11 Signs That Show You're An Italian College Student
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Signs That Show You're An Italian College Student

Hitting the pasta, pizza, and books.

158
11 Signs That Show You're An Italian College Student
Eat This, Not That!

If you're like me, a second generation Italian-American, there's no doubt that you have Italian pride (or pasta sauce) flowing through your veins at every given moment. Some may even consider being raised this way a blessing because of the natural love for our family, religion, and food... in that order. Coming from hardworking generations, I'm proud to say that I'm the first in my immediate family to go off to college (Woo!). While the experience of the oldest child going into their first year of college is a milestone for all families, this can be especially unique when it's all new to an Italian family. However, I wouldn't let my family, otherwise known as la famiglia, bring it to me any other way. If you can relate to any of my college experiences so far, I guarantee you that you're 100% a fellow paisan.

1. When you're giving la famiglia a walking tour of campus and you have to make sure no one is around when they’re wondering how much everything costs.

"Hey, how much of the tuition bill do you think went into that new building over there?"

2. Listening to Andrea Bocelli while studying.

I never understood the hype of his music in my household as a kid because anything that was considered classical was boring to me. However, I can now appreciate the fact that this blind Italian man sounds like an angel.

3. Going to an Italian bakery with your friends and having to explain almost everything they sell.

"Does this place sell any of those brisket cookies that you have in your dorm?"

Excuse me, do you mean biscotti? *sigh*

4. Bringing the entire famiglia to drop you off after big breaks because it will make the trips moving the 100 bags of food from the car to the building much easier.


Did I really need my whole family to drop me off? No.

Did I really need to bring all that food? Yes.

5. When you and your friends are ordering pizza and you already know what you want 5-7 business days in advance.

The pizza in Providence may be no match to the famous pizza from New Haven, Connecticut (if you're in the area, try Pepe's- the nation's best) but hey, I'll take whatever I can get.

6. When showing your famiglia around the city, you skip the well-known Italian restaurants because sometimes you just have to switch it up... but then you always end up regretting it.


Only my family would go to a burger joint in the middle of Providence's Little Italy, aka Federal Hill.

7. Coming back to school after thanksgiving break with a panettone to celebrate with for the Christmas season.


If you don't mind raisins, I promise you this Italian "fruitcake" is actually good. Tip: try toasting it with butter.

8. Critiquing the dining hall's “interpretations” of the Italian cuisine and your friends think you complain too much.

The other night I ate "chicken parmesan" aka a frozen chicken patty with sauce and melted cheese on it. But of course, I still ate it because you know... college.

9. Watching one of Sebastian Maniscalco's specials on Netflix with your friends and you feel like the only one who understands his stereotypical Italian references.

He's definitely my new favorite comedian, and I'm not even being biased because he's also Italian-American. If you haven't heard of him, check him out. You'll actually pee yourself laughing because his jokes are so relatable; he tends to make fun of everyday situations.

10. Being one of the few people who have taken an Italian language class here... or ever.

"You know Italian? My high school didn't even offer it."

11. Cringing at the fact that there are actually people out there who eat plain pasta without sauce, cheese…. nothing. Not even butter. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

Isn't that like, a sin? It probably is according to my nonna.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71143
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132997
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments