Maryland-in-Perugia Housing Overview
As a UMD student in the Maryland-in-Perugia program, you have two options for accommodation in Perugia. You can live in a shared student apartment or with an Italian family in a homestay. The Umbra Institute arranges housing on your behalf. Housing costs for both options are included in the Maryland-in-Perugia program fee. Please read below for details on each housing option:Shared Student Apartments
The Umbra Institute provides housing in fully furnished apartments within walking distance from Institute facilities and other local resources. There is generally only one student apartment per building and neighboring residents are typically Italian families who own their apartments. All student units are well-equipped with up to five students per apartment, who share a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and communal living space.What is included?
The following are usually provided in the apartment, to be shared by all occupants:
- Refrigerator
- Full oven
- Pots, pans, dishes & cutlery
- Sheets, blankets & pillows
- TV
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Towels
- Landline phone (all students are required to have an Italian cell phone)
- Meals - there is no meal plan, so students are responsibility for cooking their own meals in the kitchen or going out to eat.
Living with other students on the same program means you will have to take the initiative to seek out Italian friends and experiences. However, living in an apartment can provide an opportunity for daily interaction with Italian neighbors. You can develop rapport with your neighbors, whom you may see frequently. You will likely visit the same local markets and stores in your neighborhood, allowing you the opportunity to develop relationships with those in your community.
It will take effort on your part to make friends in your building, or other Italian college students in Perugia, but it can be done! You will, of course, need to respect the fact that you will be in a communal living arrangement. You’ll have to be aware of your noise level as to not disturb your neighbors and possibly jeopardize future students from living in the building. As a guest in Italy, you are expected to abide by “quiet hours” and other local regulations.
Homestay
Living with an Italian family will offer the most immersive cultural experience during your time in Perugia. A homestay is highly recommended for students looking to improve their Italian language proficiency. Students should be very mature and willing to adapt to a foreign culture in order to be successful in the homestay.Homestays are usually within 15-20 minutes walking distance from the center of Perugia, where Umbra is located. They include a fully furnished private bedroom, shared or private bathroom, linens, and access to laundry and kitchen facilities as well as internet. Meals may or may not provided, though the host family often invites the student to eat with them. You will be expected to communicate largely in Italian. While host families are happy to interact and converse with their guests, they are not round-the-clock Italian teachers. Homestay participants are expected to respect the host family and their property. No overnight guests are allowed.
Please note that the homestay requires a supplementary charge of $1000.