Academic Calendar 2026–2027
The following dates apply to all semester-based study abroad students at Unicollege for A.Y. 2026–2027.
| Milestone | Fall 2026 | Spring 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation & Arrival | ||
| Online orientation session | September 2 | January 13 |
| Arrival date (Italy) | September 3–4 | January 14–15 |
| First day of class | September 7 | January 18 |
| End of Term | ||
| Last week of class + 1st exam session | November 30 – December 4 | April 19–23 |
| Housing check-out | By December 6 | By April 25 |
| Study break | December 7–11 | April 26–30 |
| Second (make-up) exam session | December 17–23 | May 3–14 |
| Earliest possible return (with authorization) | From November 30 | From April 19 |
| Summer & Short-Term Programs | ||
| Summer session applications | At least 90 days before desired start date | |
| Cost per credit (summer / short-term) | €300 per credit (minimum 4 students to activate) | |
Anticipated Return Policy
Upon mutual authorization, exchange students may return to their home university before the last day of class and complete all residual academic activities (make-up sessions and exams) online. This option must be formally requested in advance.
Orientation Program
We've designed our orientation program to help you feel at home — both academically and personally — before your first class begins.
Online Orientation Session (Pre-Arrival)
A live online session held before your arrival covers academic expectations, housing check-in procedures, visa compliance, and campus life. Attendance is required. Fall 2026: September 2. Spring 2027: January 13.
Housing Check-In
Check-in takes place on the Thursday or Friday before the semester start Monday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. All students must sign the Good Conduct Agreement when you arrive. Late check-ins incur a €50 fee.
Course Registration & Add/Drop
Students select 5 primary courses plus 5 backup courses (15 credits total). Course adjustments may be made during the first week of the semester, by exception and with the approval of both Unicollege and the home institution.
On-Campus Welcome Activities
Campus-specific welcome events introduce students to faculty, staff, and fellow international students. Schedules are distributed by the Inbound Office upon confirmation of enrollment.
Arrival by Campus
Florence
Recommended airports: Florence Amerigo Vespucci or Rome Fiumicino (train to Florence).
Airport taxi transfer to campus: €65 (bookable in advance via the Inbound Office).
Mantua
Recommended airports: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, or Venice Marco Polo (train to Mantua).
Airport taxi transfer: €65 (additional fee; bookable in advance).
Turin
Recommended airport: Turin Sandro Pertini Airport.
Airport taxi transfer to campus: €65 (additional fee; bookable in advance).
Your Campus Cities
Unicollege campuses are located in cities of exceptional historical and cultural significance, each offering a distinct backdrop for your study abroad experience.
Florence
UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Birthplace of the Renaissance
- Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio
- 8,000+ sqm campus green areas
- Ancient convent campus
- 45 min by train to Bologna; 1.5 hrs to Rome (high-speed)
Mantua
UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Medieval city surrounded by three lakes
- Palazzo Ducale, Basilica di Sant'Andrea
- Historic brick-and-stone campus
- 45 min by train to Verona, Milan
- Ideal for immersive Italian cultural experience
Turin
Cultural & Business Capital
- Former Italian royal capital
- Mole Antonelliana, Egyptian Museum
- Modern professional campus
- 45 min by train to Milan; 1 hr to Genova
- Strong arts, design, and tech scene
Student Services
Language Tandems
As one of Italy's oldest private language universities, we offer a structured language tandem program pairing international students with Italian peers. Active partnerships with New York University Florence and Syracuse University Florence ensure a diverse tandem schedule across multiple languages and levels.
Language Assistance
With nearly 50 years of language teaching expertise, we provide individual and group language tutoring across all six levels of proficiency (introductory to near-native). Sessions are available in the major European languages and are taught by native-speaking instructors with proven academic credentials.
Sport & Wellbeing
Unicollege organizes outdoor yoga sessions, international sports competitions, and a range of recreational activities across its campuses. Students benefit from institutional partnerships with local and international sport and wellness providers, including access to discounted memberships and services. The Florence campus features over 8,000 sqm of outdoor green space.
Psychological Support
Study abroad can be both an enriching and challenging experience. We offer individual coaching and counseling sessions with qualified professionals — available in person or virtually — to support students experiencing academic difficulties, personal challenges, or adjustment issues at any point during their stay.
Buddy Program
Every incoming international student is paired with a current Unicollege student — a buddy — who serves as an informal guide during the first weeks on campus. Buddies help with everyday questions: how to get around the city, where to eat, how things work at the university, and where to find what you need. The program is voluntary and runs across all campuses, and pairing takes place before arrival so that new students have a familiar name and face from day one.
Field Trips & Cultural Experiences
Unicollege regularly organizes field trips and immersive cultural experiences that complement coursework — including visits to museums, businesses, artisan workshops, and heritage sites throughout Italy. These activities are an integral part of the Unicollege learning methodology and are open to all enrolled international students.
Disability & Accessibility Support
We are committed to equitable academic access for all students. Those with documented physical or neurodiverse disabilities receive dedicated support, including adapted exam rooms, extended exam time, and technical assistance. Students requiring accommodations must submit certified documentation at least 60 days before their arrival date.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to a free, non-discriminatory academic environment for all members of its community, In line with Italian and European EDI regulations. Discrimination on the basis of religion, race, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability is strictly prohibited.
The university undergoes regular audits by both internal and external agencies and provides mandatory EDI training to all faculty and staff.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Use the following checklist to ensure you are fully prepared before your arrival in Italy. Items are organized by recommended completion timeline.
- Confirm your enrollment and submit the non-refundable 50% deposit to Unicollege
- Apply for your Italian Study Visa (Visto Nazionale, Type D) at your nearest Italian consulate
- Begin gathering documents for the Permesso di Soggiorno application (see Visas & Entry)
- Purchase qualifying health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage; Blue Assistance recommended)
- Arrange your flight — target arrival on the designated check-in Thursday or Friday
- If required, request a international academic record office transcript from internationally recognized partner (additional €300 fee)
- Attend the mandatory online orientation session (Fall: September 2 / Spring: January 13)
- Review the Student Guidebook distributed by the Inbound Office
- Submit your 5 primary course selections and 5 backup courses to the Inbound Office
- Confirm your airport taxi transfer (€65) with the Inbound Office if needed
- Obtain a Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code) — required for local SIM cards, banking, and some services. Apply via the Italian consulate in your country or when you arrive at the Agenzia delle Entrate
- Notify Unicollege of any disability or accessibility requirements (at least 60 days in advance)
- Check in at your campus housing between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on your designated day
- Sign the Good Conduct Agreement at check-in
- Submit your Permesso di Soggiorno application (Kit Immigrazione) within 8 working days of arrival
- Obtain a local SIM card (bring your Codice Fiscale and passport)
- Confirm final course registration by the end of the first week
- Provide the full name and official email of your academic reference (tutor/advisor at home institution) to the Academic Affairs Office
Codice Fiscale — Italian Tax Code
The Codice Fiscale is an Italian personal identification number required for many everyday activities in Italy, including purchasing a local SIM card, opening a bank account, and signing any contract or service agreement. Non-EU students are strongly advised to obtain it before or immediately when you arrive.
You may request your Codice Fiscale at the Italian consulate in your home country (free of charge), or when you arrive at any office of the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency). Bring your passport and, if applying in Italy, your visa documentation.
Survival Italian Toolkit
A few essential phrases to get you started during your first days in Italy.
Questions? We Are Here to Help.
The Inbound Office is your primary point of contact for all study abroad inquiries — housing, visas, courses, and arrival logistics.
Contact the Inbound Office