If you go to a school like mine, then there are a few study abroad programs available for students and chances are, Florence, Italy is on the list. So if you are thinking of taking advantage of this opportunity, here is a list of tips to prepare you for your adventures abroad!
1. Pack for the colder weather
No one is going to tell you this, so I am! Bring your jeans and sweaters and coat and gloves because it is a lot cheaper to buy summer clothes over here than it is to buy winter ones!
2. Bring bug spray
Especially if you are planning on coming here in the fall. You think I'm kidding, but you'll see. Mosquitoes here THRIVE. I have the bug bite scars to prove it, so save yourself and bring some Off and make sure to purchase mosquito nets and some citronella candles your first week here.
3. Invest in a travel neck pillow
This sounds dumb, but you will definitely thank me later. You'd be surprised all the places you end up sleeping when you're traveling.
4. Be prepared for your clothes to be semi-ruined
Unless you want to take your clothes to a laundromat every time you want to wash them, you will be air drying them because apartments only come with washers. This definitely leaves them a lot less soft and your jeans will soon be too baggy to wear.
5. Expect to spend (way more) money than you budgeted for
This one is important!! I came over here with a budget that I thought was more than reasonable and that was broken very quickly. Food, transportation, excursions, accommodations, shopping, and just little things to make living more comfortable really do add up. So don't be too hard on yourself when you spend more money than you hoped to. YOSAO (you only study abroad once!)
6. Forget about wifi
Unless you are somehow lucky enough to have an awesome apartment with great wifi or a school where the wifi connection is nice, don't expect to always be able to use your phone. I actually don't think this is a bad thing... Maybe you'll learn to use your phone less! This being said, GroupMe and WhatsApp will be your best friend.
7. You totally don't need to buy the phone plan the school tells you to
They make it seem like it's necessary, but it's really not. Unless you want data, which is actually kind of helpful if you get lost, you could definitely go without getting an Italian SIM card.
8. Pack some American snacks for when you're desperate
Sounds silly, but you'll be happy you did when you realize the only American snack they have over here is Pringles (ew).
9. Learn the basics of the language
Italians are super kind people, but they will be even nicer if you know some simple phrases. So learn "thank you" and "may I have" and little things like that.
10. Utilize the travel companies at the beginning
FlorenceForFun, SmartTrip, and Bus2Alps will be your best friend the first couple of weekends. However, once you begin to feel comfortable traveling, I highly suggest planning trips on your own! They're so much more fun and you have a lot more freedom.
11. If you have any special products, bring them
If you have a face wash you particularly like or some makeup, I suggest you pack it! Chances are they do not have it over here. I know it may take up some space in your suitcase, but it'll be worth it when you see other people stressed out about their crappy makeup from KIKO.
12. Get to know the city
Cliche, but really take the time to explore Florence. You will find beautiful corners and streets in every part of the city. They are full of little shops, restaurants, and gelato places. Make sure to explore the other side of the river, too!
12. Save your shopping
Florence is a GREAT place to buy leather- shoes and bags- however, you will be upset with yourself if you buy clothes in Florence. The other places you travel such as Paris or London or Milan will have way better options because they have boutiques, vintage stores, and so much more! You can find a lot of unique pieces outside of Florence.
13. Get to know people in your program
I came over here with my 5 closest friends, which has been amazing, but I have also gone out of my way to meet other people within my program. And I must say, it has been so much fun! I always have seen a lot of these people in my classes, but never really talked to them. Being in Florence has helped me meet so many new and interesting people that I will definitely continue to hang out with once I get back to school at home.
14. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TRAVELING OPPORTUNITIES
If you have the means to travel, DO IT. Eat 39 cent noodles for dinner all week, but just go out and travel. While being in Europe I have been to London, Paris, Milan, Sicily, Rome, Croatia, Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Como, and I'm sure a few other places. I would not trade the experiences and adventures I have had here for anything.
15. Take in every second of being over here
Florence is truly a beautiful and breathtaking city and if you have the opportunity to come over here, don't waste it. Fully appreciate every moment of being in Europe and realize how lucky you are to be able to experience this all for a semester!
