Experience in Rome, Italy by Aidi

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

If you get the chance to study in Rome, do not miss it. It is wonderful to have a real experience living in this eternal city. There are so many interesting monuments and museums to explore and so many cultural activities going on everyday... You will never feel bored in Rome.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rome?

The quality of lectures in school are generally quite good, although it is sometimes difficult to attend every class because the public transportation is really annoying... There is not so much homework but the exams are not easy. There are a lot of libraries, both inside university and outside, such as British School at Rome, American Academy...

How much does it cost to live in Rome?

It is not a cheap place for students. Renting a single room is over 400 euros per month. If you cook a lot, it is ok, but eating outside is expensive. Even you can feed on pizza and pasta everyday, it is around 5 euros per meal in a lunch bar... A month ticket for public transportation is 35 euros. Rome is not a very student-friendly city, merely you can find special offer for students... In total, living expense is above 700 euros per month.

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

It is really difficult to find accommodation... Better start searching 2 months before coming to Rome, because the hostel is also very expensive, over 20 euro per bed plus 2. 5 euro city tax... If you can find a place close to university, it is the best. But 30min by bus/metro is also normal distance for students.

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

If you have Italian friends, ask them to make lasagne at home. It will be good. I like vegetables, but they are expensive in supermarket. So do fruits...

What places would you recommend visiting in Rome?

You can find all the classical sightseeing places online. I recommend Catacombs and Church St. Clemente if you are interested in archaeology. There are also many lovely villas near Rome worth visiting during weekend.

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

You have to try pizza in Rome, but generally it is not good to eat outside in such a touristic city. Coffee, tiramisu and some other snacks are quite good.

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

Of course there are a lot of good places for the night, you can find nice bars everywhere. But I am not an expert in this... Beers and wine are quite cheap. You can easily find 1. 5 euros beer. Trastevere is a popular place. Near La Sapienza Univerisity, there are Viale Ippocrate and Piazza dell'Immacolata.

What advice would you give future students heading to Rome?

If you want to get to know more about Rome, make plans for every weekend. Otherwise you will just waste time sitting inside room facing computer... Weather is generally quite good in Rome, so maybe you can consider buying a second-hand bicycle or scooter instead of paying for public transportation. (Only November is very rainy... ).

It is an expensive city but still worth it. Make good plan with you money.

Source