Experience in Rome, Italy by Giulia Pia

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

Rome is a beautiful capital, full of history, culture, good food and opportunity. It is a place where you cannot get bored! There is always something going on, or if you just want to visit the city, there are so many places t go to:

• churches of all ages;
• museums (mostly war memorials, art galleries or history museum);
• Vatican (even if you're a non-believer, it is still a beautiful place);
• Piazza di Spagna (a beautiful road with all the big shops);
• the tourist attractions (Trevi fountain, Colloseum, Campidoglio...

Or if you have the chance, you can go slightly outside of Rome and visit a little village or go near the mountain and have a daytrip in the true italian style. Just like all capital cities, they can be very chaotic, so if you have a calm lifestyle or don't like places that are too full of tourists I wouldn't recommend it.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rome?

The student lifestyle can change depending on where you go and study. In general it's really fun, full of people from all over Italy, which is really interesting because there are so many cultural differences between the various areas of Italy and you get to learn about all their different traditions.

How much does it cost to live in Rome?

I personally have never lived in Rome, but being a capital city it isn't cheap. It obviously depends on what you do (if you cook for yourself or like going to restaurants every day)

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

No, it isn't difficult to find accommodation, but you need to be organized otherwise you'll end up with a really expensive place or a cheap one that is a fairly long bus drive from the centre

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

It's Italy... the food is obviously delicious. Just try and avoid the tourist areas, the food will be true Italian. My favorite dish is pasta, either carbonara or ragù. Lasagna is also good, but sometimes in Lazio they can put a lot more ingredients and make it very heavy.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rome?

Start off with the Colloseo, then get lost: wherever you go there will be something to see, even if it's some really old church in the middle of nowhere. I've been so many times to Rome and each time I saw somethig different and had a new experience.

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

Yes, it can be very good. But if you're in the centre either ask a local where he goes and eats, otherwise go on the side streets, that's where the locals go to and the food is good and lower cost.

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

Yes, there is lots constantly going around anywhere you go, just go out for a walk and see where you might want to go. Although there can be some events and places for which you may need a ticket

What advice would you give future students heading to Rome?

Be careful of pickpocketters especially around the tourist areas, don't have a schedule, just get lost in the eternal city. Eat gelato (ice-cream), spend time with the locals, but don't get frightened if they start getting passionate (thy're Italian) and if you come in the summer, bring sun cream and a hat (it is a lot warmer than in most other parts of Italy)