Campus Reviews Reflect Real Experiences
The University of Florence has a Google rating of 4.2 from 389 reviews, which is generally good. But reading the specific feedback closely, you can see that student experiences vary considerably.
A five-star user, Dariusz Prokopowicz, commented 4 months ago: “The University of Florence, gracefully centered at Piazza di San Marco 4, is frequently celebrated in my professional and local circles as a ‘Renaissance of modern thought’ that masterfully integrates Tuscany’s artistic heritage with high-stakes scientific moxie.”
Another five-star user, Naeem Khan, wrote one year ago: “Very nice environment and good quality of education. I am also student of this university but due to late appointment I will some late.”
But administrative efficiency is a clear pain point. Afonso Gonçalves gave a 1-star review 3 months ago: “They take so long to send the transcript of records and certification of stay.” And Dona Sade’s sharp criticism from 4 years ago is still relevant: “Worst student assistance in the whole world! I’ve been trying to contact them since August because I urgently need a transcript and they are ignoring me. So disappointed and also desperate because I really need my transcript and I also paid for it! One star is way too much for them!”
These reviews point to a core fact: the University of Florence’s teaching quality and learning environment are recognized, but administrative processes can be slow. For international students who need to quickly obtain a residence certificate or transcript, choosing accommodation close to the administrative office can reduce back-and-forth travel. The main campus is at P.za di San Marco, 4; housing within one kilometer allows you to handle these matters on foot.
Florence: Between Historic Center and Everyday Convenience
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance. The city itself is like an open-air museum, from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to the Uffizi Gallery, with a very high density of historical heritage. But as a student, you need to find a balance in daily life.
The city is compact; most landmarks in the historic center (Centro Storico) are walkable. The main campus of the University of Florence is near Piazza San Marco, in the north-central part of the center. Most faculties are within or on the edge of the historic center — for example, Engineering is on via di Santa Marta, Social Sciences on via delle Pandette — the latter is already beyond comfortable walking distance.
Florence’s rental market is heavily influenced by tourism. Short-term rentals (Airbnb type) in the historic center push up rents, especially during the school start season (9th month – 10th month) and tourist peak season (4th month – 10th month) where competition is fierce. For students enrolling in 2026 or 2027, it is recommended to start looking for housing at least 3–4 months in advance.
Public transport: the ATAF bus network covers the whole city. A single ticket costs €1.50 (2025 price — may be adjusted for 2026/2027), and a monthly pass is around €35. However, bus frequency is low during off-peak hours, and traffic jams are common in the center. Most people choose to walk or cycle — Florence is flat and very bike-friendly.
Student Housing Budget Ranges
The budgets below are based on typical rental market ranges for the 2026/2027 academic year in Florence. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
Shared apartment
- Single bedroom: €400–700 per month (utilities included or not depending on property)
- Location: historic center edges such as San Lorenzo, Sant’Ambrogio, Cascine areas are cheaper
- Features: shared kitchen and bathroom, usually 3–5 people
Studio / monolocale
- €700–1,100 per month
- Location: studios in the historic center are more expensive; those on the outskirts are cheaper
- Features: private kitchen and bathroom, good privacy
Student hall / collegiate
- €500–850 per month (including utilities and some meals)
- Location: concentrated in Novoli, Gavinana districts
- Features: furnished, community activities, but need to apply early
Short-term rental (3–6 months)
- 20%–30% more expensive than long-term contracts
- Suitable for exchange students or first-semester transition
Cost notes
- Deposit is usually 2–3 months’ rent
- Agency fee is 50%–100% of one month’s rent
- Registration tax (imposta di registro): if a formal contract is signed, the landlord pays 50%
Walking vs. Public Transport Trade-Off
When choosing accommodation, the core question is: how long are you willing to walk to class each day?
15-minute walk radius (about 1 km)
- Advantages: zero transport cost, high punctuality, can return to the dorm anytime. Florence’s historic center is small; from Santa Maria Novella station to Piazza San Marco takes about 12 minutes on foot.
- Suitable for: main campus (San Marco), Literature and Philosophy, Political Science students
- Rent: higher; single bedroom starts at €500
25-minute walk radius (about 1.5–2 km)
- Covers: San Lorenzo market, Sant’Ambrogio, Fortezza da Basso
- Rent: slightly lower; shared single bedroom €400–550
- Note: summer (7th month–8th month) in Florence is hot; a 25-minute walk may make you sweat
Bus/bicycle 15 minutes (2–5 km)
- Suitable for: Novoli campus (Law, Sociology), Careggi campus (Medicine), Sesto Fiorentino campus
- Monthly bus pass cost about €35 (indicative — confirm with the operator)
- Bicycle: second-hand bike about €100–200, commute time cut in half
- Rent: significantly lower; shared single bedroom €350–500, studio €600–800
Trade-Off Suggestions
- If your main campus is San Marco and your budget allows (monthly rent above €600), choose an apartment within a 15-minute walk.
- If your faculty is in Novoli or the suburbs, choose an area near the tram line (Tramvia) — the T1 line goes from Santa Maria Novella station to Careggi, running every 5–7 minutes, the most reliable public transport.
- Do not underestimate Florence’s tourist flow. Living in the historic center means walking through crowds every day to get to class — annoying but scenic. Living in the suburbs (e.g., Novoli) is quieter, more local, and cheaper.
Building Your Shortlist: How to Filter Nearby Accommodation
There is no universal “best apartment.” Your shortlist should be based on the following logic:
Step 1: Determine your commute needs
List your main class locations. The University of Florence has several campuses:
- Main campus: P.za di San Marco, 4 (center)
- Novoli campus: Law, Economics, Social Sciences
- Careggi campus: Medicine, Health Sciences
- Sesto Fiorentino campus: Science, Technology
Find the address of your department’s building (check the university website or email confirmation). Then mark these points on a map.
Step 2: Choose your search area
- If main campus is central: search within 1 km of San Marco, Duomo, San Lorenzo, Piazza della Repubblica. Note: apartments near the cathedral are noisy (tourist crowds, bells).
- If Novoli campus: search in Novoli, Leopolda, Parco delle Cascine. Novoli has a tram direct to the main campus (about 15 minutes), rent is 30%–40% lower than the center.
- If Careggi campus: search in Careggi, Rifredi, Piazza della Libertà. Rifredi has many student halls.
Step 3: Check nearby facilities
- Supermarket: a Conad, Coop, or Esselunga within a 10-minute walk
- Transport: nearest bus stop or tram stop within 500 m
- Quietness: avoid main roads (Viali di Circonvallazione) and bar-dense areas (e.g., Santo Spirito)
- Laundry: does the apartment have a washing machine, or is there a laundromat nearby
Step 4: Contact the landlord/agency
- Use legitimate rental platforms (e.g., Immobiliare.it, Subito.it) or a local agency
- Ask for a student-friendly contract (contratto ad uso abitativo per studenti), usually 4+4 years with a one-month notice to terminate
- New regulation for 2026: all rental contracts must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, otherwise they may be invalid
Step 5: Final confirmation
- Request a video tour (if not locally present)
- Confirm whether utilities are included in the rent
- Ask whether the garbage tax (TARI) is paid by the landlord
- Request an English contract or an English translation
Example shortlist (based on common rental market options, not specific brands):
- Via dei Ginori area apartment: 8-minute walk to main campus, studio from €600, shared room from €450
- Novoli student community: 10 minutes by tram to main campus, shared room €300–400, near large supermarket
- Sant’Ambrogio area: 15-minute walk to main campus, near market, studio from €500
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to apply for student housing at the University of Florence, and how far in advance?
The application time depends on the operator. DSU Toscana (the regional student welfare agency) scholarship housing usually opens applications in June–July each year, with a deadline in the 9th month. The application requires an ISEE (economic status certificate) or equivalent document. Places are limited; it is recommended to start preparing materials in the 4th month of 2026. Other private student residences (e.g., The Student Hotel series in Novoli) are open year-round but are more expensive. All waiting times are indicative — confirm with the operator.
I need to enroll in the 9th month of 2026; is it too early to start looking for housing now (early 2026)?
It is not too early, but there is no need to sign a contract immediately. Most landlords do not accept signing more than 2–3 months in advance. A reasonable schedule for 2026 is: research areas and budget in the 3rd–4th month, contact agencies and do online viewings in the 5th–6th month, confirm and pay the deposit in the 7th–8th month. If you are in Europe, you can come one week early to view properties in person. Note: the 9th month start of semester sees high demand; it is safer to secure accommodation by the end of the 7th month.
Is it safe to return to my accommodation at night if I live outside the historic center?
Overall, Florence is safe, but like other European cities, be aware of pickpockets (especially at transport hubs and tourist areas). Residential areas such as Novoli, Rifredi, and Gavinana are quiet at night with adequate street lighting. The Careggi area is near the hospital and has 24-hour traffic. Avoid walking alone through remote sections of Cascine Park. Female students are advised to choose apartments with a doorman (portiere) or electronic access. City public transport operates normally until 11 p.m., with night buses (N lines) running less frequently.
Data as of January 2026. All prices, ratings, and reviews are based on public data. Market conditions may change; it is recommended to confirm the latest information directly with the operator.
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