On this web page:

Accommodation

Health and Safety

Getting around Town

Making Phone Calls




ACCOMMODATION
Students will find accommodation usually in an apartment or student residence. Optional accommodation is board with a family with meal plan.

Apartment or Student Residence:
Students must provide for their own meals. NECA will give assistance for finding nearby grocery stores. It is easy in Florence to purchase typical food and to learn quickly the simplest Italian recipes. NECA staff will assist students if they need help of any kind.
Students must provide for their laundry. In Florence there are several coin-operated washing machines. NECA will give assistance for finding nearby laundromats.

Board with a Family:
Students can find accommodation in a family home with meals. Each family home is unique and offers its own resources for linguistic and cultural exchange. It is basically impossible to describe a "typical" home in Italy; each one is different. NECA encourages students to leave behind any preconceived notions and stereotypes of the "ideal" Italian family of the past, and to approach the question of housing with an open mind and the intent to take advantage of the possibilities offered by this kind of accommodation.
Students must provide for their laundry. In Florence there are several coin-operated washing machines. NECA will give assistance for finding nearby laundromats.



HEALTH AND SAFETY
Tourist Medical Services
Via Lorenzo il Magnifico 59
Ph. +39 055475411
Open: Weekdays 11:00am - 12:00pm and 5:00pm - 6:00pm.
Saturdays 11:00am - 12:00pm.

Medical Services at "Misericordia di Firenze"
Monday-Saturday 2:00pm-7:00pm
Vicolo degli Adimari 1, Ph. 055212221

English-speaking Doctors
There are many English-speaking Doctors in Florence. In case a student needs an English-speaking doctor, NECA will provide assistance.

Emergency phone numbers
113 - Police
112 - Carabinieri
118 - Ambulance
115 - Fire

E.R. Emergency Rooms - Hospitals
Policlinico di Careggi
Viale Pieraccini 17, Ph. 0554277111
In Florence the Careggi Hospital is notable for its size and clinical services.

Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova
Piazza Santa Maria Nuova 1, Ph. 05527581



GETTING AROUND TOWN
The best way to get to know your way around Florence is to walk. Florentines are often quite helpful with directions, just say "Scusi, dove è....." ("Excuse me, where is....." and the street or place you are looking for).
In the historical center you will find that most things are just a short walk away.
If students prefer to use public transportation, Florence's bus line is an efficient way to get around town and beautiful hills, where most tourists never go.

Buses
Orange ATAF buses run from 6:00am to 1:00am. They can take you almost anywhere in town. NECA staff will give all the necessary information at the orientation about how to purchase a Bus Pass for the number of days you are staying in Florence (much more convenient. Students will save time, stress, and money), or be sure to purchase your ticket before getting on the bus.

Tickets
You can purchase tickets at any NEWSSTAND, TABACCHI, or SHOP displaying the orange ATAF sign. When you board the bus validate the ticket by inserting it in the orange machine. Each ticket is valid for one hour on any bus. There are heavy fines for passengers without valid tickets.

Each bus stop, FERMATA, is marked by a large orange sign indicating the buses that stop there. You can pick-up a free route map at the ATAF info and ticket office at the train station.
NECA advises students to purchase a bus pass if they intend to take the bus many times during the week. Information about bus passes will be given at student orientation.



MAKING PHONE CALLS
To use the public pay phones it is best to buy a phone card, CARTA TELEFONICA, which usually comes in denominations of €5.00 and €10.00.
Once in Florence, you can purchase a phone card at any newsstand, bar, or Tabacchi.

To call the U.S. from Italy dial 001 + area code + number.
For international phone cards see the Useful Links web page.

To call home collect you can use your U.S. phone company calling card, just call the phone company's toll-free access number.
If you are calling from a pay phone you may need to insert a phone card (or some change) just to get a dial tone, it is a free call.

Cellular phones
Students can rent a cellular phone in Florence at special conditions for students. NECA will give all the necessary information. A good rate is €15.00/month plus traffic of 30cents/minute to call the U.S. and about 15cents/minute to call other Italian cell phones.