Memory Lane: Studying and Living in Florence, Italy by Rommel Sofia

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

I really have no idea about Florence. Until I received my acceptance letter from the school. Only then I learned that it is one of the beautiful city in the world, once the center of art and fashion, and the heart of Renaissance, my favorite era in European history. Living in Florence is simply amazing, I would really recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to study and live in Europe. The architecture, the Italian culture, fashion and art are everywhere! I was simply mesmerized of the beauty of Florence.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Florence?

This gives me a smile as I remember how I spend my days in Florence. I study, I party hard and I travel around Europe like every weekend. And I crammed with my projects when it is due for submission.

How much does it cost to live in Florence?

Pretty expensive. But if you know where to buy and eat, especially if you cook it is not that too much. It is usually your apartment/room that would get a big chunk of your budget. Food or groceries is cheap in Florence or anywhere in Europe, if you know how to cook, you can only spend 100 - 150 for your food, of course it depends with your appetite and choice of food. Food bought outside range between 3 - 10 euros.

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

You should really spend enough time to find a cheap accommodation. Agency is very expensive, or even the advises from school. What I did, I scout the internet for cheap rooms, and ask the Italians (unfortunately, they hardly speak English). You can even ask your hotel receptionist if they know any cheap rooms or apartments. You can also share with your classmates. I found a room near Santa Croce for only 300 euros (utilities included). It is a good price, I still have enough left to party and drinks. And pretty close from school and the party scene.

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

Well, I love Italian cuisine. So I enjoy eating pasta, spaghetti and pizza. The coffee and deserts, and the Florentine steak and wide variety of wines. I simply love dining in Florence, normally 3 - 4 hours, and 4 -5 courses, but I hate paying the 50 -100 euro bill. Eating in Italy is an art.

What places would you recommend visiting in Florence?

Oh my god! I suggest, enjoy your stay in Florence and Italy. Go anywhere and everywhere! There is so much to see and so much history to learn and great people to meet and party to attend.

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

Yes. Definitely. When I have friends and family visiting, I normally bring them either to Nuti or any resto near Piazza della Signoria where we can enjoy the food and people watch. I love to walk "passegiata" around Florence. Italians tend to dress up for passeggiata, la passeggiata is where new romances are on display as well as new shoes.

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

Yes, awesome! So many place to go. The Santa Croce area is the best place to go! Arrays of bars to go and enjoy the night. The night normally starts with an apperitivo. If you don't have much cash to spend, do your projects early in the night with a bottle of wine, and a around 11 pm, send messages to your friends and classmate where the party is, and join with them and go home wasted.

What advice would you give future students headed to Florence?

Enjoy the ride. Experience is the best teacher. Splurge yourself in everything that Florence and Europe can offer for you! And build great connections/network with your international classmates, they will be a great help in your professional career in the future. You will always remember, your friendship with them was build in the cradle of renaissance, studying and doing school projects and travel together, partying hard and getting wasted together. Awesomeness.