When you visit Rome you have to experience Rome as a Roman. As much as your experience will be exciting and filled with jaw dropping experiences, Rome also has a way to bring peace and calmness if you truly embrace it.
You have filled out your travel portal, put down your deposit, and are ready to get on that flight. However, where are you going to live? You may want to consider what type of living situation will make you feel most comfortable and at home when studying abroad as housing can make or break an experience.
Some considerations may be:
- Budget (possibly save money with independent housing)
- Roommates and if so, how many (more vs less roommates)
- Location to campus and/ or famous spots ( choose the neighborhood you like the best)
- Safety
- Flexibility of stay (choose the duration of your housing before vs. after the program)
- Utilities provided (more options of facilities)
- extroverted/introvertness (Do you need time to recharge vs. more comfortable with people)
Some personal experiences
I have always been one to live alone, and as social as studying abroad can be from seeing so many people in your classes and experiencing the bustling city of Rome. I came to appreciate coming home at night and being able to cook a meal and enjoy a glass of wine from time to time.
When looking for a place to live I really appreciate the support which temple housing gave but also wanted to experience living more independently in another country. And it brought me another layer of confidence as I had conquered a task independently and comfortably.
Airbnb
Using the airbnb site was extremely easy and safe from what I had heard and previously experienced. I started looking for a place to live in February for the summer session.
The best part of the site is how easy it was to filter for searches.
Some of filters I used was:
- Rate per night
- Draw a boundary of exactly which area I wanted to live in
- Only include highly rated hosts or super hosts with excellent reviews
- Check for utilities (washer/dryer, AC, dishwasher)
Sticking to a budget was very important to me, and the great part about airbnb is that the longer you schedule your visit, the more weekly discounts you get. Additionally, I was able to set up an online meeting with the host to discuss what’s nearby, stay requirements, and look at the apartment and its facilities. And not only was I closer to campus than those who were in Temple housing but also to the piazza de popolo which has all the restaurants and historic buildings.
Overall your study abroad experience is what you make it. Understanding your boundaries and wants make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Make the most of this academic endeavor!