When I first imagined studying abroad in Florence, my mind was filled with romantic images of sipping wine in sun-soaked piazzas, browsing leather markets, and dining in trattorias with candlelit pasta dishes. And yes, I did get to do those things—but not in the lavish, no-budget way I once pictured. As a student, I quickly learned how to live la dolce vita without overspending—and looking back, the lessons I learned in budgeting were just as valuable as the cultural experiences themselves.  

SIMPLE LIVING  

Housing was the first major decision I faced. While some students opted for private apartments or solo rooms, I chose to share a room in a shared apartment with other girls. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was free through my program and gave me instant community.  

One of my favorite things about Florence is that it is a dream city for walkers, so I rarely needed transportation. But when I did, I relied on the buses and trams using the At Bus app, which lets me buy ticket bundles. I even rented bikes a few times, which became some of my favorite days—riding out toward the parks and seeing a quieter side of Florence I might have missed otherwise.  

FOOD, MARKETS, AND COOKING  

At first, I wanted to eat out all the time. Florence’s restaurants are magnetic—how could I resist fresh pasta, gelato, and Aperol spritzes every night? But that lifestyle wasn’t sustainable, and I started finding just as much joy in grocery shopping and cooking.  

Exploring grocery stores in Florence was its own cultural immersion. I discovered new ingredients I’d never seen before and started cooking simple meals at home. I learned to love the Italian breakfast of a croissant and espresso, but added my own twist with protein-rich breakfasts I’d make myself. Leftovers often became lunch, and suddenly, I had a routine that was both nourishing and affordable.  

Markets were another hidden gem. I loved chatting with local vendors, who often gave me deals just for being friendly. I stocked up on staples like pesto, olive oil, and spices—things that lasted the whole semester. The markets also gave me a chance to practice my Italian and connect with locals in a way that felt more authentic than the tourist-heavy spots. 

Joined the Intramural Soccer Team, where we went to the finals for the first time in CEA CAPA history

 LOW-COST ENTERTAINMENT  

One of the most surprising discoveries during my time in Florence was just how much there was to do that didn’t cost anything at all. 

Florence is an open-air museum. On sunny days, I’d wander through the city’s cobblestone streets, find a quiet bench, and watch the world go by. On rainy days, I’d head to the Odeon Cinema—a magical space that doubled as a library and theater. It had free movies during the day and a cozy atmosphere perfect for reading, journaling, or playing cards with friends.  

I also took an art history class, which not only deepened my appreciation for the city but got me into most museums for free or at a steep discount. Every week, our class visited a new museum, walking past works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci like it was no big deal.  

My program, CEA CAPA, made a huge difference too. They offered free and low-cost activities like gelato tours, walking tours, museum reimbursements, and even day trips to cities like Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and San Gimignano. These events helped me explore beyond Florence and made it easier to meet people and feel grounded in my new home. 

Appreciating CEA CAPA free opportunities to explore Florence and get to know people in the program

 EXPLORING BEYOND FLORENCE  

Traveling outside Florence was one of my favorite parts of the semester, and I was amazed at how affordable it could be with the right planning.  

Trains became my go-to mode of transportation. I used the Trenitalia and Italo apps to book cheap tickets to cities across Italy. For international travel, Ryanair was a lifesaver. Their low-cost flights pushed me to pack light (just a backpack!), which actually gave me more freedom.  

I stayed in hostels for the first time while abroad and had nothing but good experiences. They were clean, friendly, and safe. Many even had lockers to store luggage before check-in, which made travel days less stressful. When traveling with friends, we’d book Airbnbs and split the cost, which worked out great for weekend trips.  

One of the best decisions I made was using travel service companies like Bus2Alps and Smart Trips. They organized trips for students, including transportation, accommodations, and some activities, all for one price. I got to visit places I never thought I’d see—like Switzerland, Spain, Morocco, and Croatia. Not only was it cost-effective, but it also took the stress out of planning and helped me connect with new people.  

Exploring new Italian cities in an affordable way that allows me to see and get to know different cities throughout Italy 

A SEMESTER THAT CHANGED ME  

If there’s one thing I learned during my time abroad, it’s that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to live richly. The most memorable parts of my semester weren’t expensive meals or luxury stays. They were the quiet moments: sipping wine with friends on our apartment balcony, wandering aimlessly through hidden alleys, watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, or getting lost (and then found) in another city.  

Yes, there were sacrifices—meals I skipped out on, souvenirs I didn’t buy, flights I didn’t book. But I never felt like I missed out. In fact, sticking to a budget helped me slow down and appreciate the small joys. I learned how to live simply, connect more deeply, and stretch every euro without stretching myself thin.  

Florence taught me that la dolce vita isn’t about luxury—it’s about presence. It’s about savoring what’s around you, making thoughtful choices, and finding beauty in the everyday. And I wouldn’t trade that lesson for anything