--- title: How to Fit In With Locals While You Study at JCU in Rome description: Considering studying at a university in Rome? Find out how you can fit in with the locals and immerse yourself in the Italian way of life! image: https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/1920x1080_2.png --- [![JCULogo1](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo1.png?width=300&height=80&name=JCULogo1.png "JCULogo1")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) [![JCULogo2](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/JCULogo2.png?width=300&height=82&name=JCULogo2.png "JCULogo2")](https://blog.johncabot.edu/blog?hsLang=en) - [Undergraduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/undergraduate) - [Graduate](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/graduate) - [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad) - [Italian](https://blog.johncabot.edu/it/blog) - [Website](https://www.johncabot.edu/) - Filter By Topics - Scegli Il Topic # How to Fit In With Locals While You Study at JCU in Rome March 10, 2023 SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/how-to-fit-in-with-locals-while-you-study-at-john-cabot-university-in-rome-1](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/how-to-fit-in-with-locals-while-you-study-at-john-cabot-university-in-rome-1) ![](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/1920x1080_2.png) SHARE [mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/how-to-fit-in-with-locals-while-you-study-at-john-cabot-university-in-rome-1](mailto:?body=https://blog.johncabot.edu/how-to-fit-in-with-locals-while-you-study-at-john-cabot-university-in-rome-1) ![John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hubfs/JCUCrestWhiteonBlue-1.jpg) Written By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) Topic [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/student-life), [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/study-abroad), [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/tag/rome) When visiting a new country, most of us make a concerted effort to fit in with their people and way of life. Part of the experience of travelling abroad is the chance to learn about and engage with your host country’s culture.    If you’re studying abroad at [John Cabot University](https://www.johncabot.edu)in Rome, you’ll gain valuable exposure to the Italian language, culture, and people. Immersing yourself in a new country can be an incredibly transformative and fortunate experience, and the best way to learn is by observing the customs around you.  Here are some easy ways you can fit in with the locals in Rome and adapt to the Italian way of life during your study abroad experience!     ##### When in Rome - Dress Like an Italian!  If you’re attending [**university in Rome**](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/default.aspx), you’ll quickly learn that fashion is a big part of Italian culture. JCU students quickly discover how much Italians take pride in the way that they dress, and their style is usually well-tailored to the setting, occasion, and weather. If you are trying to fit in with the local dress code while attending JCU, there are a few things to note. It’s important to remember that no matter how hot or cold it is, Italians dress for the season rather than the weather. Even if the sun is shining on a January day, it’s a good idea to bring another layer with you in case the weather takes a turn. A good indicator of a tourist is someone who is unaware of the country’s climate, and dresses as such.  If you’re visiting one of Rome’s many museums and churches, it’s important to dress modestly, with your knees and shoulders covered. When sight-seeing the beautiful and historic sights of Rome, you will want to show respect, especially as a visitor to the country. In the case of churches, it’s often mandatory to cover certain body parts, and you may be denied entry if you are inappropriately dressed.    ![May 11 university in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/May%2011%20university%20in%20Rome.jpg?width=5190&name=May%2011%20university%20in%20Rome.jpg) *JCU students should pay attention to the local Italian fashion *   ##### Learn Common Italian Phrases as You Study Abroad in Italy While it’s a good idea to try and look, act, and eat like an Italian, there’s a much simpler way of fitting in with the locals: speaking Italian. Italians are very personable, and you will notice that locals love to chat with passersby. If you want to make the most of your [**study abroad in Italy**](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/default.aspx) experience at John Cabot University, you should take the opportunity to engage in conversations with native Italians. Of course, as a foreign visitor, no one is going to expect you to be entirely fluent in the language. However, knowing some common Italian phrases will go a long way in your travels.  You’ll be able to engage in some casual conversation, and at the same time demonstrate your interest in and respect for the local culture. Not to mention, you’re more likely to get an authentic insight into the Italian way of life by communicating with locals. You’re likely to make some Italian friends while studying at JCU. Rather than expecting them to speak English, try forcing yourself out of your comfort zone and testing out some of your Italian vocabulary.    *![May 11 university in Italy](https://blog.johncabot.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/May%2011%20university%20in%20Italy.jpg?width=5349&name=May%2011%20university%20in%20Italy.jpg)* *Spend time practicing your Italian with locals while at university in Rome* ##### Find Some Local Hotspots Rome is a vibrant city filled with global visitors from many different places. While studying in Italy at JCU, you’ll notice the sheer number of tourists that the country attracts year round. As a major European capital, Rome has a lot to offer, from architecture, to museums, to food, and piazzas. While it’s definitely worth checking out the plethora of world-famous sites during your study abroad opportunity, make an effort to seek out some local hotspots as well, whether they be markets, restaurants, cafes, or boutiques. The best way to do that is by seeing where the locals tend to gather, or simply speaking to some native Romans. By experiencing all that Rome has to offer, you’ll make the most of your time abroad!   **Are you currently researching opportunities for** [attending](https://www.johncabot.edu)[university in Italy](https://www.johncabot.edu)**?** **Contact John Cabot University to find out more!** [Previous Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/3-ways-debate-club-can-support-your-studies-at-our-university-in-italy?hsLang=en) [View all posts](https://blog.johncabot.edu) [Next Post](https://blog.johncabot.edu/pursuing-a-b.a.-in-business-administration-a-look-at-the-opportunities-ahead-at-john-cabot?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe Here! ### Recommended Reading [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/study-abroad?hsLang=en) [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/rome?hsLang=en) ##### [Staying Active While Studying Abroad at John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/staying-active-studying-rome?hsLang=en) By [Lauren Brondyke](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/lauren-brondyke) / May 22, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/staying-active-studying-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/study-abroad?hsLang=en) [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/rome?hsLang=en) ##### [Top 3 Student Clubs to Join at John Cabot University in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life-clubs-jcu-rome?hsLang=en) By [Elba Maria Peña](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/elba-maria-peña) / May 8, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/student-life-clubs-jcu-rome?hsLang=en) [Student Life](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/student-life?hsLang=en) [Study Abroad](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/study-abroad?hsLang=en) [Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/topic/rome?hsLang=en) ##### [John Cabot University’s Campuses in Rome](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) By [John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/jcuadmissions) / May 6, 2026 [Continue Reading](https://blog.johncabot.edu/campuses-rome?hsLang=en) ### Subscribe and stay up to date ### Subscribe and stay up to date - [Academics](https://www.johncabot.edu/academics/default.aspx) - [Admissions](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/default.aspx) - [Student Life](https://www.johncabot.edu/student-life/default.aspx) - [About JCU](https://www.johncabot.edu/about-jcu/default.aspx) - [Studenti Italiani](https://www.johncabot.edu/universita-americana/default.aspx) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/JohnCabotRome) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/john-cabot-university/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/JohnCabotUniversity) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/johncabotuniversity) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/phone.svg) [+39066819121](tel:+39066819121) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/email.svg) [admissions@johncabot.edu](mailto:admissions@johncabot.edu) ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3067823/address.svg) Via della Lungara 233 00165 Rome, Italy [©](https://a.cms.omniupdate.com/11/?skin=oucampus&account=john-cabot&site=www&action=de&path=/default.pcf) 2025 John Cabot University ### Request Info »