Studying abroad was never something I dreamed of. I thought that choosing to attend my private Catholic college instead of my local state school meant that doing things like studying abroad was not an option, but luckily, it became one. I am so grateful to study abroad in Rome, Italy this semester and could not imagine it any other way, but that means I need to be smart about money. Before I arrived, I worked to save money to study abroad but to my surprise, I found that there are simply so many parts of this experience that don't require spending money. 

Two cheap souvenirs! Film photo booths and postcards! 

Roaming new streets and neighborhoods is the best thing a student can do with free time in their city, and it costs nothing. 

Take the time to explore local businesses; they're usually cheaper and better than tourist traps. This 24-hour bakery sells 80-cent croissants and they're so good. 

One of the most impactful things I’ve done since arriving in Rome is taking advantage of all the low-cost activities. Most of the touristy sites have days for free entry and there are so many free or cheap activities to do around Rome. My favorite weekends abroad I spent aimlessly wandering and finding new things, which has no cost at all. From entry into the Roman Forum or St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, my experience in Rome has revolved around these types of experiences. 

Vatican Museums offer free entry on the last Sunday of the month, including the Sistine Chapel. 

Free entrance on the first Sunday of the month! Works for so many amazing attractions like the Roman Forum! 

Whenever I have friends visit me here, I always take them to all the sites and so many of them are free, which is part of why I love it here because you don't need to spend money to feel like you have the full “experience” of the city. It is so easy to grab a friend or two and explore with no destination.  

Exploring Tivoli outside of Rome for a three-euro train (with free entrance into Villa D’Este gardens on the first Sunday). 

Piazza Navona, so fun to sit and watch people. Entry is also free to enter the church. 

Free entry to St Peter’s Basilica any day, completely worth it. I find St Peters to be some of the prettiest architecture in all of Rome. 

With most churches and a few major historical sites being cost-free, these activities are a great way to spend the weekend. I think this shows that you don't need to be uber-wealthy when studying abroad if you take advantage of the right things and manage your money. Studying abroad can be for everyone in a city like Rome! 

Baths of Caracalla, discounted entrance for ages 18-25. It is so easy to grab a friend and travel to a new neighborhood. 

Discovering pretty neighborhoods like Trastevere!