Tips for a Semester in Rome, Italy
When deciding on studying abroad, I spent countless hours and days doing all of my research! What to pack, what are the local customs, how to best fit into a foreign country where I did not know the language, etc. I knew I wanted to study in Italy and started watching YouTube videos and TikToks, learning basic Italian on Duolingo and living on a prayer, wondering how I was going to learn what I needed to know to fully immerse myself in the culture and climate of Rome.
These are some of the tips I learned before and during my semester abroad, and I think all the tips will help you when studying in Rome. A lot still applies even if you choose to go elsewhere! Enjoy and good luck!
1. A “ciao” goes a long, long way!
In Italian culture, it is considered polite to address and greet people as you walk into any place. When you walk into a café, you must say a quick “ciao” or a “buongiorno”—any greeting will suffice—to the person standing at the door. The same is valid at the pharmacy or when being rung up at the counter of a boutique or department store.
This is Italian social etiquette. It is considered rude to simply ask for something—to Italians, this is seen as an abrupt demand! Just always be aware and polite—this really goes a long way.
(You also score bonus points for greeting people in Italian! Unlike some stories you hear on social media, in my experience Italian people love it when you try speaking their language when visiting. After all, if you are living here for a month or four, “ciao” is the best word to learn!)
2. You NEED to dress for the weather!
Dressing in layers is your best bet to survive the weather changes! Often in the mornings, the days are a bit chilly and windy, so it’s best to wear a light jacket or cardigan on top of your outfit. But don’t wear a sweater! By midday, you will be melting and wanting to shed layers. The weather can vary wildly. To best enjoy your walks to school, or even survive public transport, layers are your best friend for surviving the typical Roman day.
3. Always carry a scarf with you!
Whether you arrive in Rome for the fall, spring, or summer semester, there will be many days when the sun is shining bright when you’re walking around the city, and you just want to wear light and airy clothing. And then you spot the most beautiful building, one of the hundreds of churches that make up the city. You want to walk in, but there’s a dress code, and they won’t let you in unless you are covering your shoulders to display modesty according to the religion. The only recommendation I have for this is to always carry a scarf or shawl- anything to throw over your shoulders. This limits situations such as these arising and can only help you experience more of Roman culture through the religion and artworks found in these churches and cathedrals.
4. Carry a water bottle around with you!
One of the best things Rome has to offer is its water fountains scattered throughout the city. Every single fountain, nicknamed nasoni, is connected to cold spring water that is always flowing. This water was truly the best I think I have ever drunk in my life!
While you can freely drink the water, I do recommend bringing a water bottle to fill up whenever and wherever. I always brought one on my way to school, and after climbing up five flights of stairs, the cold, cold water was always a treat!
This also helped me to save so much money, as I did not have to buy plastic water bottles at all.
5. If you are a European Union citizen/member, TAKE ADVANTAGE of the discounts!
If you are studying abroad in Italy as a European Union dual citizen, make sure you take advantage of your extra passport. Being an EU member under the age of 25 granted me discounts to countless museums, attractions, and monuments, both in Italy and when travelling to other countries in the EU. One such example was paying to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. When I paid 2 euros, my friends and classmates had to pay 18 euros. Please take advantage of your EU passport if you have one!
6. A cute fanny pack that doubles as a purse is a MUST!
When packing for going abroad, I quickly realized the efficient nature of the fanny pack. However, as someone who decently cares about her style, I knew I could not buy one that was too bulky, had an obnoxious color, or was simply too ugly for everyday use.
Therefore, I quickly invested in a cute fanny pack that easily doubled as a crossbody bag, with three separate compartments and hidden zippers for daily Rome strolls and travel days. I bought a bag from Baggallini; another popular one with positive ratings from friends and roommates were BAGGU bags. I always felt stylish and protected, my belongings as safe as possible from the eyes of some pickpockets you can encounter when you least expect it.
7. Try to find a credit/debit card with no international transaction/ATM fees!
If you have a credit card and/or debit card, it can truly become your superpower in so many study abroad destinations! Most places now, including Rome, have become dominated by the use of cards. No longer do you have to rely on cash for your everyday purchases. However, it is nice to know that you do not have to pay anything more than whatever you are buying to be able to enjoy it. I highly recommend researching a card with 0% international transaction fees, which will allow you to buy anything from supplies, clothes, groceries, or even souvenirs without being charged an extra 3-5% just to be allowed to make the purchase by your bank.
Studying abroad taught me more than just what I expected in the classroom—it helped me to truly learn how to live like a Roman! With these little tips and tricks, I hope I can help you feel like one too!
This post was written by Natalie Tadla, a student at Kean University who studied abroad in Rome, Italy.
