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SAIS EUROPE 2020-21 Admitted Student Guide
Getting you ready for life in Bologna!
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What’s Inside TABLE OF CONTENTS
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Important Contacts………………………………………………………………….3
Academic Calendar………………………………………………………………….4
Arrival Information.…………………………………………………………………..4
Orientation & Welcome Week……………………………………………………..4
Getting to Bologna…………………………………………………………………...5
Tuition and Payment………………………………………………………………….5
On-Campus Employment……………………………………………………….…..6
Obtaining a Visa……………………………………………………………….………7
Health Insurance………………………………………………………...…………..10
What to Bring………………………………………………………………………….10
LIFE IN BOLOGNA
Housing…………………………………………………………………………………..13
Getting Around Bologna……………………………………………………………..18
Student Health Services……………………………………………………………..19
Mail & Delivery.………………………………………………………………………...19
Communication………………………………..……………………………………….20
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+39 051 29 17 811
Gabrielle Calabro, Director [email protected]
SAIS Europe Student Life [email protected]
Daniela Coleman, Director [email protected] Amina Abdiuahab, Assistant Director [email protected] SAIS Europe Admissions & Recruiting [email protected]
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Academic Calendar
The 2020-2021 Academic Calendar can be found here. The calendar is subject to revision as needed.
Holidays: Neither Italian nor American holidays are observed at SAIS Europe with the exception of the Monday after
the Easter Holiday. This is to help coordinate the schedule of our adjunct faculty who travel to Bologna each week to
teach and align our academic calendar with the Washington, D.C. campus. Students are generally given a two-week
break in December, a week-long intersession break in January, and a week-long break in March.
Arrival Information
Pre-Term Arrivals
Over 75% of SAIS Europe students choose to participate in Pre-Term, an academic session that runs throughout
August before the start of the official academic year. Pre-Term allows students to get a head-start on their quantitative
reasoning course requirements by taking courses in Microeconomics and Statistics, and it also gives students a
chance to immerse themselves in Survival Italian, Intensive Italian, or Intensive English.
Students participating in Pre-Term will be welcomed to campus starting Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14,
2020. Several Open House sessions will be held throughout the week in order to acclimate students to campus and
start the residency permit process. Students must attend at least one Open House session; additional details will be
sent to students via their JHU email during the summer.
The mandatory Orientation session will be held on Monday, August 17 after the first day of classes, followed by a
Welcome Aperitivo in the SAIS Europe Penthouse.
Welcome Week Arrivals
Students who are not participating in Pre-Term and are joining for the start of the regular academic year should plan to
be in Bologna no later than Monday, September 14. Students who do not have housing arrangements made in
advance of their arrival to Bologna are recommended to arrive even earlier.
Welcome Week, is an opportunity for students to get to know their peers, staff, and faculty and to learn about the
mission and vision of the institution. Welcome Week also features our annual Director's Dinner and SAIS Europe
Faculty Debate.
Welcome Week programing is mandatory for all students and will be held from Wednesday, September 16—Friday,
September 18, 2020.
**Non-EU citizens are required to apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days of their arrival to Italy. The
process of applying and obtaining a Permesso di Soggiorno is managed by the Office of Student Life, and students will
require documentation from the SAIS Europe campus in order to successfully apply. Therefore, Students arriving to
Italy before these recommended dates must contact the Director of Student Life to set up an appointment.
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Getting to Bologna
We highly recommend that students flying to Italy make arrangements to land at the Aeroporto Gugliemo Marconi,
Bologna’s international airport (BLQ). This way, you will be able to take a taxi directly to campus (ask to go to via
Beniamino Andreatta 3 ) or you can also take the Aerobus, (https://aerobus.bo.it/), a shuttle that runs every 20
minutes from the airport to the central train station. More information on transportation in Bologna is detailed in a later
section.
However, students may also wish to fly into one of several other cities in Italy and then arrive to Bologna by train.
While losing some convenience, this may result in lower airfare depending on your own particular situation. Please
also factor the costs of trains and taxis into your final calculation before making a decision.
Students arriving to Bologna by automobile should be aware that driving is prohibited in many parts of the city center,
especially during weekends, and parking is very limited. Due to the frequency of petty theft, we recommend that
students do not leave personal items of value in their cars while they are unattended. In addition, driving as a regular
means of transportation is difficult for non-residents. For more information about bringing a car to Bologna, please
contact the Director of Student Life ([email protected]).
Tuition and Payment
In the case of tuition payments, if a transfer has not arrived before the deadline, you will need to provide proof of the
incoming payment. A late payment fee of € 150 will be assessed if payment is received after the due date. When
making your Pre-Term deposit, you must send a copy of your payment receipt with your registration form. Please see
below for program deposit costs and general tuition deadlines
All fees payable to SAIS Europe should be in euros. Those who wish to pay in U.S. dollars may do so by using the
exchange rate on the date they make their payment (when converting dollars to euro internally, JHU uses a rate that is
the www.oanda.com interbank rate plus 1%). The same method can be used when initiating a bank transfer to JHU. It
is important to note that due to exchange rate fluctuations between the time a funds transfer is initiated and the time
these funds are credited to JHU, the amount required to cover tuition may decrease or increase slightly.
A reconciliation transaction will be made once the student arrives in Bologna, and the student will be notified in the
event they have a small positive or negative balance.
Extra funds from loans cannot be issued to students until the loan has been approved, processed and disbursed.
Therefore, you should not count on having such funds available immediately upon arrival in order to cover your living
expenses. Loan refunds can only be issued after the first day of classes.
Questions regarding payments or exchange rates should be addressed to the SAIS Europe Business Office at:
Items of Note:
Please remember that if you received financial aid, only half of it can be used towards your
fall tuition (the difference will be applied in the spring
U.S. Veterans entitled to benefits should have their files transferred to the Washington, D.C.
Campus to the attention of the Registrar. Do not have it sent to Bologna.
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Tuition and Payment (continued)
Information on tuition payments for the academic year and for pre-term will be provided in
March 2020. For current tuition and fee details, please visit the Financial Aid Office website:
https://www.sais-jhu.edu/content/financial-aid-office#tuition-and-expenses
On Campus Employment
Employment opportunities are available in several areas of SAIS Europe and in the general Bologna community as
well. Positions cannot be reserved in advance. All candidates for employment must apply upon arrival. Students can
work up to a maximum of 60 hours per month, but on average should expect to work less. Teaching Assistants earn
€ 11.00 per hour. Payment for all other positions is € 8.50 per hour. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are paid
through the Johns Hopkins Student Payroll Office in Baltimore. You may contact the Business Office for more details
at: [email protected].
Examples of Available Positions:
Library positions: The library offers regular part-time work for approximately 8 students each year. Students
work between 10-12 hours per week, and schedules are flexible, weekend and evening work required.
Research and Teaching Positions: There are a number of teaching and research positions available at SAIS
Europe. Recruitment for such positions is conducted directly by the faculty member in question. Faculty will
typically send out an email to the class or post an announcement on the bulletin board toward the beginning of
the academic year. Necessary qualifications and hours per week vary according to position.
BIPR Student Assistants: The Bologna Institute for Policy Research (BIPR) hires around 10 students
throughout the academic year.
Various Departments: Positions are available in the following offices/areas annually: Information and
Technology Services, Student Life, Alumni and Development, Admissions and Outreach, Public Affairs,
Language Department, and Reception. The Center for Constitutional Studies and Democratic Development
(CCSDD) also hires several interns. Students will be made aware of positions as they become available.
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Obtaining a Visa
All students of non-EU citizenship are required to obtain a student visa to study at SAIS Europe. If you possess EU
citizenship, you do NOT need a visa, but you must make sure to have a valid passport from any of the European
Union Member States.
The Admissions Office staff at SAIS Europe will be happy to advise students on the visa process. However, you are
responsible for making arrangements and acquiring your own student visa. Please read all the following
information before contacting Admissions staff with questions.
SAIS Europe will be hosting an online presentation and Q&A session in mid-May to discuss the visa application
process and answer questions.
You will need to apply for a multiple-entry type “D” visa for study purposes (visto per motivi di studio) for the
full duration of the academic year (type C is valid only for three months). The visa is normally attached to your
passport. Without it you may be able to enter Italy, but you will not be granted a permesso di soggiorno (residence
permit), which you will need to remain in Italy for the academic year.
Application Process
1. Determine the Italian Embassy or Consulate via which you will need to apply for your visa: Each Italian
Embassy or Consulate has a certain jurisdiction, and they will only process visa applications for individuals
whose established residence is within their jurisdiction. You will be expected to provide proof of this in the form
of a driver's license, utility bill, lease, or other documentation. You will also be expected to submit your visa
application in person. In some cases, honorary consulates may be able to accept your visa application; they will
review it and send it to the main consulate of the region. However, while this might seem more inconvenient,
using an honorary consulate typically makes the process take considerably longer than visiting the primary
regional consulate in person.
Current U.S. Residents: please click here to locate the consulate nearest to you:
Non-U.S. Residents: For those residing outside of the United States, please visit the
website for the Italian Embassy in your particular country of residence
Individuals living/working outside of their home country: If you are working or doing an
internship abroad during the summer, the Italian Consulate in your host country may process
your visa, but this is at the discretion of the individual consulate. An Italian Consulate is
obligated to process your visa only if you are currently working/residing in that country and
have a valid visa to prove your status. If you plan to acquire your visa from a consulate
outside of your home country, you should contact the relevant consulate as soon as possible
to find out if they will process your visa, and what additional paperwork they may
require. Application requirements can vary depending on the country and the consulate.
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Obtaining a Visa (continued)
2. Schedule your visa application appointment as soon as possible: Most Italian Consulates now require
appointments for all visa applicants, and in the United States, most consulates also allow you to schedule your
appointment online. We recommend that you request your appointment as far in advance as possible as
appointments fill up quickly. Processing times vary from consulate to consulate; getting your visa could take
anywhere from a week to more than a month and in some cases much longer so apply for your visa as early
as possible—but no earlier than 90 days before the start date of pre-term. Applications submitted prior to
that date will be refused by the Consular Office, and you will then need to make a new appointment.
3. Compile all the necessary documents for your visa application: In mid-May, the Admissions Office will
issue "letters of support" to all incoming SAIS Europe students who are not citizens of a European Union
Member State. These letters provide proof of your status as a student, proof of lodging, and proof of health
insurance.
Your admission letter will include information on any scholarship award.
Visa Application Materials
When applying for your visa, you will also need to provide the following items:
Completed national visa application (a sample form will be made available in March 2020): The
form is available on the website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate you’ll be applying from.
One passport style photo: If you’re unsure what the size of the photo should be, please check online.
For those applying from the U.S., the photo must meet the U.S. State Department’s passport photo re-
quirements.
Original passport: Your passport must be valid through August 31, 2021 (if your academic year ends in
May 2021) or through December 2021 (if your academic year ends in September 2020); it must be signed
in the designated place; and have at least two blank pages to which the visa can be affixed. You will be
expected to surrender your passport to the Italian Consulate while your visa is being processed.
Color photocopies of the ID page of your passport.
Documentation attesting to financial sustainability while in Italy: The minimum requirement is
$1,000 for each month in Italy plus full tuition for the academic year, which comes to a total of
approximately $50,000. Documentation can be any combination of the following:
a) Copy of Financial Aid award letter issued by the SAIS Financial Aid Office, listing fellowships and/
or loans. To request an award letter for visa purposes, please contact [email protected]
after March 15, 2020.
b) Self-sponsored students: official letter on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official,
indicating your current account balance.
c) Students sponsored by parents: notarized Affidavit of Support stating that your parents will
assume full financial responsibility for you during your stay and an official letter on bank letterhead
and signed by a bank official, indicating your parents’ current account balance.
d) Flight itinerary
The itinerary should show your arrival date in Italy, but many students choose to book with an
open-ended departure date.
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Obtaining a Visa (continued)
Visa Application Materials
e) Visa fee payment: Italian student visas are subject to a €50 fee charged by the Italian Foreign
Ministry. This fee must be paid in the currency of the country in which you are applying. For students
applying in the U.S., the payment must be submitted by either cashier's check or money order (personal
checks, credit cards, and cash aren't accepted at this time), and should be made payable to the
consulate for your jurisdiction, based on your residency. Please note: some consulates charge the fee
exactly, and other Consulates charge the fee rounded up to the nearest dollar. Consult your consulate's
web page to determine the exact visa fee for your application. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent
resident, click here to find your consulate.
Additionally, it is important to note that each consulate acts independently, and may require documents additional to
what is listed above, such as travel insurance or photocopies of the entire application packet. Check your consulate's
website to see what additional material they require well in advance of your appointment.
Visa Application Process (continued)
4. Go to your appointment and submit your visa application: When you submit your visa application,
they will tell you when you can come back and pick it up. This process can take anywhere from
one week to a month, maybe more if there are problems with your application.
If you have travel plans or need your passport back within a certain time, make sure the
Consular Officer knows when you submit the application, and you will be expected to
provide documentation (such as a flight itinerary) to prove that you need the passport back
by a certain date.
5. Double-checking your visa: When you receive your visa, don’t assume it’s correct. Make sure you
double check the following:
The visa is a type D for study purposes (visto per motivi di studio) and it covers the duration
of the academic year.
The visa allows multiple entry
The visa request letter the Admissions Office provided is stamped with “Vistato” by the
Embassy or Consulate.
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Health Insurance
In accordance with University policy and Italian immigration regulations, all SAIS Europe students are required to
have a health insurance policy that is valid in Italy. As such, all students will be automatically billed for and enrolled in
a U.S.-based insurance policy through the university, provided by Wellfleet Insurance. However, EU or EEA citizens
who are enrolled in their national health service or students who already have alternative, equivalent coverage may
complete an online waiver to be exempt from the plan and fee. More information will be provided during the summer,
but the deadline to waive from the University health plan is September 30, 2020.
Students choosing to waive from the University-sponsored coverage must be aware that the requirements for the
health insurance when you apply for your visa may be different from the requirement when you apply for the
permesso di soggiorno in Bologna. For the purpose of the permesso di soggiorno, the local police need evidence in
Italian or English that you are covered for the full duration of the academic year.
Students with European Passports
Students of EU and EEA citizenship do not need a permesso di soggiorno and will also qualify for the online waiver
from the university insurance plan if they are enrolled in their national health service. Prior to departure, students
should register with the health authorities in their country of citizenship in order to access health services in Italy.
What to Bring
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, we have detailed a few items here in order to help you gather and
organize the items you may need during your time in Bologna.
1. Passport & Visa
2. Medical Information: If you currently take medications, talk to your healthcare provider about
arrangements for continuing your medication regimen abroad. Any medications taken overseas should
be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. You should carry a letter from your physician
describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including generic names of
prescription drugs. Be prepared for the possibility of having to see a physician abroad, to authorize
continued treatment during your time overseas.
We strongly urge students to inform the Director of Student Life of any medical conditions
or prescription needs as early as possible; more information about Student Health and
Support is detailed in a following section.
Prescription medications for attention-deficit related disorders are not available in Italy.
Students in need of these medications should contact the Office of Student Life as soon
as possible.
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What to Bring (continued)
3. Clothing: Bologna is a four-season environment with a substantial variety in temperature and weather
patterns. The weather is quite hot and humid through late summer, and the winters can be very cold and
damp. In general, we recommend that you bring wardrobe pieces that are versatile and transitional in
order to save yourself space. In addition, dryers are not common in Italy, so we suggest bringing clothes
that drip-dry easily. Here are some suggested items to help you prepare:
Athletic clothes: During the warmer months, you may wish to participate in sporting events in one
of Bologna's many parks. In addition, students have access to several University of Bologna gym
and recreational facilities.
Winter Wear: Warm coat, gloves, scarves, and shoes designed for walking on slippery surfaces
during periods of rain and snow are essential for the winter.
Professional Attire: SAIS Europe frequently hosts government officials, ambassadors, and
dignitaries—for these occasions, you should think about bringing a flexible range of business
casual and professional pieces. We also recommend that you bring at least one interview outfit that
could be used when searching for internships or professional positions while you are in Bologna.
Formalwear: Each year, the SAIS Europe Office of Student Life and Student Government
organize a cohort trip to the Vienna Ball of Sciences. If you think you would like to attend, you may
want to bring ballroom-attire from home (formal dress, tuxedos, black suits, footwear, and more
formal outerwear).
4. Money
Cash: Have access to at least 1,500 euros to cover the first few days’ expenses. For housing pur-
poses, students should expect to pay 2-3 months rent in addition to various fees before they move
into an apartment.
Debit Cards: Bring a debit card with four-digit personal identification number (PIN)—this way you
will be able to withdraw funds directly from your home checking account. Typically this will give you
the most favorable exchange rates.
International Transfers: Students should check with their local banks for information regarding
international wire transfer information as fees vary and can accumulate quickly. We recommend
that students research various money transfer services , such as Transferwise, in order to
reduce these fees as much as possible.
Italian Bank Accounts: Students wishing to open bank accounts in Bologna will be provided with
additional information upon arrival.
Major Credit Card (preferably with four-digit PIN): This can be used for everything including
purchasing airline tickets, hotel reservations, and cash advances. Be sure to check your credit card
policies, credit limits, and international transaction guidelines before departing for Bologna.
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What to Bring (continued)
5. Photographs: Non-EU students will need four identical passport-size photographs for the Permesso di
Soggiorno. Both black-and-white and color are acceptable, but they must be on a white background.
6. Notebooks: Students from previous years, particularly those coming from the U.S., have suggested that
you bring a supply of notebooks and index cards, as these items are much more expensive in Italy.
7. Textbooks: To give you the opportunity to buy textbooks before coming to Italy, we ask professors to
provide a list of recommended textbooks for Pre-Term and first semester courses. This information will be
available on a password-protected webpage, and during the summer you will receive an email from the
Head Librarian, telling you how to access “Textbooks for Incoming Students”. Once in Italy, students can
also use Amazon Italia (www.amazon.it) and other online sellers to purchase books.
In some cases professors will also provide a full syllabus - please consider them drafts. Re-
member that your advising session at the beginning of the academic year may cause you to
reassess and change your course selection. Note also that the library keeps copies of all
required readings on 4-hour reserve loan. You may wish to bring old study notes if you think
they will help you study for classes and core exams.
Other Items to Consider
Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses with backup pair
Prescription Medications (See “Student Health Services and Support”)
Typed copy of all prescription medications, with dosage and generic drug names included
LESS is MORE: Most apartments in Italy will be already furnished, and Bologna in particular has a wide
selection of shopping. Shipping is expensive, and the more you bring with you, the more you will have to
move home.
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LIFE IN BOLOGNA Housing
Here at SAIS Europe, students are responsible for finding their own housing. Upon your arrival, SAIS Europe staff will
work to connect you with local resources and consultants in order to jump-start your search. In addition, we will
provide you with plenty of information between now and the start of the academic year to help you with this process.
Your search for an apartment will be a great introduction to the city!
We recommend arriving in Bologna as early as possible to secure your housing. Students who participate in
Pre-Term generally tend to have an easier time securing housing due to the emptiness of the city at that point in the
summer. By late-September, approximately 80,000 students will have arrived in the city to begin their studies at the
University of Bologna, and the demand for affordable student housing is far greater than the supply. With the right
combination of initiative, advanced planning, flexibility, and patience with yourself and the new culture, finding an
apartment will be an eventual success.
Tips and Tricks for Finding Housing
Arrive during recommended dates: Students participating in Pre-Term should plan to arrive between August
10-August 14, 2020. Students not participating in Pre-Term are recommended to arrive as early as possible
and at least a week before the start of Welcome Week (Wednesday, September 16). The housing market be-
comes much more competitive, and accommodation searches will vary in length.
Book a hotel room, apartment, or hostel in advance: We recommend finding temporary accommodations
for your first few days in Bologna while you search for housing. The SAIS Europe Center address is via
Beniamino Andreatta 3, Bologna 40126—it might be a good idea to find something close to the center as you
get to know the city.
Utilize online resources: Refer to classified postings on the internet (https://www.airbnb.com) (https://
www.dovevivo.it ; https://www.easystanza.it/ ), or check out ads posted to Facebook (Groups to look for: Affiti
Universitari Bologna, Bologna in Affito; Bologna Affito Studenti).
Contact local property managers and housing providers: We have identified several local housing
agencies and property management companies that have compatible services for SAIS Europe Students. More
information about each companies specific procedures will be distributed over the summer.
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Housing (continued)
Preparing for Your Search
Finding housing in Bologna is a much more manageable task when you have a better understanding of the local
housing market. Here are some things to consider when beginning your search:
Location: Most students choose to live within the Centro Storico, Bologna’s historic center. The southeast
portion of the downtown center, anchored by via Zamboni, is traditionally the heart of the Bologna’s robust
student community. The northwest and southwest quadrants of the Centro Storico tend to be more residential,
quiet, and upscale. For more details pertaining to Bolognese neighborhoods, please consult this handy guide
created by the International Women’s Forum of Bologna.
Terminology: In Italy, apartments are categorized by the number of total rooms and not the number of
bedrooms. Here are some terms to help you during your search:
Monolocale: Studio Apartment
Biolocale: One Bedroom Apartment
Trilocale: Two-Bedroom Apartment
Singole: Single Room
Doppie: Double Room
Furnishings: Many apartments in Italy are already furnished, and it is the tenant’s responsibility to preserve the
integrity of the landlord’s belongings. Knowing the following vocabulary will help you determine the extent to
which an apartment is furnished:
Arredato: Completely furnished. Typically includes living room furniture, beds, and sometimes accessories such as kitchenware, sheets, and towels.
Semi-Arredato: Complete kitchen and bathroom, but no furniture
Non-Arredato: No furniture, unfinished kitchens and bathrooms.
Price: Students should prepare to pay at least 800-1000EUR (utilities included) for individual bedrooms in
shared apartments, and upwards of 1000EUR for studio or one bedroom apartment. Less expensive rentals
may be found, but students will need to be thoughtful and proactive in their housing search to do so.
Contracts: Upon finding the apartment of your choice, students should expect to formalize their rental
agreement by signing a legal contract with your owner. However, please know that conditions vary depending
on the circumstances, and we strongly discourage you from signing a contract in a language that you do not
understand. In some cases, the landlord and tenant must each pay half of the fee of the Imposta del Registro, or
the State Registration Fee once the contract is signed. The fee varies according to the amount of monthly rent.
Contracts with the “cedolare secca” designation are much more common and do not require the student to pay
additional fees. SAIS Europe staff members are happy to give assistance as you consider the terms of your
lease and/or contract.
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Preparing for Your Search (continued)
Deposits: Landlords will typically ask for a security deposit of two to three months of rent. If there are no
damages (or unpaid bills) during the year/semester, your property owner will return this deposit to you.
According to Italian law, the security deposit should never be used to cover the last month of rent. Please note
that if you want to vacate the apartment earlier than planned, one or two months’ notice (preavviso) notice is
standard, depending upon your agreement with the landlord. If your deposit or monthly rent are to be paid in
cash, please make sure to obtain a receipt from your property owner after each transaction.
Utilities: Utility bills (water, gas, electricity, internet, condominium fees) and the local garbage tax may be
included in the price of your rent. If not, your property owner might need to assist you in transferring all utility
accounts to your name.
Laundry: Look for an apartment that has a washing machine, as laundromats and cleaners may be expensive
and/or inconveniently located in relation to your apartment. Apartments rarely have separate dryers, and often
will have a combination washer/dryer. Most students choose to purchase a stendino (drying rack) to dry their
clothes.
Bologna Housing Resources:
Salvatore LaFerlita and Gaetano Gambilonghi: Salvatore and Gaetano are local property managers who
have assisted SAIS Europe students for many years. Together, they are able to provide housing to 130
students. Students typically live in single or shared apartments throughout the Centro Storico, in close walking
or biking distance to campus. Salvatore manages apartments of various budgets, neighborhood locations, and
styles.
In addition to the monthly rent, students should expect to pay the following fees at the start of their lease:
Security Deposit (2-3 months of rent)
Cleaning Fee—100EUR/student
Garbage Tax—100EUR/student
Condominium Fee—200EUR/student
Utilities—100EUR/month/student
Students must be in Bologna to reserve an apartment, but Salvatore and Gaetano will be offering apartment
tours starting Monday, August 10, 2020.
On the day of your scheduled tour, Salvatore and Gaetano will inquire about the type of apartment you are
looking for, your preferred location, number of flat mates, and desired budget. They will then take you on a
group tour with 7-8 other students to see the available flats. At the end of the tour, you can indicate your
preference, and there is a chance you will be able to move in the same evening. If you go on a tour of the
available rooms/apartments, there is no charge for doing so nor obligation to select an apartment.
**To schedule an apartment tour with Salvatore and Gaetano, please email [email protected]
starting June 29, 2020
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Bologna Housing Resources (continued)
About SRL: About SRL is a local property management company that has available apartments throughout
the Centro Storico of Bologna. Each apartment is fully furnished and equipped with modern appliances. Rent
is inclusive of all utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet, and waste collection tax).
About SRL will allow students to reserve apartments in advance until through July 13,2020; a list of
available apartments will be available in early June.
Please email [email protected] to inquire about your apartment of choice.
About SRL also provides a housing consultant service for students looking for housing in Bologna. For a
fee of 100EUR, About SRL will help students secure an available apartment in Bologna, assist with the
signing and registration of the lease, and provide general support throughout the process. Email
[email protected] for more information.
The Student Hotel Bologna An inspiring place to sleep, study, play, explore, grow, and connect. The Student Hotel is an all-inclusive student experience under one roof, with stay packages up to 12 months. TSH offers fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms and access to: Water, electricity, and high speed WiFI Regular cleaning service Masterchef-style communal kitchen Pool and fitness area Quiet study area Designer bike 24-hour reception and security In-house laundry facilities, cafeteria, and full service restaurant Game area, courtyard, and open spaces to share with friends International community and events all year long More details are available at www.thestudenthotel.com/bologna.
CAMPLUS (https://www.camplus.it/): Camplus is Italy’s largest student housing provider. It was founded in
Italy in 2007 and its mission is to foster an education and social housing environment for university students. Camplus offers a wide range of housing solutions in two main categories: Living Learning University Colleges and Apartments.
Starting this year, the University has developed an informal partnership with Camplus in order to facilitate a more varied choice of housing options in Bologna. San Felice Residence: San Felice Residence is an apartment-style living community in the heart of Bologna’s city center. Students live in shared apartments that have modern furnishings and historic charm. Additional information on Camplus Living Learning residences can be found here
To request additional information and to reserve a room, students should contact Serena Realdi from Camplus’ International Students Admission Office: [email protected]
Camplus also has a wide variety of apartments in Bologna. For more information, please contact Fabio
Lorefice ([email protected]), as soon as possible, as apartments are rented on a first come, first
served basis.
17
Bologna Housing Resources (continued)
Halldis (www.halldis.com ): Halldis is an international property management company with more than 1,850
directly managed apartments all over Europe. In Bologna, they manage more than 100 apartments for rent from
3 nights up to 1 year and a half. You will not be dealing with an owner in this case but directly with Halldis. They
have a website with booking online where you can see availability and photos and book in advance. Since they
have booking online, getting in touch early on is highly recommended.
Their prices include agency commission, condominium fees, contract registration fees, and utilities up to €70 /
month. The refundable security deposit to cover any eventual damage is €1000. Early termination is possible
with 21 days notice.
Monthly prices start from about €1000 / month for a studio apartment and can go as high as
€5000 / month. The apartments tend to be on the luxury end. They even have a building right in Piazza
Maggiore with views overlooking the piazza.
If you want to book an apartment with roommates, you will need to find roommates on your own beforehand as
Halldis does not offer a matching service.
Useful Web Resources
AirBNB (www.airbnb.com): Several students have found success with AirBNB by reaching out to individual
owners and asking about the potential of a long-term stay. Multiple language options.
DoveVivo (www.dovevivo.it): Housing platform targeted for students and young professionals. With DoveVivo,
you can choose from apartments throughout the city based on location, budget, and roommate preferences.
DoveVivo staff also facilitate the bureaucracy of renting an apartment in Italy. Italian and English language
options.
EasyStanza (www.easystanza.it): Housing platform that allows you to search for available rooms in apartments
using location and budget as criteria. Italian language only.
Immobiliare.it (www.immobiliare.it): Housing platform that allows you to search for available apartments using a
wide range of criteria (location, budget, square meterage, number of bedrooms, etc.). Most appropriate for
students who have previous knowledge or experience if Italian housing market. Italian language only.
Facebook: There are several Facebook groups and pages dedicated to helping students and young
professionals find housing in the city. If you are a student who is open to or interested in living with non-SAIS
students, this is a very accessible option to find housing quickly and affordably. Here are a few options:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BolognaAffittoStudentiLavoratori/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AffittoStudentiBologna/about/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/172693152831725/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/112245606591/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/630335633687748/?fref=nf
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Getting Around
Bologna is a well connected city within Italy and Europe thanks to a central train station, international airport, and an
expansive public transportation system.
Air Travel: The Aeroporto Gugliemo Marconi (airport code BLQ) is an international airport served by many
European and charter airlines (www.bologna-airport.it). You can reach the airport by taxi or by using the Aerobus
(http://aerobus.bo.it), a shuttle bus that runs every 20 minutes from the Bologna train station to the airport (€6). The
airport is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from campus.
Train Travel: Italy, like many other countries in Europe, has an excellent rail system that is reliable, inexpensive, and
convenient. The Bologna central station (Bologna Centrale) is a 30-minute walk from SAIS Europe, and tickets can be
purchased at the station, or online in advance. Explore www.italotreno.it and www.trenitalia.it for ticket information and
schedules.
Bicycling: Bike travel is by far one of the easiest ways to get around the city quickly. Many students purchase a
second-hand bike upon their arrival, and there may even be an opportunity to purchase bicycles from previous SAIS
Europe students—more information will be shared over the summer. While walking is convenient when traveling
around the center, navigating the city is much faster and easier when using a bicycle. Bikes can also be transported on
some trains—make sure to check out the Trenitalia and Italo websites for more information
Taxis and Car-sharing: Taxis are readily available in Bologna through several different providers. More information
will be provided to students upon arrival.
Cars: Although Italian drivers licenses are only available to Italian citizens and foreign residents, you might be
interested in obtaining an international driver’s permit so that you can rent a car during your time in Bologna. Please
research your country of residence’s requirements for obtaining an international driver’s permit.
Useful Apps
Mobike (Bike Sharing)
Taxi Click Easy (Cotabo Radio Taxi)
Bla Bla Car (Italy-wide carpooling)
Trenit (Train scheduling)
19
Student Health Services and Support
Medical History
All SAIS Europe students are strongly recommended to provide a copy of their medical history to the Office of Stu-
dent Life before their arrival to Bologna. For students diagnosed with a serious medical condition or students in need
of specific medication, it is essential that the Student Life staff is aware of these issues so that we can help connect
you with the necessary support in cases of emergencies. In addition, students with medical or pharmaceutical issues
are asked to contact the Student Life staff as early as possible due to the language barrier of your medical files (if
not in Italian) and the restriction of certain medications in Italy.
Medical Care
SAIS Europe does not have a physician on staff, but the Office of Student Life works to connect students with quality
practitioners and specialists throughout the city, many of whom speak English. Ospedale Sant’Orsola, one of the top
hospitals in Bologna, is a convenient ten-minute walk from SAIS Europe. A member of the SAIS Europe staff is
available to accompany you to any medical visit if necessary.
Students with Disabilities
Under the United States Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in accordance with the policies of the Johns
Hopkins University Office of Institutional Equity, at SAIS Europe we work to ensure that students, employees and
visitors with disabilities have equal access to university programs, facilities, technology and web properties. Students
wishing to register for academic accommodations should contact the Director of Student Life ([email protected]) or
visit here for more information: http://oie.jhu.edu/ada-compliance/
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
All SAIS Europe students are entitled to four complimentary visits to the University of Bologna counseling center per
academic year. Students will have the opportunity to meet with one of two English-speaking psychologists. In
addition, SAIS Europe works with several local psychiatrists for students in need of additional support.
Mail & Delivery
Many couriers in Italy require a signature upon delivery. In addition, SAIS Europe students tend to spend a lot of
their time during the day in the SAIS Europe building. For both of these reasons, you may find it more convenient to
have your mail delivered to our address, listed below. While we are happy to accept your mail, students are
ultimately responsible for their own belongings.
The Johns Hopkins University, SAIS Europe
via Beniamino Andreatta 3 , 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Mail & Delivery (continued)
Tips and Tricks for Shipping
Customs Charges: Packages sent within the EU are not subject to customs charges. Packages sent
from OUTSIDE the EU are ALWAYS subject to CUSTOMS charges and VAT. Charges can vary from 20-
25% of the declared value and are also assessed on the postage costs.
Insurance: Experience has shown that packages that are not insured clear customs more quickly and
easily than those that are insured, so you should consider sending packages uninsured. Furthermore,
customs charges are payable on the value you declare for insurance purposes.
Declaration of Value: Clothing or other personal belongings should be indicated as effetti personali usati
(used personal belongings) and you should enter "N.V.C." (nessun valore commerciale, or no commercial
value) in the section of the customs slip reserved for the value of the goods. The higher the value you
indicate for the item, the higher the fee you will be required to pay.
Belongings from Home: While you might be tempted to ship belongings from home, please note that
SAIS Europe is unable to accept any shipments before your arrival as we will not pay customs charges in
advance. In addition, we recommend that you carefully consider your need to ship in general as it is costly
and time consuming. Most apartments are furnished already, and we have a large selection of stores and
department stores that carry almost everything you will need.
What NOT to Ship: We strongly discourage you from shipping any cosmetics, medicines, or contact
lenses as these items rarely clear customs. Please bring important items with you to Bologna and contact
the Director of Student Life ([email protected]) with any issues pertaining to medications you may need
during your time at SAIS Europe.
Communication
Telephone
Students should expect to purchase an Italian sim-card to use during their time in Bologna. Iliad, Vodafone, Wind, TIM,
and Fastweb are several of the major carriers in Italy, and all offer competing packages.
The main phone number to reach SAIS Europe is +39 051 29 17 811, and you may want to share this with a closed
loved one or contact at home. Due to privacy laws, we will not reveal any of your personal information or details if
someone calls, but we will work to get you in touch with whomever is calling.
All students will receive a JHU email address over the summer. Email is the official communication of the Universi-
ty, and students are responsible for checking their accounts regularly. Students will be given their credentials
over the summer.
