Experience in Rome, Italy by Madison

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

To live in Rome means to constantly be on your toes- in the best way. If you speed through your days without taking time to absorb what’s around you, you’ll completely miss out on the spirit of the city. I would recommend for someone to live in Rome because it teaches you a lot about yourself, as well as the rich history of the land and everything that took place here. Each day there’s something new to learn and that’s why I’ll never get tired of living in Rome.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Roma?

The student lifestyle in Rome is challenging but also worlds of fun. It’s challenging because there’s so much to do and see around you that finding time to study can be difficult at times. It’s fun because Rome is a large city to say the least, and you can do nearly anything you want during any day of the week (but forget about Sunday’s).

How much does it cost to live in Roma?

Like any city, Rome doesn’t come too cheap if you live near the city center. But, that being said, it’s quite easy to find affordable apartments in the neighborhoods just outside of the center. For example Testaccio, outer parts of Trastevere, Monti, and Prati are all a bit more economical if you look hard enough. A decent apartment in these areas will probably range from 1000-2000/month, but it would be smart to split that cost with one other person at least.

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

Accommodation is always available it just depends on how much you’re willing to spend. My advice would be to check websites like wantedinrome and friendsinrome, which is where people post ads for available spaces in apartments, etc, and it’s helpful if you’re working with a limited budget.

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

The food is exactly what you picture, and probably even better. There will almost always be an incredible restaurant within a 5 minute walk from you, serving traditional pastas, pizzas, and more. I’m a vegetarian so when I arrived I thought it would be difficult to experience the cuisine here, but once I discovered the cacio e pepe I was a changed person. It’s a pasta dish made with just cheese (cacio), pepper, and oil and I recommend everyone to try it, you won’t regret it.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Roma?

There are hundreds of historical landmarks and amazing buildings to see, like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and everything else that will be on the tourist maps. And yes, those are all great places to see, but if you want to get a better taste of Rome I suggest going off the beaten path. Walk through the neighborhoods of Garbatella, where the old railroad workers used to live during the time of Mussolini. Go to EUR neighborhood and see for yourself how different the architecture is from the rest of the city. Go to a football match at the Foro Italico- I promise, even if you don’t enjoy sports you’ll have an amazing time.

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

Eating out in Rome is incredibly easy and cheap, as long as you stay away from the tourist traps near all of the major monuments and in the city center. Trastevere has got to be my favorite place to eat, especially Grazie e Graziella and Popi Popi (the staff is incredibly kind and the food is indescribable). If you walk into Trastevere from the river (at Piazza Trilussa) and wander your way around for 10 minutes your bound to find your own little treasure of a restaurant.

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

Yes! The nightlife (especially for younger crowds) is a lot of fun if you know where to go. I would advice to stay away from Shari Vari, it tends to attract older men who assume that young students will enjoy their company, but everyone has their own experience there so I don’t want to speak for the masses. My favorite spots are Goa, Circolo degli Illuminati, and Factory club, which are all on the same block, making it easy to bounce between them if you change your mood. Also, many bars in Trastevere are casual and full of fun, interesting people so if that’s your scene then check out Mr. Browns to start your night.

What advice would you give future students heading to Roma?

My advice would be to drop all of your expectations about the city and try to experience it with a clean slate. Rome has so much spirit that you need a quiet mind to absorb it all in. And on a different note, I would advise that when you arrive here don’t take anything to heart. If you get looked at strangely because you don’t look like the typical “Italian” just brush it off, because I’ve learned that most of the time people just look at you because they’re curious, nothing more. So, bottom line, don’t let any of your assumptions about the people or the city get in the way of having the best experience you can.

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