Meet Alessandra King, a senior at American University in Washington, D.C., majoring in Business Administration with specializations in Marketing, Data Analytics, and Finance. Originally from New Milford, Connecticut, Alessandra is spending her Fall semester abroad at John Cabot University in Rome, where she is also interning with JCU’s Marketing Office. When she’s not studying or exploring Rome, Alessandra enjoys outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, and hiking—or simply spending time with family and friends.
In this post, Alessandra shares her first impressions of JCU and life in the Eternal City, reflecting on everything from housing and classes to Rome’s vibrant culture and daily pace of life.
Ciao from Rome!
I can hardly believe I’m already nearly halfway through my semester abroad in Rome. From the moment I landed, it has been nothing short of a journey, and I’m excited to share my first impressions, aha moments, and the experiences that come with navigating life at JCU and living in the Eternal City.
Adjusting to a New City and Campus Life
I’m originally from a small lakeside town in New Milford, Connecticut—about 1.5 hours from Manhattan and 5.5 hours from Washington, D.C., where I attend American University. I’m no stranger to big cities and public transportation, but nothing could have fully prepared me for the vibrant chaos and charm of central Rome.
Although I’ve been to Europe before, this was my first time in Italy, a country that has always been on my bucket list. I anticipated some culture shock, but what truly surprised me were the little details I hadn’t thought of before arriving. Orientation and move-in were seamless, and having our luggage transported directly to our apartments was a total game-changer.
One thing that immediately stood out was the JCU building access system. Scanning in and out of buildings was new to me, but it gave me an instant sense of safety and peace of mind amidst all the new experiences.
Living in Trastevere
Walking into my apartment at the Lungara Residence, directly across from the Guarini Campus, I was instantly impressed. JCU offers fully furnished, apartment-style housing with modern amenities. As an American, I was intrigued by the smaller washing machines and drying racks, tall skinny fridges, and big windows. Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity and practicality of this lifestyle—it’s functional yet spacious.
With grocery stores and local markets nearby, day-to-day life is smooth and convenient. Another big perk is how close all the academic buildings are. At my home university, my neighborhood is about a 15-minute walk from campus. Here, I can get to all my classes in under 10 minutes! Having everything within walking distance makes a huge difference.
Beyond campus, Trastevere is packed with restaurants, cafés, shops, pharmacies, and grocery stores. I quickly found my “go-to” spots for everything I needed, which made exploring the city feel much easier.
Why Getting Around and Exploring Rome
Getting around Rome is an adventure in itself. There are frequent bus routes, plenty of taxis, and several train stations near JCU. The convenience of 24/7 transportation makes it easy to plan weekend trips or get home late after exploring.
One thing that really surprised me was how lively the city is—even late at night! Coming from the suburbs, I wasn’t used to seeing people out after 9 P.M., but in Rome, the streets are always buzzing with life. It’s a refreshing and energizing change of pace.
Embracing Italian Culture and Community
Beyond the convenience and vibrancy, what has truly struck me is Rome’s rich sense of culture and community. At JCU, I’m surrounded by students from all over the world, and living in Rome adds another layer entirely. The city’s history, art, and local traditions make each day feel immersive.
The pace of life here is more relaxed compared to the U.S. While I love the hustle of big cities, it’s been refreshing to slow down—especially when dining. In Italy, meals are meant to be savored. Sitting down at a restaurant without feeling rushed has been a beautiful change of pace, and it’s something I’ve come to really appreciate.
Looking Ahead
Overall, my first weeks at JCU and in Rome have been full of challenges, adventures, and discoveries—both big and small. From the convenience of campus life to the lively streets and rich history surrounding me, every day offers something new. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the semester holds and to continue exploring all that this incredible city has to offer.
Ready to start your own adventure in Rome?
Learn more about studying abroad at John Cabot University and joining our international community. Visit our Study Abroad page or email studyabroad@johncabot.edu to explore your opportunities.
