Accomodation and travel - Prato

Visas

Students attending the Prato Centre in Italy are to organise their own visas according to the Visa and Consular information.

Once you know your travel dates and work out if you require a Visa, it is important to note that - although it says on the Italian Consulate website that it can take up to two weeks to process your visa - students have found in the past  that it can be a lengthier process.  It is therefore recommended that you make your appointment with the Consulate as soon as you know your travel dates.  This will be after you receive your enrolment approval.

Important visa information

1. In Italy, not maintaining 'correct immigration status' is a criminal offence, this includes overstaying a permitted 90 days in the Schengen area*.
   
   
2. If detected overstaying visitors may be liable for up to a $10,000 Euros fine + up to a 10-year exclusion from the Schengen area.
   
   
3. Students who are eligible for 90 day visa-free entry to the Schengen area (this would include most Australians, unless they have any prior immigration or criminal offences) should insist on having their passport stamped on entry to the Schengen area. Not having a stamp may be an issue if detected upon departure from the Schengen area at passport control, and in the worst case, illegal entry could be assumed.
   
   
4. Students in any doubt about the correct visa they need should check either with the Italian Consulate in Melbourne or the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites.
   
   
5. There is an additional step required when in Italy; to 'declare presence' within 8 days of arrival. The Centre website gives further details and Centre staff will give further details in arrival briefings.
   
   
6. After reading the Visa and Consular information please be aware that it is the student's responsibility to book an appointment at the Italian consulate to apply for a visa (if required).  This is not the responsibility of Monash Abroad or the Faculty of Law.

*The Schengen area includes: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Register your trip

It is our suggestion that students travelling to Italy register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before travel.  The registration information provided by you will help find you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family emergency. Proceed to registration link.

Discussion forum

The discussion forum has been set up for students to email other students attending the program to organise accommodation sharing.

To gain access to the Law Overseas Study Programs discussion site you need to enrol yourself in an open access section via the my.monash portal and follow the instructions.

Once you have access the Blackboard Guidelines may assist you with emailing the other students attending the program.

If you are having trouble gaining access to the Prato Program discussion site please contact MUSO Support.

Where to stay

Prato is a major industrial city though its historical centre, where the University is located, is much more a small village where merchants, inhabitants and visitors get to know each other.  Italian rather than English is the major language, though some English and a willingness to understand gestures, simple Italian and obvious requests overcomes the language problem.  Prato has a newly built, fully equipped,  air conditioned library only 10 minutes walking distance from the Prato Centre and students are encouraged to use the facilities offered.  Students will be issued with the new Prato Card which has been established to encourage a positive and ongoing relationship between Monash and the city of Prato. As a student or visitor to the Monash Prato Centre, you are entitled to special discounts and privileges by endorsed venues such as cafès, restaurants, bakeries, food stores, museums and theatres with which Monash Prato has an agreement.  It is our recommendation that students stay in Prato to save travelling time to and from classes, to get the benefit out of the Prato card and to experience the lifestyle of a real Italian village.

Florence  As Florence is a major international city English is widely spoken.  The cultural attractions of the city- its museums, churches, public architecture, concerts, Serie A football etc are well known.  On the downside, there is the additional cost and inconvenience of transport, the overwhelming feeling (eventually) of living in a tourist centre and a feeling of some artificiality. Trains and buses run regularly between the two cities and depending on the route selected, and whether an express service is running, students should allow an hour travelling time to reach the Prato Centre. The Prato campus is a 20 minute walk from the train/bus station.

Accommodation

Accommodation should NOT be booked before receiving confirmation from the Law Faculty that the timetables are finalised as dates and offerings may change.

List below contains some options, further information can be located on this website: http://www.ita.monash.edu/visit/accommodation/

MAGNOLFI NUOVO	Via Gobetti 79 - 59100 Prato  http://www.magnolfinuovo.it/ Magnolfi Nuovo, a former orphanage, has recently been restored as a cultural center. It is a beautiful historic building that captures the essence of Tuscany. This place has got quiet study spaces, single bedrooms and comfortable communal areas. If you are looking for an accommodation that will help you study more effectively, this is the place for you.
Location	Outside the city walls  10 mins walk from Monash Prato Centre 5 mins walk from Central Station
Structure	Old building, lovingly restored and furnished  Single rooms with communal bathrooms shared among three students Shared laundry Environment conducive to study Communal kitchen
Building maintenance	Good
Cleaning	Good
Value for money (1 to 10)	9
Facilities	Wi-fi, study rooms, air conditioning. Breakfast included
Reception	24 hours

 

“RESIDENCE MANASSEI”	Spacious rooms for 2-3 people, many with great views. There is a roof top terrace which is perfect to share meals and admire Prato and its surrounding countryside.  Each apartment has a mini kitchen. Other facilities: weekly apartment cleaning. Breakfast is not included. Price includes: lights, gas, water, heating, air conditioning, wifi connection, TV. http://www.residencemanassei.it/
Location	Old Town  3 mins walk from Monash Prato Centre 15 mins walk from Central Station
Structure	Ancient building recently restored Apartments for  two or three students with kitchen
Building maintenance	Good
Cleaning	Good
Value for money (1 to 10)	9
Facilities	Wi-Fi, air conditioning. Breakfast is not included.
Reception	The reception is staffed only during the following hours: 9.30-12.30 and 16.00 – 19.00 from Monday to Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays closed. Phone numbers are provided in case of need out the receptions hours. Two areas are under video surveillance for security.

 

HOTEL PRESIDENT	Hotel President is a modern building offering every comfort to its guests. It is only 300 meters away from city centre and very close to main cultural and commercial sites. The 78 rooms (single and double) are all furnished with modern equipments: they have air-conditioning, a minibar, telephone with direct outside-line, electronic safe-box, hair-dryer and satelite TV, wifi connection, 24 hours reception. Breakfast included. http://www.hotelpresidentprato.com/
Location	Outside the city walls  10/12  mins walk from Monash Prato Centre 5 mins walk from Central Station
Structure	Hotel built in 1970 and renovated 10 years ago  Single and double rooms
Building maintenance	Good
Cleaning	Good
Value for money (1 to 10)	9
Facilities	Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning. Breakfast included.
Reception	24 hours

 

“ACCASA ACCANTO AL CENTRO”	“Accasa & Accanto al Centro” rented rooms is located in the heart of Prato, in Viale Piave, between Castello dell’Imperatore and San Marco square. The rooms (single, double and triple), located on the two floors of a spacious and completely refurbished building, are brightly decorated and have modern furnishings. Facilities include: shared kitchen and laundry, 24 hours reception, regular cleaning service with weekly linen change; wifi connection. www.accantoalcentro.com
Location	Old Town  5 mins walk from Monash Prato Centre 5/8  mins walk from Central Station
Structure	Eighteenth century building, recently renovated  Each apartment has rooms with private bathroom for 1, 2 or 3 students and a shared kitchen
Building maintenance	Good
Cleaning	Good
Value for money (1 to 10)	8
Facilities	Wi-Fi, soundproof glass windows, TV with DVD, air conditioning. Breakfast not included.
Reception	24 hours. Areas are under video surveillance for security.

 

WALL ART Apartment	The apartments are all tastefully furnished and equipped to offer guests a comfortable stay. They consist of three rooms of 80 sqm (for 3 or 4 students) with kitchen. Facilities include: regular cleaning service with weekly linen change, 24 hours reception, wifi connection. http://www.wallart.it/
Location	Outside the city walls  20/25  mins walk from Monash Prato Centre 10  mins walk from Central Station
Structure	Modern   One, two and three bedrooms apartments
Building maintenance	Good
Cleaning	Good
Value for money (1 to 10)	9
Facilities	Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning. Breakfast not included.
Reception	24 hours

 

“BB CICOGNINI”	The building is located in the city center, inside an Eighteenth century courtyard, and just a five minutes walk to San Francesco, San Domenico, Piazza delle Carceri. Each apartment has a kitchen. Other facilites include: regular apartment cleaning service with weekly linen change. Breakfast is not included. Price includes: light, gas, water, heating, air conditioning, wifi connection, TV. http://www.bbcicognini.it/
Location	Old Town  10 mins walk from Monash Prato Centre 15 mins walk from Central Station
Structure	Old building recently restored  Apartments for two to four students with a kitchen
Building maintenance	Good
Cleaning	Good
Value for money (1 to 10)	8
Facilities	Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning. Breakfast is not included.
Reception	The reception is open during the following hours: Two hours in the morning. Phone numbers are provided in case of need out the receptions hours.