IC Firenze (International Community Florence): Your Erasmus Guide in Florence

IC Firenze (International Community Florence)

If you're an Erasmus student embarking on a new adventure in the historic streets of Florence, one of the quickest ways to adapt to the city and its social life is to join student communities. IC Firenze (International Community Florence) , much like ESN (Erasmus Student Network) but entirely focused on Florence and a local, friendly community, can be your biggest support in this regard.

👥 What is IC Firenze? What exactly do they do?

IC Firenze is a non-profit, apolitical student association founded to support international students and Erasmus participants arriving in Florence. Its core principle is quite simple: student-to-student help. Volunteer students who have previously experienced similar situations help newcomers seamlessly adapt to the city, culture, and university life.

• Local Focus: Unlike an international network like ESN, IC Firenze's entire energy and resources are dedicated to Florence. This allows them to offer a more boutique and focused experience, specific to the city.

• Their mission: To make Florence one of the most attractive and livable cities for international students, and to support students from the process before their arrival in the city throughout their stay.

💳 The famous IC Card: Your Passport in Florence

One of IC Firenze's most popular services is the IC Card , a membership card. Typically available for around €15 , this card offers numerous benefits throughout the season.

What do you get with an IC Card?

• Event Discounts: You get discounted or sometimes free access to all parties, trips, and events organized by IC Firenze.

• Venue Deals: You'll receive exclusive discounts at participating bars, pubs (such as popular student hangouts like The Lion's Fountain), restaurants, and pizzerias.

• Service Discounts: Special offers are available for services such as gyms, travel agencies, and even opening a bank account.

• Free Drinks: Many parties and events offer cardholders a complimentary "welcome drink".

Is it worth it? If you're a social student and plan on attending at least one or two events a week, the card will easily pay for itself in the first few weeks.

🎉 More Than Just a Party: IC Firenze Event Calendar

IC Firenze has a very wide range of activities that cater to all types of students.

1. Social and Cultural Activities:

   • Welcome Days/Party: The biggest get-together event at the beginning of the semester, bringing all the new students together.

   • Aperitivo Linguistico (Language Exchange Nights): Relaxed and social gatherings that bring together students who want to practice different languages. Great for improving your Italian!

   • Cultural Dinners: Delicious evenings where everyone brings a dish from their own country and explores world cuisines.

   • Themed Parties: Costume and themed parties for special occasions such as Halloween, Carnival, or end-of-term holidays.

2. Excursions and Discovery Tours:

   • Day Trips: Bus tours to Tuscan gems such as Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, and San Gimignano.

   • Weekend Trips: Overnight trips to larger cities like Rome, Venice, or Milan.

   • Outdoor Activities: Hiking and trekking events organized in the magnificent hills of Tuscany.

🏠 From Accommodation to Bureaucracy: Practical Support

One of IC Firenze's most valuable services is the practical assistance it provides. This support can be a lifesaver, especially for a student arriving in Italy for the first time.

• Accommodation Support: They provide guidance in finding reliable landlords and apartments. They warn you against rental scams.

• Bureaucratic Assistance: They guide you through complex processes in Italy, such as obtaining a tax identification number ( Codice Fiscale ) or a residence permit ( Permesso di Soggiorno ), which every student must acquire.

• Italian Language Courses: Through their partner language schools, they organize affordable Italian lessons for international students.

📞 How to Get There and Join the Community?

It is quite easy to contact IC Firenze and stay informed about their events.

• Official Website: This should be your first stop for the latest information, event calendar, and card details.

• Email Address: You can write directly for any questions, suggestions, and support requests.

  • info@erasmusfirenze.it

• Social Media: Be sure to follow their social media accounts to avoid missing event announcements, photos, and instant updates. Instagram is especially their most active platform.

  • Instagram: @icfirenze

  • Facebook: International Community Firenze

Offices: You can visit their offices, which are usually active at the beginning of the term, to pick up your IC Card and get information in person. Check their website or social media announcements for office addresses and opening hours.

✅ Summary: Should you join IC Firenze?

Advantages:

• In Florence, you instantly become part of a large and international social circle.

• With IC Card, you can save a significant amount of money while living in the city.

• Regular activities will leave you with no chance of getting bored.

• You receive reliable support during challenging processes such as accommodation and bureaucracy.

Disadvantages:

• It focuses solely on Florence; it is not part of an international network like ESN.

• Popular tours can fill up quickly.

In conclusion, if you want to have a fulfilling, social, and hassle-free Erasmus or exchange program experience in Florence, joining the IC Firenze community is one of the best steps you can take. Your first task upon arriving in the city should be to find their "Welcome Day" event!