The American University of Rome

Education: I really enjoyed my professors and learned a lot in the realm of political theory and international relations. The facilities are also very nice and the gardens were my favorite spot to do homework. Student housing: Living in student housing was not desirable. First of all, it is overly expensive for what you get. I ended up having to leave student housing with no reimbursement half-way through the semester (more on this later), and I found a private bedroom for not even 1/4 of the price for student housing. I also had a very bad roommate situation that Student Affairs failed to deal with in an effective manner. I have a disability that requires that I sleep 8 or so hours in order to function properly the next day. It is not a very severe disability, not does it require much maintenance which is why I did not think it would be an issue. I filled out a roommate request form that explained that I need to sleep from 10:30 pm to 6 am. The girl that ended up being my roommate did not respect my request for lights out during this time. It turns out that her mother filled out the form and put down similar hours of sleep to mine. In reality, my roommate ended up being nocturnal. She would go to sleep at 4-5 in the morning and be up all night. After she had come in and told me she had to schoolwork at 12pm with the overhead lights on, I informed her that her doing this would be problematic for me as I need 7-8 hours of sleep so that my lymphatic system will function properly the next day. I explained to her that she could use a table lamp, and I even offered to buy her a flashlight, but she refused. She said "I shouldn't have to fumble around in the dark because you have a disease or whatever." Ultimately, my roommate despite repeated reminders and warnings would come into the room and turn on the lights 3-4 times a week. I became very tired, and it was very hard for me to move about during this time which is very problematic in Rome. I finally went to the Student Affairs office. I relaid my concerns, and they said that they would speak with all of my roommates, not just the roommate that was causing me trouble. All of my other roommates ended up being upset for being pulled into the meeting. After the discussion, my roommate did respect the hours of sleep, but only for a week or so before the problem resumed. I returned to the Student Affairs Office, who seemed very upset and frustrated with me. They also chalked up the whole situation to a social problem, and not one that affected my physical well-being. I ended up having to move out so that I could be healthy and do my school work. My other roommates were also very messy. I was the only one doing any of the chores, some of the roommates would smoke inside even though this was not allowed, and they walked in on me quite a few times while I was bathing even though I told them that I was not comfortable with it. Student Affairs did not address these concerns either. The SA office told me that my only option was to move out of student housing without a reimbursement. This is what I ended up having to do. I later moved with two girls and really enjoyed living with them! In the end, I ended up returning to the USA after the end of the semester as I realized that my needs were not met in Rome and I had lost a lot of money because of this ordeal. The school is great, but I URGE YOU NOT TO USE STUDENT HOUSING. Using Air BNB for the first week while finding a room is a better option and there are plenty of opportunities in Trastevere for housing. I hope this helps anyone considering AUR. (I have reached out to AUR to discuss this matter as it suggests below, but I have received no response.)

As a nostalgic alumna (Business major, 2018) I can only speak highly of this institution. If you're looking for quality higher education in a tight-knit community of internationals, with heaps of opportunities from student clubs and exchange programs to international faculty-led trips, don't look any further! Here you'll find top notch academics as well as a global network of students and alumni ready to welcome you for who you are and to help you become who you want to be. The peaceful hilltop location close to bustling Trastevere adds to the experience, too.

I completed a 4-year BSc degree in Business Administration and was hired upon graduation into the world of business consultancy, specifically in learning & development. All of my classes were extremely practical, and I find myself using almost all of the skills I learned at AUR in my job every single day. The business department at the American University of Rome has helped stand out in the professional world and I honestly could not be more grateful for the amazing business faculty that worked so hard to ensure my success professionally. If you are looking for an extremely relevant, international, and practical business program, AUR is definitely the place for you.

As an alumnae of the International Relations program (2012), I can attest to the highest caliber of teaching in international relations at AUR. The tight-knit international student community, combined with the international faculty, made for the most enriching experience - intellectually and personally. AUR also provided me with generous internship opportunities - including the United Nations at FAO and NATO! AUR also provided the students and the larger Roman academic community with frequent, timely and thought-provoking symposia. After AUR I attended law school and am now an attorney in New York. Without a doubt, my academic experience at AUR prepared me for the analytical challenges and extensive writing requirements that awaited me in law school. The facilities, within a set of beautiful and historic building, were also more than adequate. As for housing, although dormitories are not provided (they are not common in Italy), AUR's staff is well-qualified and ready to help in assisting students with housing and any questions or concerns that may arise. I cannot recommend this institution enough.

I graduated as a part of the Class of 2018 in the Business Administration program. Coming to AUR was one of the best decisions I have ever made and my experienced can be summed up in two ways... First and foremost was my peers. I was able to meet and become friends with great young people from all over the globe. Meeting so many different people from different cultural upbringings really helped to expand my perspective as an individual. The second aspect was my fantastic professors. The best thing about the business program at AUR is all of the great professors who have decades of practical experience in the business world. They don't just preach from the ivory towers of business theory; instead they bring forth a plethora of knowledge that will allow you to become successful when you join the workforce. Aside from school, integrating in a foreign culture with a different language is not for the faint of heart. IF you do come abroad, which I highly recommend, don't live like you do at home. Don't surround yourself with your familiar friends 24/7. Go out and take a risk, make new friends, and who knows you might just have the time of your life!

I wish I could give more stars! AUR was the best experience I ever had and I wish I had done all 4 years of university there. The staff and faculty care deeply and the unique learning environment made being away from home worthwhile. Anyone who is considering going to school in Rome, do it!

I was an accepted student but will not be making it due to personal reasons. However, the folks at AUR deserve a mention for their amicable demeanor and services throughout my application process. Yesenia, Kirsty and Zoe have been so warm, supportive and patient enough to walk me through all the paperwork. Responding to my emails positively and promptly proved their ability to handle students coming from different backgrounds/situations. As an international prospective student applying to university for the first time, I'm pleased to recommend AUR to any future student. I trust they will go far to make all the preparations for your study in Italy a lot more easier and faster.

I'm so glad that I chose Aur for my master's program. A beautiful school with an excellent faculty, I am leaving their peace studies program ready and excited to continue on to find a PhD program. Be sure to take part in the outings they provide to students-- what an amazing way to experience Rome ??♥️?? Many thanks for an unforgettable and enriching experience.