If you study abroad in Rome, it is sure to be an experience you will never forget. Rome is packed with many things to see and do—from the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Basilica—and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
However, staying organized can be a challenge when there are so many ruins, museums, and ancient lanes to discover. To help ensure that you get to see as much of Rome as you can while also staying on top of your studies, here are a few tips for staying organized.
Use Organization Tools to Keep Track of Your Time and Priorities
If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are plenty of apps you can download that will help you stay on top of everything you need to do. Calendar apps, for example, can send you notifications about when an assignment is due and notetaking apps can help you remember important information.
Of course, you’re not required to have a device to help you stay organized. You can also simply buy a day planner and write down what you need to do. Indeed, you may find your smartphone is itself distracting and that it’s better to keep your calendar separate from it. Also, make sure you have a backpack that includes individual compartments for keeping your books, pens, and other materials better organized.
Keep Travel and Schoolwork Separate When You Study Abroad in Italy
While one of the benefits of attending university in Italy is that you’ll have amazing opportunities to travel, you still need to prioritize your studies. A good way to do this is by keeping travel time and study time separate. For example, you may want to set aside certain days of the week for sightseeing and the other days for studying. You can even join one of our weekend or day trips to explore some truly spectacular places around Italy, such as Venice, Florence, or Pompeii, during your travel days.
However, while keeping separate days for travel and study is an excellent idea, there is one important exception: onsite learning. With onsite learning, classes are held at important sites around Rome. It’s a great way to learn about Roman art, architecture, sociology, and more. Since you’ll be studying and traveling at the same time, onsite learning is also an efficient way of organizing your time.
Create a Workspace Where You Won’t Be Easily Distracted
Having your own study space is essential for staying organized and focused on your studies. You may find that the best place for you to study is in your residence. However, if you find that at home, you’re tempted to text friends, chat with roommates, or watch movies on your computer, you may want to find a study spot outside of your accommodations.
The Frohring Library, for example, is located at John Cabot University’s Guarini Campus and is an excellent resource for our students. You’ll find a quiet space and one of Italy’s best English-language libraries. Alternatively, you could head off campus and study at one of the city’s many cafes or scenic parks. Wherever you choose to study, make sure it is free of clutter, noise, and other distractions.
Do you want to study in Italy?
Contact John Cabot University to learn about our programs and study abroad scholarships.
