Experience in Rome, Italy by Giovanni

What is it like to live in Rome? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Walk, walk, walk. Not only in the neighbourhood of historical sites, but even in different places like "Trastevere", "Quartiere Coppedè", "Testaccio", "Campo de Fiori", "Il Ghetto", along the river and wherever you can go. There are many different Rome in Rome.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rome?

Difficult, because services are not very well organized. University is almost a mess (but few faculties) and courses are often given in italian only, but many Professors are available to support students.

How much does it cost to live in Rome?

A room can be found at about 250-300 euros/month. Apartments start from 8-900 euros. Food can be cheap (of course there are few expensive top restaurants, but you usually can eat quite well for not a larga amount of money. Avoid crowded places.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Rome? Is there any advice you can give?

Not so difficult, in fact. There are many. What is difficult is finding a good owner :-)

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is great. I would suggest all the roman specialities like Bucatini "all'Amatriciana" or spaghetti or rigatoni "alla Carbonara" or "alla Gricia". Artichokes are one of the jewish-roman specialities ("alla giudia"). For those of you that do not fear eating something thrilling I can suggest "Coda alla Vaccinara" (the tail of the cow), or "rigatoni alla pajata" (veal interiors), as well as "cervello d'abbacchio" (lamb brain).

What places would you recommend visiting in Rome?

Apart the city in itself, Colosseum, of course, and the Fora. For museums I suggest Musei Capitolini, Palazzo Massimo, MAXXI and MACRO. They are quite a different experience w.r.t. the average museum. Then Villas: Villa Ada, Villa Pamphili and Villa Torlonia.

Is it good to eat out in Rome? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are so many! In order to spend a reasonable amount I can suggest "Monte Caruso Cicilardone", "Al Moli'", "Pizzeria Ai Marmi". There are very characteristic places like "Ettore Fieramosca" that however are quite expensive and a little "tourist".

Is the nightlife good in Rome? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is endless in Rome.