MuSt – Mutualità Studentesca is a student-founded cooperative based in Florence, Italy. It was established in October 2021 by students at the University of Florence and is affiliated with Legacoop Toscana. The cooperative was developed with support from Smart&Coop, a programme promoted by Legacoop Toscana and Fondazione CR Firenze to encourage cooperatives with social aims. 1213
MuSt provides services and work opportunities for students, including roles designed to fit around university study, and services intended to make student life more accessible. It also works for public and private organisations across Tuscany, particularly in event, congress and trade-fair services. Its activities include event staffing and reception, technical assistance and organisational secretariat work; the cooperative has collaborated on international events including Earth Technology Expo. 111213
In 2023, MuSt announced a cooperative housing initiative in response to high rents and limited affordable accommodation for students in Florence. Under the model, the cooperative rents properties on a longer-term basis and sublets rooms to students, who become members and take part in managing their housing. The cooperative handles tenant turnover, property checks and routine maintenance. Its first pilot was planned for an apartment on Viale Belfiore, with the broader aim of creating a network of student homes in different parts of the city and identifying unused or underused properties. 13 MuSt’s stated housing focus is on students who cannot access DSU accommodation and cannot afford conventional rents. 13
In 2023, the cooperative was reported to have more than 40 members. Its president at that time was Giovanni Chiesi. 13