In January 2016 all 181 students travelling to Florence will have classes under one roof.

The new building is Palazzo Vettori, an 18^th century building located across from Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in the city center.

Previously, classes were split between two buildings; Palazzo dei Cerchi and Palazzo Bartolini Baldelli. Palazzo dei Cerchi, a renovated 13^th century building in the center of Florence was home to KSU Florence since it was renovated in 2004.  Palazzo Bartolini Bardelli was acquired in 2012 due to the continued growth of the Florence program.

Director of Education Abroad Ediz Kaykayoglu said the main reasons for moving buildings is the increase in students, added space and the change in rent.

 “Every program will now be under one umbrella. There’s also more classroom space and more social activity space,” Kaykayoglu said.

Although safety was not a factor in switching buildings, the new building will be accessible by a swipe card only, said Kaykayoglu.

Similar to Palazzo dei Cerchi, a security company will monitor the building in the evenings and security cameras will be added as well.

Fabio Corsini, coordinator of the College of Communication and Information program in Florence said they are sad to leave Palazzo dei Cerchi but this change will greatly benefit students.

“There will be much more communication between cohorts. Being in one building will provide opportunities for talking and interacting with each other,” Corsini said. “Before, most of the CCI students for example, didn’t get the chance to interact with the fashion and architecture students because they had classes in different buildings. This will really help build a sense of community with our Florence students.”

To read about the approval of the move earlier this year, click here.

 Kaitlin Walker is the international reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].