Life in Florence

You can choose to travel to Florence with a group of Kent State Florence students and a group flight leader.  The group flight is coordinated by a local travel agent who handles all the logistics and is on-call during the students’ travel day.   

Most students studying in Florence for a full semester will be required to apply for a visa.  The Kent State Florence program is able to provide guidance through this process and also offers group processing for students committed to the program. 

Kent State University arranges housing accommodations on behalf of students prior to their arrival in Florence.  Students stay in apartments throughout the heart of Florence.  Apartments are fully furnished with bed linens, a kitchen, washing machine, tv, and wifi.  Apartments are shared with two to eight other students in the program, gender-inclusive housing is available, and it is possible to submit a roommate request. 

All students who participate in the Kent State Florence program are enrolled in an international health insurance policy that provides coverage for any international destination where the student may travel during their time abroad.  

Before departure, you can choose to join in on our Flashes to Florentines pre-departure series where you have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to live like a Florentine in the heart of the city center, practice conversational Italian language, and learn about important resources for health and wellness – including coping with culture shock. 

Before you leave and upon your arrival in Florence, you'll participate in an orientation designed to help you make the most out of your study abroad experience.  In orientation, your goals will be to... 

• orient yourself to the city of Florence. 
• develop the awareness you need to observe and learn from different cultures. 
• discover the businesses and organizations in Florence. 
• access the tools you will need to succeed academically, personally, and safely.

You will participate in an on-site orientation designed to help you make the most of your experience. Orientation includes walking tours, safety information, health and wellness resources and more!

Student Life Coordinators

Housing Support

Counseling and Wellbeing Services

• It takes a lot of courage to participate in an education abroad experience, and the Counseling and Wellbeing Services team at Kent State University Florence will help students utilize this courage to reach their academic and personal goals while studying abroad. The study abroad experience can present special challenges which may be transformed into opportunities for growth.
• The Counseling and Wellbeing Services team is committed to creating a warm, safe, and inclusive atmosphere where students are provided the opportunity to utilize their strengths to help them rise to challenges that they face while studying abroad.
• Some challenges may include, but are not limited to, shifts in relationships with partners, friends, roommates, and/or family, adjusting to Florentine and/or study abroad culture, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, ADHD, or any other mental health and wellness concerns. The counseling services are free, confidential, and available all throughout the year, so students can feel free to explore their concerns in a safe, inclusive environment. 

The Kent State Florence Student Life staff operates a 24/7 emergency phone line that is accessible to all students in the Kent State Florence program.

Due to the longevity of the Kent State Florence program and the reputation that Kent State has in Florence, our program offers unparalleled access to opportunities in the city including:

• Lecture series
• Cultural events
• Cultural activities
• Academic field trips