NYU Florence

1. NYU Florence Fall 2013 Pre-departure Orientation

2. Cinque Domande Veloci Five Quick Questions

3. What is the color of the Florence soccer team?

4. Fiorentina - Viola

5. What common ingredient is absent in Tuscan bread?

6. Salt

7. What famous bridge currently known for selling high end jewelry, was originally home to the city’s butchers?

8. Ponte Vecchio

9. How many statues of Michelangelo’s David are in Florence?

10. At least three . . . .

11. What is NYU Florence? • A renowned center for international learning and exchange • Each semester roughly 350 NYU and visiting students, freshman to graduate level • Courses are taught by outstanding local and visiting scholars • 57-acre estate • Staff provides a full range of student support services • Classes incorporate on-site learning, lectures, performances, and participation in international conferences

12. What is on campus? Villa Ulivi Academic Support Classrooms Library Cafe Villa Sassetti Conference Center La Pietra Dialogues Global Research Initiative Classrooms Villa La Pietra Art Collection Classroom Formal Gardens Graduate Program Immigration Office Villa Natalia Student Life Dormitory Villa Colletta Dormitory Classrooms

13. Who is NYU Florence? Mary Barbera Assistant Director for Student Life Lisa Cesarani Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Ellyn Toscano Executive Director Sabrina Melillo Immigration and Facilities Coordinator Alexa Farah Programming Coordinator AND MANY OTHERS! Academics: florence.academicsupport@nyu.edu, Student Life: florence.studentlife@nyu.edu

14. What will I study? The Liberal Studies Core of Writing, Social Foundations, and Cultural Foundations, as well as Italian Language Students will be registered for their coursework by Liberal Studies Average class size is 16 students All students must study Italian language (cannot be taken pass/fail) All students must enroll in Global Encounters: Italian Society and Culture Coursework is rigorous; attendance is expected and required; absences will negatively affect grades All course textbooks are available at local bookstores or through campus library

15. Global Encounters: Italian Culture and Society • What is the course about? • Creates a common community building experience for all students on NYU Global Study Away programs • Introduces key historical, social and cultural issues in Italy today • Provides a basis to understand and explore these issues • How does it work? • Four cluster groups • Five group discussions • Two papers • Series of program sponsored events, lectures, & conferences

16. Where will I attend class? • On campus, in classrooms or in the historic art collection and gardens of Villa La Pietra • In 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 syllabi • Costs are included in tuition

17. Where will I study? • On Campus • Villa Ulivi Library • Open Monday through Friday • Sunday hours • Campus Lounges with Wi-Fi • Villa Natalia • Villa Sassetti • Villa Ulivi Café • Computer Labs with Printers • Villa Natalia • Villa Ulivi • Villa Sassetti • Off Campus • British Institute Library • Bibliotecadelle Oblate • BibiotecaMarucelliana • Palazzo Giovane

18. La Pietra Dialogues • Convenes some of the world’s foremost scholars, policy makers, practitioners, business leaders, public intellectuals and artists to confront critical issues of contemporary society • Provides students unique access to distinguished guests on campus through small group meetings, breakfasts, and workshops that promote one-on-one interaction • Runs work study and volunteer programs that involve students in the development and organization of events • Features student work – writing, photography, etc. – on the LPD website • Get involved and volunteer with LPD : lapietra.dialogues@nyu.edu

19. 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 club • Creative Writing, Studio Arts, Philosophy, Culinary, Knitting, Running, etc. • Participate in student life activities • Day trips, cooking lessons, theater and sports events, museum visits, residence life programming

20. Can I work or volunteer? • Federal Work Study • 20-25 positions available throughout the campus • La Pietra Dialogues • 4 Work Study positions • Core group of volunteers • Community Service • Weekly commitments • Large-scale events

21. What’s the city like? • Dynamic international learning community • Capital of Tuscany, most populated city in the region – 380,000 • Unesco World Heritage Site attracting visitors from all over the world • Seat of one of Italy’s most prestigious universities • Home to the EU’s only university and historic archives • Founded by the Romans, birthplace of the Renaissance, one-time capital of Italy • World class center for fine and performing arts, both historical and contemporary

22. What do I need to do before I get there? • Read all How Tuesday Newsletters • Get your visa • Submit all required forms by June 15th • Book your flight & submit flight details to NYU Traveler by June 15th • Register with the Moses Center (if applicable)

23. How do I pay my bill? • E-bills ONLY, sent to NYU email address • Fall 2013 bills are generated in July • You can authorize a parent or other individual to have access to your E-bill • Payment is made directly to the Bursar • Estimated Housing Charge will be posted on E-bill and must be paid in full prior to arrival • The estimated housing charge is a “placeholder charge” until assignments are finalized • Once 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 program • Questions? Visit the NYU Bursar Web-site for details

24. How will I afford everything? • Most students use their credit and debit cards – exchange rates are favorable, but contact your bank about fees • Figure 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 expenses • Airfare, food, toiletries, medicine, laundry, spring break trips, activities, etc. • Checks are not accepted and traveler’s checks are difficult and expensive to cash • Be aware of the exchange rate and fees for currency conversion • http://www.xe.com

25. What should I pack? • Suggested items • Back pack for weekend trips and groceries • Plug adapters • Battery-operated travel alarm clock • Any medication you need (and copies of the prescription written in the generic term) • Comfortable shoes • Camera (with battery charger) • Toiletries you love – the brands may be different or expensive abroad • Leave it home • Linens • Kitchen utensils • Appliances (e.g. hairdryer) • Electricity converter – they don’t work! • Contact your airline before you pack to find out luggage restrictions • Put passport, immigration documents, medication, and valuables (e.g. laptop, camera) in your CARRY-ON luggage Are your computer files backed up? Consider bringing an external hard drive.

26. When do I have to be there? • LS students must arrive on August 26th and complete check-in • LS Academic Orientation and Freshman Welcome is on August 27th (the date the upperclassmen arrive) • Mandatory All Student Orientation held on August 28th: Includes the entire Florence student body! • Students must check out of housing by noon on December 13th • If you arrive earlier or depart later than program dates, you must find your own accommodations and are responsible for your immigration status. No exceptions!

27. Arrival and Check-in Check-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 arrival Staff will be at the Florence Airport (Peretola) during shuttle times Transportation from the check-in location to housing is carried out only within official check-in hours Students 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 only It may be several hours before students will be able to contact family; let family know!

28. Orientation Orientation is for students, though there is a parent reception on August 27th Orientation activities continue through the weekend Mandatory sessions are on academics, policies, health and safety, and housing Optional 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, Aug. 29th

29. Where will I live? All students must live in NYU Florence housing Assignments are based on submissions to the Study Away Confirmation Portal and availability Single rooms are limited Meal plan required for On-Campus housing: includes breakfast and dinner; the cafeteria is also open for lunch but students pay out of pocket for midday meals Actual housing prices are available online and via Study Away Confirmation Portal Housing assignments are sent to students’ NYU e-mail accounts 2 weeks before check-in Housing is not provided after check-out day Academic Year students do not have access to housing between Fall and Spring semesters

30. On-Campus Housing • Villa Natalia and Villa Colletta • 24/7 Gate Security and Reception • Bedrooms with en suite (Natalia) or communal (Colletta) bathrooms • Meal Plan: breakfast and dinner daily • Lunch a la carte on weekdays (not included in the meal plan) • Communal refrigerators, sink, microwave • Cleaning and linens service (sheets, towels, blankets, pillows provided but bring a towel – not white - for travel) • Coin-operated laundry machines • Exercise room • Air-conditioning • Computer labs • Ethernet in the rooms, Wireless in common areas • Overnight guests not permitted

31. 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 advance • A 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 charge • Schedule visits around fall break and/or Italian holidays

32. How will I meet people? • Meeting people on campus • Arrival week mixers • Activities, clubs and events • Conferences, concerts, film and lecture series • Interaction in classrooms, housing, cafeteria, and café • Large-scale community service • Meeting people in Florence • DSU, Scambio Dinners, and other immersion activities • Community service placements • Palazzo Giovane and the Oblate • Local associations and clubs (sports, the arts, hobbies, etc.)

33. How do I get around? • Florence is a compact and walkable city • It’s a 30-minute walk from campus to central Florence • The #25 bus stops right next to campus, and it’s a 10-15 minute ride to central Florence • Taxis can be found throughout the city and are easy to call – information will be provided upon arrival • Florence 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

34. How do I arrange my personal travel? • Choose times when you’re sure you don’t have academic obligations • Ask faculty, staff, friends and family for suggestions • Attend the Travel session during orientation • Do some research online and in the library • Most students travel by train or discount airline • Hostels are inexpensive, but read reviews to ensure they’re safe and clean before booking

35. What if I get sick? • Crisis response available 24/7 – the Office of Student Life is there to help • Italy’s healthcare system is ranked #2 in the world (W.H.O) – you’re in good hands • All students are enrolled in HTH, an international health coverage plan • Free of charge for students • No advance out-of-pocket payment for students to see a doctor or counselor • Credentialed, English-speaking health professionals available to students • Remember 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!

36. 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/csd • Students 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 EU • Arrange ongoing counseling and any specialists needed in advance through the Wellness Exchange or the Office of Student Life (alexa.farah@nyu.edu)

37. Will I feel safe? • NYU’s campus is monitored by security guards 24/7 • There is ALWAYS a NYU staff member on duty – the emergency number will be provided at orientation • Emergencies in Europe (911 equivalent): • 112 • The most common issues are petty theft and harassment • Help us keep you safe by following staff recommendations: • Don’t invite new acquaintances to your living situation • Keep belongings secure at all times • Ignore/report unwanted attention • Look out for one another • Stay aware • Don’t leave your street smarts at home!

38. How will I stay in touch with people? • Set-up video chat accounts for yourself and for your family • Purchase a local cell phone and SIM card • Unlock your smart phone and purchase new SIM card onsite • Create a communication plan • Are you going to talk daily, weekly, or say see you in the summer? • Be sure to check your NYU e-mail regularly • Share your personal cell phone number with the Office of Student Life as soon as you have it

39. Transition Tips 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 • View the “What is Culture” Webinar • Plan how you will reflect on the experience before arrival, during, and after you return • Research the culture you will experience by logging into GlobeSmart. (Link to come in a later newsletter but available through NYUHome.) • Remember: • Study away AND freshman year are both processes, not events. You’re going to get used to both over time. • Trust your experience • Call on tools that have worked • Stay curious • You are not alone!

40. NYU Florence: Final Recommendations • Prioritize • Academics come first • Plan to get involved • Prepare • Know and plan for your medical needs – mental, physical, and insurance • Plan for banking/financial needs – take exchange rates into account • Learn some Italian • Research, read, and keep up to date on your How Tuesday newsletters • Questions? • Academics: florence.academicsupport@nyu.edu • Student Life: florence.studentlife@nyu.edu

41. Grazie!