At John Cabot University, studying in Rome means more than attending classes — it means becoming part of a city that inspires learning every day. From our campuses in the heart of Trastevere to the countless cultural spaces scattered throughout the Eternal City, JCU students quickly discover that Rome offers endless opportunities to study, explore, and grow both academically and personally.
In this post, senior Ava Brook Johnson, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and a current Business Administration major with a minor in Marketing, shares her favorite on- and off-campus study spots that have shaped her university experience and helped her make Rome feel like home.
One of my favorite things about studying at John Cabot is how beautiful both the city and campus are. Rome has this rare mix of history, energy, and inspiration that somehow makes even study days feel special. Every JCU student eventually finds their go-to study spots, over the semesters, I've found some of my favorite hidden, quiet, and cozy spaces that make studying more enjoyable. Here are some of my favorite spots, both on and off campus, that I think every JCU student should know about.
Frohring Library (Guarini Campus)
The Frohring Library is the heart of campus and one of my favorite places to study. It’s calm and cozy, and always filled with a sense of focus. The library has both quiet zones for when you need full concentration and group study areas for collaborative projects.
What I love most is that it’s small enough to feel familiar, but big enough to always find a seat during the week. When I need to write essays or review for exams, I usually pick a spot by the window. The beautiful views of Trastevere rooftops make long hours feel much lighter and peaceful.
Secchia Terrace (Guarini Campus)
If you need a change of scenery from the library, the Secchia Terrace is the perfect spot. Perched on top of the Guarini Campus building, this rooftop space is one of the nicest places on campus to get work done while still enjoying fresh air.
The terrace has plenty of tables and seating areas, as well as shady space if you’re looking for less sun. I often come here when I want a more relaxed study session, something that feels more productive but not confined. The open-air setting and view over Trastevere always help clear my mind and bring a new wave of focus. The space is typically quiet, especially during the early afternoon, making it easy to focus. And it is a nice reminder of where you are, even if you're deep in studying.
Cinema Troisi (24/7 Study Room)
If you’re a student at John Cabot University and looking for a unique study spot in Rome that goes beyond the usual café, Cinema Troisi in Trastevere is a great option for you. The venue is not just a theatre but has been restored and updated as a 24/7 study room/aula library.
The study room is one of the best-kept secrets in Trastevere. It’s open all day, every day, with tables, wifi, and a bar inside, where you can get a coffee or a bite to eat. This place is a change of scenery from your typical university library but provides a student-friendly environment that is cultivated to allow students to be around like-minded individuals in a creative space. Remember to bring your student ID, being enrolled at JCU or in Rome as a student often helps with discounts or special film series.
Caffè Settimiano
Another one of my favorite off-campus study spots is Caffè Settimiano, located right across from Guarini Campus, on Via di Porta Settimiana. This café is a true JCU staple and is a great place to go if you’re between classes and want to study off-campus but want to stay near the university. Caffè Settimiano has a welcoming environment that makes for both studying and socializing. The indoor space is cozy, while the outdoor tables are ideal for sunny days when you want to study while people-watching on the Trastevere street.
There is a wide variety of seating options, indoor and outdoor. Because of its location, you're bound to run into a friend from campus. It is a great place to meet a group for a project or study session with a schoolmate.
The staff is incredibly friendly and used to JCU students. They even cater to American coffee preferences, offering iced coffee (a rarity in Italy!) Their menu has a wide selection of snacks, pastries, and light meals. One of my personal favorites is their chocolate banana bread.
I like coming here when I want to feel productive but not isolated, plus when you’ve been sitting inside the library for hours, it’s nice to step outside, get some sun, and still get some work done.
Whether you prefer quiet spaces like Frohring Library or lively cafés like Caffè Settimiano, there’s something for you. For me, having a mix of both on-campus and off-campus spots have made all the difference. On days when I need complete focus, I stay in the library. When I need fresh air, I head to the Secchia Terrace. And when I want to feel part of the city, I take my work to Settimiano or Cinema Troisi. Each place offers its own kind of inspiration.
Finding your ideal study spot in Rome is part of the JCU experience, it’s how you make the city your own.
At John Cabot University, your classroom extends far beyond the campus walls. If you're looking for an American liberal arts education in one of the world’s most inspiring cities, JCU offers a truly global community and countless opportunities to grow academically and personally.
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