The Rome Start Orientation is designed specifically with you in mind: it will be your first step in a smooth transition to the U.S. university system.  Rome Start students take part in a complete orientation session, designed to help you adjust to university life and to life in Italy.  

First-Year Student Orientation for Rome Start students will take place during your first three days on campus.  First-Year Student Orientation includes move-in day and university welcome activities.  During this time, Rome Start students have the campus entirely to themselves!  It is a great time to get settled in, get to know your fellow Rome Start students, and adjust to being in Rome.  

On your fourth day, the rest of the study abroad student population will arrive in Rome.  As a Rome Start student, you will also take part in our Study Abroad Student Orientation.  The Study Abroad Student Orientation is designed to aid students in adjusting to life in Italy.  

The orientation will culminate in an overnight trip to a location within Italy. The overnight trip has been a tradition at the JFRC for many years. It marks the official start of the semester. The cost of the orientation trip is included in students’ tuition and fees.

For a complete schedule of orientation activities, please see the orientation schedule.

MOVE-IN DAY

August 25, 2013, is the official move-in day for Rome Start students. Parents and family members are welcome to accompany their student to campus on the August 25 move-in day.

To assist with the move-in process, Rome Start students are offered an optional trip to IKEA as part of their orientation activities. During this excursion, students may purchase residence hall room necessities that are impractical to bring from home.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for students to arrive early or drop off luggage prior to move-in day. Should you plan to arrive in Rome prior to August 25, you will need to arrange other accommodations. Check out this list of recommended guest accommodations near campus.