Experience in Rome, Italy by Nozipho

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

The city is beautiful but the town area is flooded mainly by tourists. While there is a lot to learn culturally most locals are not willing to speak with you in English even at your arrival stage which makes it difficult to treasure and learn the culture. The transport is effecient, yet you do face traffic for an example if you are needed at 8:30 it's advisable that you start your journey no later than 7:30 even if the map says it's 10mins away cause of traffic. The menu is vast but you may need to google while purchasing cause even staff in stores will refuse to engage you. Maybe l say to anyone reading this:Try not to leave home without learning basic level communication Italian to enrich your experiences.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rome?

The libraries don't open mainly in the weekend and also they open up to 5pm and it's pointless cause sometimes you have classes all week and about 2hours to spare. Remember l may feel like this cause my home library opens 24/7 during exam period and up until Midnight daily during the week prior to exams. I haven't seen may student friendly discounts unlike other European countries which l have been too.

How much does it cost to live in Rome?

It's expensive. I would say budget ensure you have 500euro for food per month and Daily up keep. Like tickets for metro, permission de soggorno (permit) , it's small money that ends up being slot. In terms of accomodation you will find a single room for about 650 if you not sharing with someone then about 750euro if you will have your own bathroom and about 850euro if someone is cooking one meal for you at a institution for students. It's a lot coming from my country.

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

It is difficult because most applications require you to pay say 20euro and you need a local card it wouldn't accept my visa and MasterCard. So you write replies to adverts you see but dont get numbers to call the landlord incase they done reply you.
Also be careful some accomodation may appear as cheap but it is not because transport to outer cities is more expensive considering time you spend travelling and not home it maybe wise to just pay 650 instead of ,350/400 unless if you don't need to be at work or school daily then it's worth it.

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

I like spaghetti bolognese but it doesn't taste the same here. I love pizza the tuna one tastes great.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rome?

The Vatican
Naples

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

It is good to eat out and the cost is the same or difference of 1/2 euro. I tried cooking last weekend l bought material for 10euro a large pizza, or buffet eat as much as you want dinner is 9euro so l didn't see the point unless if you want steak. It's usually cheaper to cook it yourself

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

I'm not so much a night person. It's safer to walk at night in my experience and you can get all you need based on your needs. The Pakistan shops also come in handy.

What advice would you give future students heading to Rome?

Come excited and learn something new.All the best