance to determine if you may need to apply for a short-term stay visa.
Florence University of the Arts Student Blog
Florence University of the Arts Student Blog
Florence University of the Arts Handbook
Florence University of the Arts Handbook
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