Moving alone to Rome for university is a transformative experience that challenges students to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to a new culture, and grow both personally and academically. For many students, studying abroad in Rome is not just about academics — it’s about building independence, navigating a new environment, and discovering a global perspective.
At John Cabot University, students from around the world choose to study in the center of Rome, where academic opportunities are paired with real-world experiences in one of Europe’s most historic and dynamic cities.
Larue Furlani, a Marketing major and captain of the women’s basketball team, shares her experience of transferring from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to JCU and moving to Rome on her own. In her story, she reflects on the challenges, growth, and defining moments that come with building a new life abroad.
The Journey that Changed Me: Moving Alone to Rome
My name is Larue Furlani. I’m a marketing major at JCU and captain of the women’s basketball team. I transferred from UH Manoa to JCU in August of 2024. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is located on the island of Oahu. Attending college in paradise was more than a blessing, but I always felt that there was something more for me out in the world. Being a descendant of Italian grandparents, and having studied Italian for two years, I had always dreamt of living in Italy. I faced many challenges moving to Rome, but all were very rewarding and character building for me.
Making the Decision to Move to Rome
I completed my freshman and sophomore years of college at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa . Attending college in a tropical paradise felt like a dream – class in the morning and surfing in the evening. On weekends, I’d drive to different sides of the island with friends and explore new beaches and hiking trails. But even after two years of what seemed perfect, something inside me was calling for a different path.
I loved Hawai’i and its energy, but I was craving a change of scenery and challenge. I wanted a new rhythm in life, with more opportunities to grow and become the person who I knew I could be. This meant I needed to leap out of my comfort zone and do something drastically different from what I had ever done before. I applied to JCU, got accepted, and booked a one-way flight to Rome. Having never travelled outside the United States before and doing this by myself, I knew I had some big hurdles ahead of me.
Moving with Just a Backpack
When it came time to pack for Rome, I challenged myself to only bring a large backpack. I knew it would be tricky travelling solo and overwhelming when using transportation if I had too many belongings to keep track of. I also didn’t want to drag my old life across the ocean, knowing I would buy a lot of clothing and personal items in Rome. I kept it light and only brought basic essentials - two pairs of pants, a few tank tops, dresses, a light coat, and a few pairs of shoes.
It felt almost irresponsible to bring so little with me, but at the same time, also freeing. I knew everything I needed would be there once I arrived in Rome. Moreover, I wanted to prove to myself that I could start over with almost nothing. I did not need material items to make me feel grounded; I just needed myself.
The Challenges of Starting Over in a New Country
I had already done the dorm experience in my freshman year of college, so I decided to find an apartment off campus. Though my rent was already paid, I had a miscommunication with my landlord and ended up staying in a hostel my first week in Rome. This was the first time I had ever experienced a hostel. During this time, Rome was having a massive heat wave, so I was not only sweating and exhausted but also jet-lagged and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, that first week in Rome was one of the best weeks of my life. I met so many people in the hostel that I am still friends with today. Having a bad landlord wasn’t so bad in that particular situation.
I finally was able to move into my apartment and actually start my life in Rome. My first few weeks were quite overwhelming. I soon realized that Italy had nothing even remotely close to a Target or Walmart, so I had to go to individual stores for all the things I needed for my apartment. And although I studied Italian for two years, I found it really difficult to speak and communicate with locals. Figuring out how transportation works in Rome, and how it doesn’t work sometimes, was also a challenge. Choosing a grocery store, setting up a SIM card, finding bed sheets – what seemed like minor difficulties were actually learning opportunities for communication and independence.
I got pickpocketed during my second week in Rome at Porta Portese, a huge outdoor market that is popular for students to roam on Sundays. During my orientation week, I had no phone and got lost half a dozen times in the Eternal City. This was a huge character-building moment for me. No maps, no music, no social media – just listening and learning about my surroundings. This experience, along with the many others before, showed me that mistakes aren’t something to beat yourself up about. The slip ups are what makes you human, and what forces you to adapt in a new environment.
Finding My Community at JCU
Once I began classes at John Cabot University, I jumped back into my studious rhythm. I noticed how incredibly international the JCU community is and was meeting peers from around the globe. While meeting new friends, I felt welcomed that many others were also starting over too. Whether it was their first year of university or their last semester before graduation, everyone I met had their own stories and faced difficulties. For the first time, I didn’t feel so lonely being in a new city by myself. I joined the volleyball team through JCU's athletics program and met some great friends. The following season, I was captain of the women’s basketball team and formed a sports family in Rome. My time in Rome has been so rewarding and that is mostly because of the people and professors I have met here at JCU. 
Adapting to Life in Rome
Living in the Eternal City has taught me to adapt in ways I never expected. I’ve learned to be confident in my daily life and take the tough stuff that life throws at me with a grain of salt. I truly didn’t feel at home in Rome until my second year here. I think going back home to California for the summer made me realize how much Rome shaped me into a young adult and professional; I just couldn’t quite see it until I had a short break. Now that I’m back in Rome, I feel much more comfortable and at ease with things that used to worry me in my first year. The things that seemed so difficult, like asking for help at the store or finding the right train, are
effortless tasks for me now. 
How Moving Alone Changed Me
Moving alone to Rome with just a backpack was by far the scariest, but most remarkable side quest I’ve ever done in my life. This journey showed me that growth comes from discomfort, and that confidence and understanding really do just take time. If I could give anyone advice reading this, I would say to give yourself the time and grace for change. Good things don’t come to those who wait; they come to people who quite literally jump out and grab them. Never pass up on an opportunity because you are scared - chances are everyone else around you is scared too. Take the chance, take the leap, and create the experience for yourself that you deserve. Now, when I walk the cobblestone streets of Rome, I no longer feel as though I am an outsider. This city, in all its chaos and charm, has become a part of me.
I’d like to dedicate this article to my parents, who have worked tirelessly to provide me with all the opportunities I have been blessed with. 
Ready to make your own mark at JCU in Rome?
Larue’s experience highlights how moving abroad for university can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. From navigating a new city independently to building a community and gaining confidence, studying abroad in Rome offers opportunities for growth that extend far beyond the classroom.
At John Cabot University, students are supported throughout their journey as they adapt to life in a new country, develop independence, and become part of a close-knit international community.
Explore how you can begin your own journey at JCU and experience life as a student in one of the world’s most inspiring cities.
To learn more, visit our website or email us at admissions@johncabot.edu to schedule an informational call!
