---
title: "Studying Abroad in Rome on a Student Budget: Tips From a JCU Student"
description: Discover how John Cabot University student Ximena Coster turned an internship with So Fare Films into hands-on experience at the Religion Today Film Festival in Trento.
---

[Admissions Blog - John Cabot University](https://blog.johncabot.edu)

# [Studying Abroad in Rome on a Student Budget: Tips From a JCU Student](https://blog.johncabot.edu/studying-abroad-rome-student-budget-tips)

 Written by [Charlotte Kovacich](https://blog.johncabot.edu/author/charlotte-kovacich) | October 23, 2026, 6:50:40 AM Z

Studying abroad in Rome offers the chance to explore historic landmarks, travel throughout Italy, and discover the city’s culture. But making the most of the experience doesn’t have to mean overspending. With student discounts, affordable transportation options, and a little planning, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Rome on a budget.

Charlotte Kovacich, a visiting student from the University of Denver majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Information and Analytics and minoring in Marketing, is spending the semester studying at [John Cabot University](https://www.johncabot.edu/) and interning with JCU’s Marketing Office. In this student-written guide, she shares some of her favorite ways to save money on transportation, historical sites, and food while studying abroad in Rome.

## **How to Experience Rome on a Student Budget**

*My study abroad journey has been made special through exploring Roman culture.* I have noticed many differences in the way of life between the United States and Italy.

One of my favorite parts of Rome in particular, is how accessible it is to university students. I’ve been able to take full advantage of transportation, historical sites, and food with the help of student discounts and smart hacks to stretch my dollar.

### How to Save Money on Transportation in Italy

One of the biggest differences I have noticed between Italy and the United States is the use of public transportation. Italy’s infrastructure includes a much larger network of public transportation than the United States. Because of this, Italians frequent trains and busses more often than Americans do.

It has been fun to familiarize myself with the public transportation systems in Italy, especially as a student. I particularly love the high-speed train system in Rome. Beyond exploring the city of Rome, I’ve been able to easily travel to cities like Florence, Venice, and Sorrento via train through discounted tickets from different companies like Trenitalia and Italo.

Trenitalia has a program called FrecciaYOUNG that offers travelers under 30 fare discounts of at least 50%. Italo offers similar benefits with their programs Italo Young and Italo Friends. Italo Young can save travelers within the age range of 14-29 up to 70% on train fares. Italo Friends offers discounts for booking multiple tickets. Booking 3-5 tickets can save travelers up to 60% on train fares. It is important to note that these discounts depend on how early travelers book tickets and how high the demand of train tickets is on the dates of a traveler’s stay.

Third party sites can also help students save on train fares. Omio is a great example. Omio offers a 3-month savings pass, which is a one-time payment that saves travelers 10% on future train bookings for 3 months. In addition, Omio offers a student discount of 5% on travel bookings for students at accredited universities.

### How to Save on Museums and Historical Sites in Rome

Rome is unique because of its rich history and advanced political structures that parallel systems still used today. As a history enthusiast, I have absolutely loved exploring Rome’s historical sites. One of my favorite things about Rome is how the city embraces its history. The modern city is built directly around historical monuments making them easily accessible to JCU students because of their central locations within Rome. JCU is only a 30-minute walk from one of the 7 wonders of the world (The Colosseum) – how amazing is that!

In addition to their easy access from campus, many famous landmarks offer students discounted admission and free access days during each calendar month. Through smart planning, I have been able to take advantage of young adult discounts and especially free access days. Notable locations include the Vatican museums, and sites partnered with Italy’s Ministry of Culture Domenica al Museo initiative.

On the first Sunday each month, historical sites such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and Domus Aurea are free to the public. European Union students are eligible to enter these sites for just €2 if they are under the age of 25. The Vatican museums have their own set of discounts that are not limited to EU citizens. Students under the age of 25 are able to purchase €10 tickets with proof of enrollment in university. In addition, the Vatican museums are free to enter during the last Sunday of each month.

### How to Save Money on Food in Rome

One of the biggest reasons I chose to study abroad in Rome was because of the food. Who doesn’t want to spend their days eating pasta, pizza, and tiramisu? Through my study abroad experience I’ve not only tasted amazing food, but I have also learned about Roman culture through food. For example, I learned that it’s customary to drink espresso at the bar and that people enjoy aperitivo, which consists of light snacks and a drink, before dinner.

As I’ve familiarized myself with Rome’s food culture, I have also learned to eat within a student budget. Many restaurants around Trastevere offer special discounts and food promotions for students. A few of my favorites right by campus are La Boccaccia and Da Augustea a Trastevere. Another money-saving trick beyond discounts is taking advantage of take-away food and beverages. Restaurants in Rome often charge additional service fees for a sit-down meal.

Restaurants aren’t the only way to save money on food. Grocery stores in Rome offer a variety of discounts via loyalty programs. As a frequent shopper at Conad I signed up for a Carta Insieme, which is a free loyalty program that offers discounts on select products. Other major grocery chains offer similar benefits such as Carrefour, Lidl, and Pam Panorama.

### Making the Most of Your Semester in Rome

The bottom line is – study abroad students should be enjoying their experiences, not worrying about how much money they are spending. Rome is unique in that it is extremely accessible to students as long as they know where to look.

Through advanced planning and smart spending students can find ways to save money in several different areas allowing them to spend less time stressing about their budget and more time making the most of their semester abroad.

### FAQs About About Studying Abroad in Rome at JCU

Is Rome affordable for study abroad students? Rome offers options for a range of budgets. Students can save money by using public transportation, taking advantage of eligible discounts, shopping at supermarkets, and choosing affordable restaurants and takeaway options.

How can students save money while studying abroad in Rome? Planning ahead can make a big difference. Students can compare train fares, check eligibility for museum discounts and free admission days, look for restaurant specials, and use supermarket loyalty programs to reduce everyday expenses.

Who can study abroad at John Cabot University? John Cabot University welcomes students from around the world who want to experience university life in Rome. With study abroad programs available in the fall, spring, and summer, students can immerse themselves in a new culture, and earn transferable credits toward their undergraduate degree. Explore [JCU’s study abroad programs](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/) to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

What is it like to study abroad at JCU in Rome? Studying abroad at JCU offers students the opportunity to study in the heart of Rome while experiencing Italian culture and living in an international student community. Students can explore the city's history, food, and cultural attractions while pursuing their academic goals.

Learn more about John Cabot University's [Study Abroad Program in Rome](https://www.johncabot.edu/admissions/study-abroad-rome-italy/) or contact [studyabroad@johncabot.edu](mailto:studyabroad@johncabot.edu)[mailto:careerservices@johncabot.edu](mailto:careerservices@johncabot.edu)[mailto:directexchange@johncabot.edu](mailto:directexchange@johncabot.edu)[mailto:directexchange@johncabot.edu](mailto:directexchange@johncabot.edu)for more information. 

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