Amidst the excitement of living in a new country, being in a different environment may pose some challenges in adjusting to new study habits. Participating in the classroom can be just as eye opening as sightseeing in Florence. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet students from all parts of the world to share different perspectives when discussing class material. If you’re having trouble achieving a balance when mid-terms and finals roll around, the following tips may come in handy.
Keep a planner to track all your assignments and upcoming exams. With traveling plans and to-do lists filling your head, it can be easy to forget about due dates for classwork. Purchase a beautiful leather planner from a local shop or download a simple calendar app that allows you to set reminders. Because your weekends will probably fly by with traveling and exploring Florence, make sure to complete your assignments beforehand and avoid the stress of doing things in a rush!
Find a space that suits your study needs. Some people are most productive in quiet, secluded areas while some don’t mind the chatter of others. Figure out what works best for you, so you’re not wasting your time in a difficult place to concentrate. Consider stepping out of your apartment to find a cafe where you can study. You’ll also avoid dealing with any roommates who may distract you. The FUA library in Corso Tintori provides a quiet zone for serious reading and reviewing. If you want to go somewhere with a view, take your notebook to Oblate Library to see a view of the Duomo or bring your study materials up to Piazzale Michelangelo (be aware of crowds though). Need to be surrounded by green to power your thinking? Try the Cascine Park, the Giardino di Orticultura, or green squares such as Piazza d’Azzeglio and Piazza Demidoff.
Wake up early a few days a week. If you don’t have early classes every day of the week, consider starting some days earlier than you normally would. Although most college students may dread the idea, a couple extra hours of the day can help out with completing assignments. Wake yourself up by going to a local cafe. Sit down with a hot cappuccino and flaky croissant while you complete some work.
Improve time management. Few things are worse than sitting down to read your assigned textbook only to realize you can’t remember anything you’ve just read. Remember to cut out distractions such as social media to optimize productivity and complete assignments when you’ve had enough sleep. Reviewing class material each day helps your brain retain information as opposed to procrastination which oftentimes yields stress and mediocre results.
Form a study group. If you feel like time is withering away with things you want to do, consider applying your acquired knowledge from a course to your surroundings. Make some friends from class and do something around the city to enhance your learning. If you’re in an art history course, go to a museum and study the intricate details of sculptures and paintings. If you’re taking an Italian class, go to lunch with friends and practice what you’ve learned by ordering in the language. Think of creative ways to reinforce all that you’ve learned.
Hopefully, these and other tips will help you excel in your academics for a memorable and rewarding study abroad experience. Happy studying!
Left, San Miniato al Monte; Right, gelato from La Carraia with a beautiful view. Photos by author.
By Emma Vogel
Contrary to popular belief, not everything worth seeing in Florence is on the north side of the Arno river. Here are some of the hidden gems I’ve discovered living beyond the river, or as the locals call it, the “Oltrarno” or in an even further colloquial way, “Diladdarno.”
I was confused the first day I arrived at my apartment in Florence. Where was the Duomo? The Ponte Vecchio? The statue of David? Okay, I wasn’t quite so naive as to expect all of those Florentine staples right outside of my apartment door, but I knew I was in a different part of Florence than I had seen when searching Google Images. It took me only a few minutes of wandering to realize that I lived on the south side of the Arno river, and it took only a few days after that to fall in love with where I live. Sure, what draws most people to Florence is the bustling Piazza della Repubblica, the magnificent Duomo, and the incredibly famous Palazzo Vecchio, but there’s much more to see than what the tourist guides suggest. There’s a whole hidden part of Florence with charming artisan shops, authentic Italian cuisine, and hip cafés filled with locals that you can find by simply crossing one of the many bridges. Here are the best parts of Oltrarno that I’ve discovered so far.
Food
Oltrarno has some of the best restaurants in all of Florence. With a multitude of choices from family-owned restaurants to trendy eateries, I find a new favorite restaurant every day. So far my top picks include: GustaPizza (not surprising as it is loved by abroad students, tourists, and locals alike), Osteria Santo Spirito (great sit-down spot), Club Paradiso (owned by an Italian couple, the wife cooks the food, the husband is the waiter, and the menu changes everyday!) As for gelato, Gelateria Carraia never disappoints and has been a local favorite for years (a wide variety of flavors and generous portions.)
Pro Tip: You can compare southern Italian pizza styles in the neighborhod. After GustaPizza, check out O’ Munaciello and Da Gherardo (don’t let the plain website fool you, the place is tiny but packs a punch!).
Santo Spirito: A Place to See
Crossing the Ponte Vecchio into Oltrarno brings you to the center of the most authentic artisan shops in Florence. Walking down Via Romana, you pass stores selling handmade leather shoes, fresh pasta and olive oil, and art galleries. Past the artisan shops you can find Santo Spirito, arguably the hippest neighborhood in Florence. Piazza Santo Spirito is filled with cute cafes and trendy restaurants known for apertivo and, of course, the famous Basilica di Santo Spirito. The square has a daily market open until 2 p.m. where you can find fresh produce sold by neighborhood locals. A short hike from there brings you to the breathtaking Piazzale Michelangelo where you have a view of the entire city. A little farther up the hill you can find San Miniato al Monte, one of the most beautiful and unique churches in Florence.
Pro Tip: Santo Spirito is the iconic square of the Oltrarno area. Also try exploring the tiny Piazza della Passera for funky restaurants and great gelato. Piazza del Carmine (also home to the Brancacci Chapel) and Piazza Tasso are also interesting squares with a great local vibe.
Although Florence’s most famous monuments are undeniably amazing, it’s more than worth it to escape the crowds of tourists to explore the hidden beauty and authenticity that is Oltrarno.
When first arriving in Florence, it’s normal to feel like a tourist. Here are some tips on how to live like a local.
Florence, upon first glance, can overwhelm its visitors as they crane their anxious heads above the sea of selfie sticks and open maps, search for a restaurant sans menu photos, and squeeze through the awing crowds in the main squares of the city. Among the excited tourists, it’s important to keep in mind that a majority of people you pass by call this city home.
Firenze has so much more to offer than temporary housing for weekdays. Culture and favorite cafes and park benches with carvings live here. Children and dogs play in the streets as their parents chat with the friendly market booth owners. Familiar calls of “Buongiorno” ring through the narrow alleyways, artisans flaunt their daily food creations, and 20somethings socialize on the steps of Santo Spirito.
Learning to see Florence through the eyes of a local
Appreciating Firenze as a home can help create an authentic study abroad experience. Finding the best panini places and venturing past the piazzas will come with time, but there are some things you can do to help feel like a local in the city.
Talk to your professors
Even if not all of your instructors were born in the city, chances are they have lived here long enough to be considered a local in terms of their favorite activities. A short conversation about their ideal day will provide great insider tips while getting to know your instructors on a more personal basis.
Strike up conversations with small business owners and workers
On your next pit stop for lunch, whether in Italian or English, introduce yourself to the people behind the counter. Step out of your comfort zone and ask them how they are doing, if they have any recommendations, and what their ideal day in Florence would be. Forming relationships with local italians can immensely help authenticate your Florentine experience.
Search online for local advice
Although forming relationships with locals will prove incredibly helpful, the internet is also full of blog posts, reviews, and ‘top 10’s’ for the exact purpose to share local knowledge. Some great places to start are The Girl in Florence blog, filled with restaurant reviews and things to do off the beaten path, this Unusual Florence guide, and even Tripadvisor (Making sure to measure opinions carefully. Try the place. Do you agree with other clients’ opinions?).
Tips from a Florentine local:
Native Florentine and Marketing professor Paolo Fiorini kindly gave some insight in creating an authentic experience.
What would be your ideal day in the city?
Go out in the morning with my family to the Central market and buy typical food products. Stop at a restaurant/panino place and eat then walk in the center of the city looking at exhibition or other events
What eateries and activities would you recommend for someone visiting the city?
Well, this is a complex question. It depends on what you want to eat. If you search traditional food like lampredotto or trippa for me the best place is Il Magazzino, pasta at La casalinga, bistecca at Pandemonio, wine and cheese at Le Volpi e l’uva, and then other hundreds of eateries. Place to visit: Galleria dell’Accademia, Galleria Palatina at Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Davanzati, exhibitions at Palazzo Strozzi, and all major churches
In closing, he shares that the best way to make your experience unforgettable istry to live as a Florentine. Buy traditional food and cook it with local people, learn basic Italian and try to speak it, relax and understand our “lifestyle.”
From personal exploring, I have stumbled across a couple great places, including Sandwichic on Via San Gallo, which provides delicious and different sandwiches and a bottle of water for €2,50 with your FUA ID, and Da’Vinattieri, with a fennel spread that will change your life. Other recommended places I have yet to venture to include Amble, an eclectic lunch spot where you can buy the vintage furniture at the cafe and Ino, another seemingly awesome spot that uses top-notch ingredients.
Although you may only inhabit Florence for a few short weeks or months, putting in the effort and opening yourself up to new, authentic experiences can turn your perspective of this city from the eyes of a tourist to the eyes of a local.
Examining the detail of the Santa Croce church, photo by Morgan O’Reilly
By Morgan O’Reilly
It’s 8:30 on a February morning as I swiftly dodge bikes and local pedestrians on my way to class. The damp chill of Florentine air jostles my bones as my tired eyes stare downwards at the passing cobblestone. The frigid gust of wind and the loom of tardiness pick up my weary feet and hurl them toward the next stone, until suddenly a crack on the sidewalk catches my foot and I trip. Only then do I look up from my monotonous routine and spot a little, hidden bakery; a woman laughing with her daughter; the incredible detail on the Santa Croce archways; and a side of Florence I had neglected to notice.
Falling into a routine comes naturally when settling in Florence: you find the quickest routes, the cheap panini places, and a couple go-to evening spots. Although finding some favorite places will help with your acclimation to the new environment, it is also important to keep exploring the city and appreciating new sights each day. Yes, many weekends will be spent crossing off travel bucket lists, but weekends should also lend themselves to new Florentine discoveries. The city cannot be fully appreciated in one, momentous layer. It opens itself up to its guest every day; tripping and confusing its inhabitants and then strategically placing a hidden gem right in their winding paths
Finding a new sight a day, or moreover, appreciating a new sight a day, can transform the city from a world renowned bustle to a personalized home. Form a realistic plan of things you want to see, do and eat, and try to knock off a few each week. Reach out to your professors and locals for their recommendations. Even on your walk back from class, pay extra attention to the detail on the Duomo; the finely cured meats at your favorite panini spot; the muffled italian chatter in the Oblate Library; veins on statues; love locks on fences; foam on your cappuccino. Explore the Uffizi over and over again, visit Oltrarno’s gardens, grottos, and local eateries, and find those special details and locations you would have overlooked if you hadn’t payed active attention.
The simple act of opening one’s senses to new discoveries can not only act as a mantra for an immensely enriching Florentine experience, it also lends itself to a life of new discovery and appreciation. Begin to notice, to see the overlooked, and to experience the little moments that make Florence so unprecedented.
In Florence, venturing into the market isn’t simply about buying food, but it’s also about being part of an authentic experience. You’ll be surrounded by Italian speakers, vibrant colors and something new on every corner to indulge your senses. Vendors can tell you the origin of the foods whether an item comes from the northern regions of Italy or right here in Tuscany. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation and closer connection to these Italian products. Markets are also a great place to observe local life and even practice the language.
You probably heard about the popular San Lorenzo Market before even stepping off the plane to Florence, but there are many more options to purchase groceries in the in the city center.
Sant’Ambrogio Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and built in 1873, the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio is home to a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and fish, breads, and pasta that may offer more advantageous prices than the San Lorenzo Market. The market is both indoors and outdoors, open every day 7am-2pm except on Sunday. It’s about 15 minutes away from the Duomo.
Santo Spirito Every third Sunday of the month, the square hosts an organic food market from 9am to 7pm. You can browse through various stalls of local food purveyors.
Fruit and vegetable grocers: Fruttivendolo Around the city you’ll find fruttivendoli or ortofrutta shops specialized in fruits and vegetables. Everyone has their favorite based on their neighborhood or shopping preferences, try asking professors or new acquaintances at which shops they like to buy their frutta e verdure (fruit and vegetables)!
How to Shop – An Essential Guide
Be sustainable and bring along a reusable grocery shopper bag.
Bring cash instead of relying on a credit card as most vendors only accept cash.
Don’t touch the fruits and vegetables without asking. Tell the vendor what you want. They’ll either give you it or hand you a plastic bag to pick it up before it’s weighed.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Eating seasonally is key to Italian cuisine and the market is a great place to experiment with products that vary as the weather changes.
Know how much you want and how to say it. Although some vendors will know English, this won’t be the case in all situations. I would like… Vorrei…(i.e. I would like 2 apples. Vorrei due mele) Can you give me..? Mi da…? (i.e. Can you give me 2 apple? Mi da due mele?) One Uno Two Due Three Tre Four Quattro Five Cinque 1 pound= about a half a kilogram Mezzo chilo For cured meats, the etto, or 100 grams, is a common unit of measure.
If you don’t see something on the list that you want to purchase, look up the translation and write it down. Don’t worry if you’re having trouble saying something in Italian, or indicating the item that you wish to purchase.
Shopping at local markets is a great option for making dinner at home with friends, preparing fresh packed lunches to enjoy in between classes, or to have healthy snacks on hand such as perfectly ripe fruit. In addition to shopping locally, you can also check out the Apicius CiboChat blog for student reviews of local restaurants, bakeries, gelato shops, and much more.
Welcome to the beautiful, bustling center of the Italian Renaissance. Upon arrival, your bags will be full, your feet tired, your stomach empty, and your mind racing. To ease the initial shock, here is an essential survival guide to help you through your first few days in this incredible city.
1 – Get to know your apartment
When you first walk into your new apartment, you’ll probably feel a mix of emotions. One of these will be excitement, but another one might hit you: confusion. Apartment living may be a little different than what you’re used to at home. Italians value conserving electricity, water, and heat. Turning on too many electrical appliances at the same time can result in a power surge. Don’t expect to take long showers because the hot water will run out. Remember to space out showers between roommates to conserve the hot water and turn off lights when you leave a room. Be environmentally friendly!
Electrical outlets are also different, and it’s very important to use the correct converter/adapter to avoid damaging your devices. Ladies, don’t use your electrical hair tools unless they’re dual wattage and compatible with Italian outlets.
Appliances like ovens, stovetops, and washing machines work differently than what most study abroad students use at home. Carefully read your apartment manual to figure out how the appliances work in your individual apartment. If you find that they aren’t working, don’t panic! Simply visit your MyFUA account and fill out a Housing Troubleshooting form to have the issue resolved in a timely manner.
Pro Tip: Scope out if your sleeping area is facing an internal or external part of the building. Like in any city in the world, facing street-side can get noisy at times, consider whether you may need earplugs or not.
2 – Get to know your area
At first, living in Florence might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry. It’s normal. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it is to get around the city. Begin to walk around the area near your apartment to familiarize yourself with the markets, cafes, and restaurants. You never know, there may be an awesome panini joint right under your apartment.
Take photos of different landmarks for reference when you need help remembering how to get somewhere. Pay attention to your surroundings! Think: how far away is this place from a main square or easily recognizable landmark? Organize a walking tour with roommates or newfound friends. Find the best routes from your apartment and your classes, and it’s also a great way to get to know the city! Knowing where you can grab a quick bite or grab groceries will help Florence feel like home.
Once you become more acquainted with the city, it’s time to find your favorite study spot in addition to the quiet study areas at the FUA Main Library. Head over to the bookstore La Feltrinelli in Piazza Repubblica. You can grab a quick bite to eat from the cafe to enjoy while completing your weekly assignments. There’s also a large selection of books. It’s open all week 9:30am-11pm. If you need a quieter place to do your work, Oblate Library is located near FUA’s J School. Take a study break and head to the top floor where you can find an aperitivo buffet. Peek out the window, and you’ll see a great view of the Duomo! It’s open Monday 2-10pm and Tuesday through Thursday 9-12am. In addition, make sure to explore Florence’s wide array of coffee shops, book stores, and other nooks to find your perfect study area for the upcoming semester.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take a picture or carry around a physical copy of your updated registration to avoid walking into the wrong class.
3 – Get to know FUA’s Facilities
Florence’s bustling, crowded piazzas and countless street corners can make anyone feel bewildered upon stepping on this giant historical landmark. One of the most effective and easiest ways to get to know the city lies alongside many of your classes. The Student Life office in Corso Tintori offers events, tours, trips, and free campus facility services. Attending events like the Welcome Reception, walking tours, weekend trips, or free gym classes, can open up possibilities to meet the faculty and staff as well as some fellow study abroad students. After a long day, grab a pastry or some aperitivos at the campus pastry spot, Fedora, or FUA’s student restaurant, Ganzo.
Pro Tip: Exercising at FUA’s gym will not only give you the most for your money, but it can be a great stress reliever for the hectic first week. Also, attending a free class can be a fun, social way to burn off last night’s third scoop of Gelato.
4 – Get to know Italian dining/social culture
In your first few days in living in Florence, you will probably realize that there are some serious culture differences, especially around food. Italians generally sit down for dinner around 8:30 or 9. If they eat out, it is not generally for convenience, but rather as a treat not to be rushed through. A good Italian waiter will never rush a customer, so it will be your responsibility to ask for the check. Here, dining establishments can generally be categorized by three types: Osteria, Trattoria, and Ristorante. An Osteria is a less formal way of eating out with food served at shared tables. A Trattoria serves as the second “level” of Italian dining. These serve inexpensive, regional home cooking. A Ristorante tends to be a little more formal and expensive of the three. But always do a double check if possible, as the names and price ranges nowadays are interchangeable.
Other types of establishments include the Pizzeria, Bar, and places for Aperitivo. We can conclude that pizzerias serve pizza, and they might serve other food as well. The best usually have an actual wood burning oven. Pizzas in Italy are generally individual dishes rather than family style. A Bar in Italy is a cafe, a place for people to grab a quick espresso and a small sandwich or pastry. Aperitivo is usually a pre-meal beverage served with snacks and appetizers, and the popular buffet-style has become a quick, informal way to enjoy dinner and wine with friends. Keep in mind that wine with a meal is an Italian social activity, but excessive drinking is not.
One last note is that tipping in Italy is not a common practice. Waiters and retail employees earn a regular salary as opposed to working for tips, so a required service charge and possibly rounding up a euro or two will more than suffice. This being said, if your service is exceptional; for example if they make you laugh, cry of happiness, or if they pull out their best magic tricks/acrobatic techniques, then by all means tip as you see fit.
Pro Tip: If you want to find a local Italian restaurant, stray away from the main squares and keep your ears open; if the customers speak Italian, it’s a good sign that the experience will be more authentic.
5 – Get to know some Italian
Learning some Italian phrases will not only help you communicate with the locals, but it will also help you better assimilate into the Italian culture. Don’t be afraid of pronouncing things wrong. The locals will appreciate your effort! Practicing each day will improve your skills.
Hello Ciao/Salve (formal)
Good morning Buongiorno
Good afternoon Buonasera
Good night Buonanotte
Good bye Ciao/Arrivederci (formal)
Please Per favore
You’re welcome Prego
How are you? Come stai/Come sta? (formal)
I’m fine Sto bene
Excuse me Mi Scusi
I’m sorry Mi dispiace
I don’t understand Non capisco
How much is it? Quanto costa?
Pro Tip: Check out your Student Manual for other helpful phrases. Download a translation App to your phone when you need help reading a menu or communicating with someone. Or, keep a small notebook to jot down other commonly used words.
Soak up the rich history, enjoy authentic cuisine, and admire the amazing views. Living in a new place might feel scary at first, but Florence will start to feel like home sooner than you expect.
