Homestays

Living in a homestay is an incredible opportunity for students seeking to truly immerse themselves in Italian culture! Students who choose this housing option live with an Italian family.

There is no “typical” kind of Homestay; they are all unique! There are families with children, while others are single individuals or couples. Some families have pets, some host more than one student, and so on! The amount of contact between the family and the student varies from one situation to another. However, residents are often invited to participate in cultural engagement activities!

Homestay families are usually located in the city center or between the city center and the NYU Florence campus.

NYU’s host families are accustomed to hosting students, so they are tolerant and receptive to cultural and gender diversity. There are no curfews or difficult-to-follow house rules in the Homestays. The key to a successful Homestay experience is open communication with the family.

How to apply for a Homestay?

Students should indicate their interest by checking the Homestay option on their housing application, and should email any additional preferences, allergies, or needs (e.g., older or younger children in the family, no pets, some knowledge of English, etc.) to florence.studentlife@nyu.edu.

Homestays are the best way to learn Italian and live the local lifestyle. If the student is looking for full engagement with the Italian language, they should indicate in their housing application their preference for a family that speaks only Italian. Students who live in Homestays tend to learn Italian very quickly and experience Florentine life in meaningful ways.

Double and single rooms are available in the Homestay option, and roommate requests are welcome!

What does the Homestay option include?

Homestay with Full Meals: Breakfast and dinner daily are included in the housing cost; however, access to kitchen facilities is not provided.

Homestay with Partial Meals: Students have kitchen access and are provided with two meals per week, together with the family.

Students should always clearly communicate any dietary requirements or food allergies to their families.

The Homestay option includes one load of laundry per week per student. Some host families show students how to use the washing machine, while others prefer to do the students’ laundry for them.

Wi-fi is available in all homestays.

There is no cleaning/linens service, but sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are provided.

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