Top 10 Tips for Studying Abroad in Florence (From Someone Who Actually Did It)

1. Say yes to everything — especially that first week

   You’re going to meet so many people in those first few days. Everyone’s in the same boat: excited, nervous, and just trying to make friends. The energy is high, plans are being thrown together left and right, and saying yes even when you’re tired or unsure, just go, it's how you end up with the people you’ll spend the rest of your semester with. Go out, get lost, grab the last-minute dinner invite. That first week really shapes everything.

2. Pack the clothes you actually want and pack a lot of them

   One of the biggest things people told me before I left was “pack light, you’ll shop there.” Yes, you’ll buy stuff — but there were so many times I wished I had more of my clothes. Bring what makes you feel like you, not just what fits in a carry-on.

3. Plan trips ahead of time

   Spontaneous weekends sound romantic until you're paying triple for a flight and sleeping in a 14-bed hostel room. Planning ahead of time will save you money and stress

4. Bring comfortable walking shoes (and wear them often)

   Florence is a walking city. Between cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, and full-day weekend trips, your feet will take a beating. Don’t rely on cute shoes alone — bring sneakers you actually like and trust. You'll be walking way more than you think, and bad shoes will ruin your day fast.

5. Learn the public transit system (especially for weekend trips)

   Florence itself is super walkable, but once you start traveling around Italy or other countries, trains and metros become your best friend. Get familiar with Trenitalia, Italo, and how to validate your ticket. In bigger cities like Paris or Barcelona, knowing how to navigate metros early saves you time and money.

6. Use Skyscanner to book trips

   If you’re flying anywhere, Skyscanner is a lifesaver. It compares tons of airlines and gives you the cheapest dates and routes, perfect for weekend trips when you’re flexible. You can even search “Everywhere” as your destination if you just want to see what’s cheap. Highly recommend.

7. Try to schedule your classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (and maybe Mondays if needed)

   If you can stack your classes earlier in the week, do it. It gives you longer weekends to travel without skipping class or sprinting to the airport right after a lecture. Having Thursdays and Fridays open makes a huge difference when you’re trying to plan trips — trust me.

8. Learn at least the basics of the language

   You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing how to say things like “where is…,” “can I have…,” and simple greetings makes a huge difference. Locals appreciate the effort, and it helps you feel a little less clueless in everyday situations. Plus, it’s just respectful you’re living in their country, not just passing through.

9. Take advantage of free museum days

   On the first Sunday of every month, state-run museums in Italy, including major ones in Florence like the Uffizi and Accademia, are completely free. It’s the perfect time to check off the big ones without spending a cent. Just go early, because everyone else has the same idea.

10. Make the most of it

    This semester goes by fast. Way faster than you think. So book the trip, go out on a Tuesday, walk the long way home, say yes to plans even when you're tired. You’re not going to remember the naps, you’re going to remember the moments you showed up for.