NYU Florence

Spring 2013 Pre-departure Orientation

What is NYU Florence?

A renowned center for international learning and exchangeEach semester roughly 350 NYU and visiting students, freshman to graduate levelCourses are taught by outstanding local and visiting scholars57-acre estateStaff provides a full range of student support servicesClasses incorporate on-site learning, lectures, performances, and participation in international conferences

Villa UliviAcademic Support

ClassroomsLibrary

Villa NataliaStudent LifeDormitory

Villa CollettaDormitory

Art Classrooms

Villa La PietraArt Collection

ClassroomFormal Gardens

Graduate ProgramImmigration Office

Villa SassettiConference CenterLa Pietra Dialogues

Global Research InitiativeClassrooms

What is on campus?

Who is NYU Florence?

Ellyn ToscanoExecutive Director

Lisa CesaraniAssistant Director for

Academic Affairs

Mary BarberaAssistant Director for

Student Life

Sabrina MelilloImmigration and Facilities Coordinator

AND MANY OTHERS!

Academics: florence.academicsupport@nyu.edu, Student Life: florence.studentlife@nyu.edu

Alexa FarahProgramming Coordinator

What will I study?A wide variety of courses that focus on current European and global issues and Italian history and cultureStudents register for 12-18 creditsAverage class size is 16 studentsAll students must study Italian language (cannot be taken pass/fail) All students must enroll in one course from Italian History, Culture, or Society course listCoursework is rigorous; attendance is expected and required; absences will negatively affect gradesAll course textbooks are available at local bookstores or through campus library

Where will I attend class?

On campus, in classrooms or in the historic art collection and gardens of Villa La PietraIn Florence’s historic center, exploring museums, churches, theaters, government buildings, and archives

All students receive a museum card providing free access to all state museums

Outside of Florence, in locations throughout Italy

Courses frequently include Friday, Saturday, or Sunday day trips or weekend excursions

Plan personal travel only after consulting your syllabiCosts are included in tuition

Where will I study?On Campus

Villa Ulivi LibraryOpen Monday through FridaySunday hours

Campus Lounges with Wi-FiVilla NataliaVilla SassettiVilla Ulivi Café

Computer Labs with PrintersVilla NataliaVilla UliviVilla Sassetti

Off CampusBritish Institute LibraryBiblioteca delle OblateBibioteca MarucellianaPalazzo Giovane

How do I get involved?

Attend lectures and events

Volunteer at LPD

Participate in community service Teach in schools, lead tours of monuments, assist the elderly and disabled, coach youth sports, participate in city-wide clean ups and food drives, etc.

Start a clubCreative Writing, Studio Arts, Philosophy, Culinary, Knitting, Running, etc.

Participate in student life activitiesDay trips, cooking lessons, theater and sports events, museum visits, residence life programming

La Pietra DialoguesConvenes some of the world’s foremost scholars, policy makers, practitioners, business leaders, public intellectuals and artists to confront critical issues of contemporary societyProvides students unique access to distinguished guests on campus through small group meetings, breakfasts, and workshops that promote one-on-one interactionRuns work study and volunteer programs that involve students in the development and organization of eventsFeatures student work – writing, photography, etc. – on the LPD websiteGet involved and volunteer with LPD : lapietra.dialogues@nyu.edu

Federal Work Study20-25 positions available throughout the campus

Peer Advisors8-10 positions

Visiting and NYU upperclassmen

La Pietra Dialogues4 Work Study positions

Core group of volunteers

Community ServiceWeekly commitments

Large-scale events

Can I work or volunteer?

What’s the city like? Dynamic international learning communityCapital of Tuscany, most populated city in the region – 380,000Unesco World Heritage Site attracting visitors from all over the worldSeat of one of Italy’s most prestigious universitiesHome to the EU’s only university and historic archivesFounded by the Romans, birthplace of the Renaissance, one-time capital of ItalyWorld class center for fine and performing arts, both historical and contemporary

What do I need to do before I get there?

Confirm your spot in the program ($500 reservation fee and Confirmation Form)Read all “What’s Next” postsObtain or renew your passport ASAPApply for additional fundingNotify NYU Housing in NYC (NYU students only)Register for courses abroad Submit all required forms – by November 30thObtain a student visa – round trip flight required to obtain visa

How do I get my visa?

Unless you are traveling on an EU passport, all students will need to obtain a student visaPassports must be valid for 3 months beyond the end of the program (August 17th, 2013)The Italian consulate requires students to submit a visa application supported by enrollment letters from NYU, proof of financial means, affidavits of insurance and financial support, etc.Please reference the Florence Visa Workshop on the Florence blog for an in-depth look at the visa requirements

How do I pay my bill?E-bills ONLY, sent to NYU email addressSpring 2013 bills are generated in early/mid DecemberYou can authorize a parent or other individual to have access to your E-billPayment is made directly to the BursarEstimated Housing Charge will be posted on E-bill and must be paid in full prior to arrivalThe estimated housing charge is a “placeholder charge” until assignments are finalizedOnce housing placements are made, the E-bill is adjusted, resulting in either a credit or a charge, which appears within 2-3 weeks after the start of the programQuestions? Visit the NYU Bursar Web-site for details

How will I afford everything?

Most students use their credit and debit cards – exchange rates are favorable, but contact your bank about feesFigure out how much money you will have

Working abroad may not be an option; how much can you save before going?

Consider ALL of your expensesAirfare, food, toiletries, medicine, laundry, spring break trips, activities, etc.

Checks are not accepted and traveler’s checks are difficult and expensive to cashBe aware of the exchange rate and fees for currency conversion

http://www.xe.com

What should I pack?Suggested items

Back pack for weekend trips and groceriesPlug adaptersBattery-operated travel alarm clockAny medication you need (and copies of the prescription written in the generic term)Comfortable shoesCamera (with battery charger)Toiletries you love – the brands may be different or expensive abroad

Leave it homeLinensKitchen utensilsAppliances (e.g. hairdryer)Electricity converter – they don’t work!

Contact your airline before you pack to find out luggage restrictionsPut passport, immigration documents, medication, and valuables (e.g. laptop, camera) in your CARRY-ON luggage

When do I have to be there?

All students except for returning freshman and year long students must arrive on January 29th and complete check-inReturning freshman and year long students arrive on January 30th

Peer Advisors arrive on Sunday January 20th

Mandatory All Student Orientation held on January 30th

Students must check out of housing by noon on May 17thIf you arrive earlier or depart later than program dates, you must find your own accommodations and are responsible for your immigration status. No exceptions!

Arrival and Check-inCheck-in is historically 9:00am to 6:00pm (it’s best to arrive in the morning)Arrival Cheat Sheet with shuttle times will be available prior to arrivalStaff will be at the Florence Airport during shuttle timesTransportation from the check-in location to housing is carried out only within official check-in hoursStudents arriving at other airports, by train, or outside of set times are on their own, including transportation to campus (taxi €20-25) and then to their living situation (€15-20) – cash in Euros onlyIt may be several hours before students will be able to contact family; let family know!

OrientationOrientation activities continue through the weekendMandatory sessions are on academics, policies, health and safety, and housingOptional sessions include tours of neighborhoods, the campus, and local transportation; an information fair; workshops on community service, work study, advising, LPD, living LGBTQ in Florence, travel; mixers, etc.Activities include City Sightseeing Tours, an Information Fair and more!Classes start on Thursday, Jan. 31st

Where will I live?All students must live in NYU Florence housingAssignments are based on submissions to the Study Away Confirmation Portal and availabilityRoommate requests are limited to bedroomsSingle rooms are limitedNo smoking except in Homestays designated as smokingMeal plans available in On-Campus housing and Homestays onlyActual housing prices are available online and via Study Away Confirmation PortalHousing assignments are sent to students’ NYU e-mail accounts 2 weeks before check-inHousing is not provided after check-out day

On-Campus HousingVilla Natalia and Villa Colletta

24/7 Gate Security and ReceptionBedrooms with en suite (Natalia) or communal (Colletta) bathroomsMeal Plan: breakfast and dinner dailyLunch a la carte on weekdays (not included in the meal plan)Communal refrigerators, sink, microwaveCleaning and linens service (sheets, towels, blankets, pillows provided but bring a towel –not white - for travel)Coin-operated laundry machinesExercise roomAir-conditioningComputer labsEthernet in the rooms, Wireless in common areas

Off-Campus ResidencesLocated throughout the city center

High-occupancy units

House 4-23 students in suites with single, double, triple, and quad bedrooms

Shared, fully-equipped kitchens (no meal plan)

Shared bathrooms

Internet is Ethernet or Wireless and may vary in reliability

Cleaning and linens service (sheets, towels, blankets, pillows provided but bring a towel – not white - for travel)

NYU cell phone in each Residence

HomestaysNo language requirement to applyLocations vary within and just outside the city centerHouse 1 to 2 students in single and double bedrooms within families’ homesFamily types vary, most have kidsMost have Internet (no guarantees)Sheets, blankets, pillows provided, but bring towels!With Meals: breakfast and dinner daily, no kitchen accessWithout Meals: kitchen access (kitchenware provided)NYU cell phone in each living situation

Who will I live with?Roommates must request to live with one another through Study Away Confirmation PortalRoommates may be NYU or visiting students enrolled in the Florence programSome suites are single-sex while others are coedCoed bedrooms may be available, individual requests will be consideredNeighbors (just down the hall or in the building next door) are locals, so be respectful!Overnight guests (even other students) are NOT permitted in any of our housing (guests must leave at 11pm)

What should I do about guests?

My mom, dad, brother-in-law, sister, boyfriend, grandmother, step-grandfather, girlfriend, best friend, cousin, neighborhood is going to visit me…

They cannot stay with you due to legal restrictions – tell them in advanceA hotel list is available on the Florence blog or through the Office of Student Life – you can stay with your guests in the hotel, if you’d like, but hotels will chargeSchedule visits around spring break and/or Italian holidays

How will I meet people? Meeting people on campus

Arrival week mixersActivities, clubs and eventsConferences, concerts, film and lecture seriesInteraction in classrooms, housing, cafeteria, and caféLarge-scale community service

Meeting people in FlorenceHomestay housing optionDSU, Scambio Dinners, and other immersion activitiesCommunity service placementsPalazzo Giovane and the OblateLocal associations and clubs (sports, the arts, hobbies, etc.)

How do I get around?Florence is a compact and walkable cityIt’s a 30-minute walk from campus to central FlorenceThe #25 bus stops right next to campus, and it’s a 10-15 minute ride to central FlorenceTaxis can be found throughout the city and are easy to call –information will be provided upon arrivalFlorence has a huge Vespa culture, but resist the urge to rent or buy one – you need the proper license, traffic laws are different, and Italians are aggressive drivers

How do I arrange my personal travel?

Choose times when you’re sure you don’t have academic obligations

Save the date: Okkupazione - Friday, April 12th, 2013

Ask faculty, staff, friends and family for suggestionsAttend the Travel session during orientationDo some research online and in the libraryMost students travel by train or discount airlineHostels are inexpensive, but read reviews to ensure they’re safe and clean before booking

What if I get sick?Crisis response available 24/7 – the Office of Student Life is there to helpItaly’s healthcare system is ranked #2 in the world (W.H.O) – you’re in good handsAll students are enrolled in HTH, an international health coverage plan

Free of charge for studentsNo advance out-of-pocket payment for students to see a doctor or counselorCredentialed, English-speaking health professionals available to studentsRemember to register with HTH when you receive the email from them

Doctors and mental health professionals are also available on campus for free DO NOT cancel your domestic health insurance while you are abroad!

What about my ongoing medical needs?

Students with special needs, academic or otherwise, must contact the Moses Center prior to departure; resources and services may differ abroad www.nyu.edu/osl/csdStudents with disabilities that affect courses or housing and require special arrangements should also inform staff If you take prescriptions regularly, bring a full supply (especially ADHD meds, which are not available to adults) – DO NOT SHIP ANY MEDICATIONS, FOOD, OR TOILETRIES FROM OUTSIDE THE EUArrange ongoing counseling and any specialists needed in advance through the Wellness Exchange or the Office of Student Life (alexa.farah@nyu.edu)

Will I feel safe?NYU’s campus is monitored by security guards 24/7There is ALWAYS a NYU staff member on duty – the emergency number will be provided at orientationEmergencies in Europe (911 equivalent):

112The most common issues are petty theft and harassmentHelp us keep you safe by following staff recommendations:

Don’t invite new acquaintances to your living situationKeep belongings secure at all timesIgnore/report unwanted attentionLook out for one anotherStay awareDon’t leave your street smarts at home!

How will I stay in touch with people?

Set-up video chat accounts for yourself and for your familyPurchase a local cell phone and SIM cardUnlock your smart phone and purchase new SIM card onsite Create a communication plan

Are you going to talk daily, weekly, or say see you next semester?

Be sure to check your NYU e-mail regularlyShare your personal cell phone number with the Office of Student Life as soon as you have it

You might find yourself getting a bit anxious as you get closer to the date of your departure. 

It’s natural to be nervous before moving to new surroundings.

Some steps you can take to prepare can be found at:

www.nyu.edu/global/culturaladjustment

1 ‐‐ View the  “What is Culture” Webinar

2 ‐‐ Plan how you will Reflect on the Experience before arrival, during, and after you returnBloggingFacebookPersonal Journal

3 – Research the culture you will experience by logging into GlobeSmart :GlobeSmart is a web‐based cultural awareness training tool which provides quick and easy access to  extensive knowledge on how to engage effectively with people from countries around the world.

Preparing to Live in a New City

NYU Florence: Final RecommendationsPrioritize

Academics come firstPlan to get involved

PrepareKnow and plan for your medical needs – mental, physical, and insurancePlan for banking/financial needs –take exchange rates into accountLearn some ItalianResearch, read, and follow the What’s Next blog

Questions?Academics: florence.academicsupport@nyu.eduStudent Life: florence.studentlife@nyu.edu

Grazie!