Orientation

The following is a brief overview of the SUF’s four-day Orientation program. More complete and detailed information will be provided in the Orientation booklet that you will receive upon arrival in Florence. Be sure to check the Orientation booklet carefully for specific times and locations of all meetings and events.

Day 1 – Tuesday
Upon arrival students are met at the airport and accompanied to the hotel by SUF staff members. (Notice to Independent travelers: students not traveling on group flights must make their own arrangements for getting to the hotel. Taxis can be found just outside the airport. Approximate cost: Euro 25). Walking tours will take you to the Villa Rossa - SUF’s main building- where you will have scheduled meetings. Snacks will be available all day.

If you arrive in the afternoon, walking tours will be in the city and will acquaint students briefly with Florence (approximate length of tour: one hour).

There will be Permit of Stay meetings and Florence 101 meetings this afternoon.

Neighborhood walks will be going on this afternoon. Learn where everything is in the vicinity of SUF.

Discovery Florence students meet with Freshman Advisor, Amy Kleine in the hotel lobby just before dinner.

Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 2 – Wednesday
In the morning all SUF students are required to attend the Faculty meetings and Florence 101 meetings, if you didn’t do so on Tuesday.

Neighborhood walks will be going on this morning. Learn where everything is in the vicinity of SUF.

A buffet lunch will be served in the Villa Rossa Garden.

Apartment placement and contract signing lists are posted after lunch.

In the afternoon:

Discovery Florence Students meet faculty and register for classes              
HE Students – Apicius orientation and registration
Architecture and Studio Arts meetings (see booklet for details).
Italian Language meetings (see booklet for details)

Neighborhood walks will be going on this afternoon. Learn where everything is in the vicinity of SUF.

Dinner will be served in the hotel in the early evening.

A Housing Q&A Session with our Housing staff and Italian host families will be held in the hotel meeting room after dinner for all students in homestays.

Day 3 – Thursday
Course Descriptions and Meet the Faculty
It is strongly recommended that you attend the informal Meet the Faculty session which is your opportunity to pick up course syllabi and ask faculty members specific questions about course requirements, class schedules, etc. (see Orientation booklet for details). Even if you have already decided which courses to take, be prepared to  consider alternative possibilities in case of scheduling or other conflicts.

Host Family Descriptions will be posted in the Library and the Annex at 12:00.

A buffet lunch will be served in the Limonaia or Garden.

Neighborhood walks will be going on this afternoon. Learn where everything is in the vicinity of SUF.

You will move into your Italian homes in the afternoon (see booklet for details).

Day 4 – Friday
Registration & Student Safety meetings
All SUF students register for classes in the morning and are required to attend one of the student safety meetings at the assigned time (see booklet for details).

The Villa Rossa Coffee Bar will be open for business during the morning and lunch hour.

An internship informational meeting will be held in the afternoon (see booklet for details).

Neighborhood walks will be going on this afternoon. Learn where everything is in the vicinity of SUF.

Required Permit of Stay meetings will be held throughout the week. Check the orientation booklet for your meeting time and date.

Day 5 – Saturday Morning
Treasure Hunt!
All SUF students can participate in this Treasure Hunt. Get to know other students while learning the ins and outs of Florence. Details will be provided during orientation.

Orientation “To Do” Checklist (All Students):

Optional: