Experience in Florence, Italy according to Filippo

What's life like in Florence in your opinion? Would you recommend it? What's the city like?

Yes, I'd recommend the city. It's really welcoming, a little chaotic in the centre but liveable and the infrastructure in the outskirts is good too.

What's the university atmosphere like in Florence?

Full of young people.

How much does it cost to live in Florence?

Life in Florence is quite expensive, especially in terms of rent. Living in the city centre isn't very convenient since the centre is pedestrianised so you can't have your car there. It's better to live in the outskirts which are 4km outside the city centre which you can get to on the bus, and the rent here is much more in tune with what a student could afford.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Florence? Do you have any advice regarding finding accommodation?

Yes, it's difficult. I advise living in the outskirts. You have to bear in mine that the centre is 3km away from the southern periphery. Everything is very close together in the city and there's no need to live in the centre as far as I'm concerned, it's really inconvenient since it's all pedestrianised.

What's the food there like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is fantastic. La Fiorentina (a typical Tuscan dish consisting of a veal steak) is the best.

In your opinion, what should you go and see in Florence?

You can use the local buses to get into the city centre. Two days are enough to see the history of Florence and to visit the most popular places.

And to go to eat in Florence? Where would you recommend?

Definitely not in the centre. In the outskirts you can find much cheaper places to eat.

What's the nightlife like in Florence? Where would you advise going out?

There are so many places to go out. A lot are in the centre and get really busy.

Do you have any advice for future students in Florence?

Find somewhere in the outskirts away from the centre where living costs are really expensive and things aren't very convenient (including simply shopping for groceries).