Designer clothing and handbags, amazing food, fine wines—Italy is known for offering some of the most luxurious items and experiences the world has to offer. But believe it or not, it’s possible for anyone to enjoy Italy’s world-class landscape and culture on a budget. This is especially true for those planning to study at one of Rome’s central university campuses.
If you’re considering setting out on your own study abroad adventure, you’ll want to make sure you have enough financial capital to make your way around Italy's attractions. Luckily for you, there are plenty of easy ways to live frugally while you study abroad in Rome. Here are our top tips for managing your budget while overseas!
Rome has many affordable places to shop for food and necessities. John Cabot University (JCU) offers a great cafeteria with an international menu, but students also have access to kitchenettes in their residences. Instead of buying premade snacks, consider getting fresh produce at the local market and doing the prep work yourself. Try to find a vendor you like—by going back repeatedly you can build trust and make the most of any deals they have on offer.
When it comes to purchases like clothes and shoes, shop how the Romans shop—at the “saldi” (sales). Unlike American stores that hold small sales year-round, Italian retailers have big, city-wide sales twice a year. These saldi happen just after the holidays in December and July, so many study abroad students are lucky to catch one or both.
This twice-annual tradition lasts about six weeks each time, with discounts on great Italian retail items like shoes, bags, and fashion that get better and better as the weeks go on. Things simmer down after the first week of sales, so if you’d rather not stand in long changing room lines, you can always wait until “mid-saldi” to see what kind of deals you can find then.
As a vibrant cultural mecca, Rome is abundant with festivals and free events that won't cost you a penny. What’s more, being a student in this city can bring even the most elite cultural experiences within your reach.
While you attend university in Italy, your student card can act as an access pass to great deals at several museums, cultural institutions, and restaurants. Discount sites like Groupon.it and Due Spaghi can also save you money and introduce you to foods and events that you might not otherwise discover.
Be sure to use the campus, surrounding libraries, and outdoor venues to their full potential as a study spot. Money-minded students who do need a caffeine fix are better off not setting up shop next to the espresso machine in one of Rome’s pricier cafes. Instead, you can always avoid temptation and take in the beautiful cityscape by getting your coffee to go and studying outdoors.
Getting around Rome can be expensive if you’re used to driving or taking taxis. Luckily, Rome’s municipal infrastructure includes a truly affordable public transit system that every student should explore. It also offers pay-per-use bikes which you can rent, borrow, or buy to see a side of Rome that you couldn't perceive the same way from a car window.
Rome is also generally more pedestrian-friendly than other cities that you may be used to. When you study at JCU, you’ll be within walking distance from everything you could need, including museums, galleries, and famous Roman landmarks. That’s why many of our programs, such as Art History, offer trips to world-class historical sites for students to witness fine art and architecture firsthand. With an insight into the workings of the city, study abroad students will be ready to hit the ground running.
Interested in the opportunities that await when you study in Italy?
Contact John Cabot University to learn more about our programs!