Accommodations are very different in most cases from what students are familiar with in Ames. Apartments in Rome are arranged by the College of Design. Apartments are typically clustered in several areas in the historic center of the city, usually within a reasonable walking distance of the studio. It should be noted that not all of the apartments have Internet access, and the College of Design can't request that it be installed. All housing costs, including rent and a utility/damage deposit, are charged to your U-bill. Following the end of the semester, utility and damage (if any) costs are added up and subtracted from the deposit, with the remainder being credited back to your U-bill.

 

You will be provided with information about your housing options in the semester prior to the program. You will be asked to organize yourselves into groups according to the number of apartments and how many beds are available in each. Typically, apartments accommodate four or six students, but larger groups of 10 or 12 are often available, too. Apartments will be distributed on the basis of student preferences whenever possible, and flexibility on everyone's part will make the distribution process run much more smoothly.

 

All of the apartments are furnished and come supplied with dishes, cooking equipment, towels and linens. Of course, if you are particular about the quality of the linens you use, you can choose to bring basic twin bed sheets and a towel. Ikea is also a popular choice where students purchase extra items after arrival. Note that having your own towel is advantageous when traveling outside of Italy, as those in hotels, if provided at all, seem to get smaller the further east you travel. Washcloths, or face cloths as we know them, do not exist in Italy, so be sure to bring some with you.