19 Housing

For historical reasons, the University of Bologna does not have a campus similar to an American university. University buildings are located in various sections of the city. However, Bologna is a medium-size city that is easy to navigate by foot, bike or bus with easy access to university classes. Local students usually live in shared apartments that are a 10 to 40 minute walk from their classes. And they do most of their own cooking at home or eat out. All neighborhoods have fresh fruit and vegetable markets, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, stores, gyms, and theaters.

BCSP students primarily live in apartment-style or corridor-style residences with a mix of Italian, international and/or BCSP students. The housing options are located either in the city center or within walking distance to the center. It is easy for BCSP students to meet up with each other in the city or at the BCSP office. BCSP students often say how happy they are to widen their social circles through their friends’ Italian roommates. While it’s possible to meet Italian and international students in class, living with Italian peers provides another consistent and familiar way to improve language skills, be involved in the culture, and integrate into the academic and social environment in Bologna.

Upon acceptance to the program, IU Education Abroad sends students a housing provider overview and, after reviewing their options, students are asked to submit a preference form to the BCSP office in Bologna. Students are highly encouraged to arrange housing from the U.S. as soon as they receive the overview. Housing providers generally work first-come, first-served and do not hold aside places for BCSP students. The BCSP staff helps put housing providers and students in touch with one another so that the process of confirming housing may begin. The process typically consists in paying the security deposit by bank wire or credit card and signing a contract proposal. The BCSP staff is always available for linguistic and cross-cultural support for both the student and the housing provider. BCSP students have had positive previous experiences with the housing offered.

At the start of orientation, BCSP arranges accommodation in a hotel near the office to give students time to settle into the city and make arrangements for moving in. Apartments are furnished but students need to shop for personal items such as sheets, towels, blankets, and some kitchen supplies (not always applicable). As a student- friendly city, Bologna is full of inexpensive home-accessories stores.