It's not easy to move from home to a new city in a new country with so many unfamiliar characteristics, so the housing and residential life at John Cabot University was an important part of my transition into independence. I lived at the Gianicolo Residence my first semester, which is a short walk from both the Guarini and Tiber campuses. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful buildings on your way to class. Also, being surrounded by other students in the residence, it is easy to make friends and get to know your neighbors. Plus, the RAs (resident assistants) are always on call to give you advice or even lend some measuring cups!
The Gianicolo Residence has everything students could need, from vending machines for quick snacks or espressos, a good gym to get in some quick workouts, and quiet rooms for late-night study sessions. The study rooms are very helpful because students can study as long as they need to and not have to walk back from the school. Also, the Housing and Residential Life office staff and wonderful team of Resident Assistants are extremely friendly and hardworking!
I was fortunate to share an apartment with just one other person - a girl from Dallas like me! - and we shared one room, a bathroom, full kitchen, and large living room. The apartments are newly renovated and ready to be decorated, and there are cleaning services that come once a week to clean the common areas of the apartment.
While living in the Gianicolo Residence, you are a short walk to any of Trastevere's shops, restaurants, and grocery stores. Students in the Gianicolo Residence are in the best spot to get to the many fabulous museums and historical sites in Rome. The Residence is located near Ponte Sisto, which connects them to the wonderful Campo dei Fiori market, then a short walk to Piazza Navona where you can see the wonderful architecture by Bernini and Borromini. From the Residence, you can also walk to St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Vatican Museum (with Sistine Chapel!).
Yo
u are also a short walk away from the tram line that runs from Piazza Venezia up through the Monteverde neighborhood. Along the tram line, you can get off at different stops and explore some of the residential areas of the city. The tram is an easy way to get around the city quickly - and if instead of living in the Gianicolo Residence, you're in the Trastevere Apartments, you can use the tram to get to the JCU campus quickly! The tram also takes you to the Roma Trastevere train station, and from there you can take a quick train to the beach or other towns near Rome.
The JCU Housing and Residential Life offers a unique experience. You will never forget it, whether you're here for one semester or four years!
Anna McCutchen
Class of 2020
International Business Major
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
