Top ten useful tips for studying in Florence, Italy. Part III

It's time for the final part of the story. As promised, below are the latest tips from the "A to Z" series. In three posts, we've suggested what to bring with you from clothing to Italy, how to call home for free, and much more - everything a tourist and student needs to know.

As always, those who are new to this page are welcome! See below for our guide to the material, which contains a wealth of information.

Part I. Tips for Studying Abroad in Florence: Preparing for Departure and Arrival

  1. Money

  2. Collection

  3. All about Arriving

Part II: Tips for studying abroad in Florence: Checking in & Great Orientation

  1. Telephone & Internet

  2. Going around town

  3. Food

  4. Everyday Life

Part III: Tips for studying abroad in Florence: Advanced Travelers

  1. Apartments in Italy

  2. Study places

  3. Communications with Italians

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Apartments in Italy

Home, sweet home

Some of you live in school dorms in Italy, but the vast majority will stay in either an apartment or a host family home. For the latter students, the family can give advice and explain some of the everyday Italian features of the new home. However, there may be difficulty in understanding. If students are not fluent in Italian, they will have difficulty understanding, for example, explaining the pros and cons of classic Italian washing machines. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

Electricity

Italians are always watching their electricity consumption because it is expensive. If you live with your family, you can follow their example. If you pay your own electricity bill, be careful!

Electricity is also very sensitive. For example, your hair dryer and other electronics can blow a fuse or blow a fuse. Fortunately, since this happens quite often in Italian homes, it's easy to fix. All you'll have to do is find the fuse box (ask your landlord in the family where it is) and turn the black bar back up. This little box is either in your apartment or on the first floor near the front of the house. Make sure you know who to call for help. It's a harsh lesson that happened to me one frosty January Sunday.

Laundry

The laundry room probably changed our minds a bit about the domestic side of life in Italy. Here are some basic facts and recommendations:

  • Italians almost always have a washing machine, but almost never a dryer.

  • Washing machines run as long as possible to use less energy.

  • Make sure you know what mode to put the particular clothes on (you would be surprised how many washing modes there are).

  • It can get very expensive to use a dryer due to high electricity costs. Italians are used to washing and drying their own clothes without electrical appliances. Plus, a lot of products are sold that make the clothes soft, so you won't lose anything.

  • If you are very attached to the dryer, you have to use the local laundry and pay a penny (again, electricity is expensive!).

  • In sunny weather you can dry your clothes outside. To protect them from the wind, try laying your clothes so the edges of the clothes are touching. And stock up on plenty of clothespins.

Terrace

The terrace of an Italian home is usually an extended "laundry room." It is rarely used for recreation. Obviously, there are a lot of tourist houses downtown that don't know about it. It's also worth bearing in mind that in Florence, and in many other Italian cities, no time is spent on balconies until dawn.

Sound and privacy

In Florence's narrow streets and stone buildings, sound spreads easily. If you go outside to make a phone call, chances are you stand a good chance of being overheard. Even as you sit on the windowsill and answer Skype calls, passersby will be able to hear what you're saying. It will look like you're broadcasting to the whole street. Many houses in Italy have thin walls and window panes, so be aware that many people can hear what you are saying.

Water

Like electricity, water is a luxury, especially hot water, which also costs money. Italians either shower in cold water (yes, they really do) or carefully open the tap and reduce the water pressure. This also applies to washing dishes. Look, your Italian family does that, too. Water in Italy is always treated with care.

Now every apartment has a boiler that heats water. Some are in the house, others are on the terrace. These things are surprisingly very small. What does that mean? It means that if one person washes for more than 15 minutes, there's no water left in it for the next person (you can't have endless hot water once in a while, but you won't have endless hot water in an Italian apartment anyway). So if you have roommates, make sure you've worked out a shower schedule that has enough hot water for everyone. For someone who lives alone, it's worth asking the landlord what to do if the water leaks poorly (a common problem easily solved if you know how) or if something more serious happens (like a water outage).

Another important detail about water in Italy is that it contains a high percentage of minerals. The most obvious consequence of this is dry skin. You will also need to clean your sink often because of the high calcium levels. You'll find plenty of cleaners labeled "anti-calcium" in grocery stores. We also recommend using special anticalcare tablets for the washing machine, which will keep calcium from damaging clothes and prolong the life of the washing machine.

Litter

The garbage system in Italy is different from the garbage system in the US (at least in most places in the US). Look at the types of trash cans near your house. You will always find a bin for plastic, glass, other raw materials, cardboard, and regular trash. When you leave the city center, you may see organic bins, which are usually only on the outskirts of Florence.

Heating

If you are in Italy in winter, pay attention to this paragraph. Heating is as expensive as water and electricity. We're used to spending the cold months in "toasty" houses, but in Italy the concept of average temperature is a little different. People usually have to wear warm slippers and a scarf at home. If you don't need warm clothes, your house is too hot and the bill will remind you of that. I'm kidding, but only a little bit. My first heating bill in Italy brought me to tears. If you are watching your budget even a little bit, then don't take any chances and wrap a blanket around your home. I also try to heat only one room, close the door to it and try to spend all my time there. At least some option works.

Learning Places

Time to Work

Not everyone prefers to work/study in the library, at home, or in a coffee shop. Even if you're overseas, that doesn't mean you have to try to do your homework in all those places. All you really need to do is choose the place where you like to study the most, and fortunately, plenty of places are absolutely available. It's also an opportunity to meet classmates and discover the city outside of your home and campus.

For Library Lovers

Biblioteca Nazionale
Address: Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 50122 Firenze, Italy
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:15 - 19:00, Saturday 8:15 - 13:30
This magnificent historic library near the Arno River, next to Piazza Santa Croce. Although there are rooms with precious books and collections, access to which requires special registration, the main reading rooms are open to all. All you need to buy a library card is an ID. Then you can come and use the services, even borrow some books (although most of them are in Italian and, for your information, you must have your documents with you to borrow a book). The main reading room is on the first floor. Although it is quite cold in winter, the room is well lit. It is worth noting that one of the requirements is to leave all your belongings, except books, computers and writing instruments, in a special locker.

Biblioteca Marucelliana

Address: Via Cavour 43-47 - 50129 Firenze
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
One of the finest public libraries. Come here for at least a day to enjoy the main reading room, which has a rich history. You'll feel even smarter when you first enter this library. Once again, you need to get a library card, and to do that you have to show your ID (you'll need a document to borrow books). The schedule here is strict, but the library is just north of the Duomo, so it's easy to get there. And, more importantly, it's a quiet and beautiful place.

Biblioteca Palagio di Parte Guelfa

Address: Piazzetta di Parte Guelfa
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm

This library offers more facilities for those who like to study in the evening. The library is next to Republic Square (and near the popular Old Stove pub if you want to take a break).

Library with a beautiful view Biblioteca delle Oblate

Address: Via dell'Oriuolo, 26, 50122 Florence, Italy

Hours: Monday 14:00 - 19:00; Tuesday - Saturday 09:00 - 12:00

The view from this building is beautiful, so it is my favorite place in Florence. The Biblioteca delle Oblate has a special feature - a square in the courtyard. There's an open loggia on the top floor, so you can take in the best views of Florence while you study. It also has a small bar where you can buy lunch, salad, a drink, coffee...

Coffee bars and a casual studying atmosphere

Quello

Address: Borgo Santa Croce, 9

This small bar next to Santa Croce has average prices and friendly staff, making it one of the favorite places to study in the center. Make friends and make this bar your home.

Café Letterario

Address: Piazza delle Murate, 50122 Florence, Italy

We've mentioned this establishment before. It's near Piazza Beccaria and San Ambrogio. There are seats on the outdoor terrace and places indoors where you can, for example, dine in winter. It's easy to find a quiet corner here, since the establishment is huge in size. Enjoy coffee, brunch or lunch while reading a book.

La Citè Libreria

Address: Borgo San Frediano, 20r 50124 Firenze

Hours: Monday - Tuesday 7:30 - 01:00; Friday 7:30 - 02:00; Saturday 10:00 - 02:00; Sunday 15:00 - 13:00

If you live in Oltrarno, don't worry, there are some great places, especially La Citè Library. It in particular resembles a classic Brooklyn café and bookstore at the same time. Comfortable chairs and large windows make it the perfect place to study.

Communication with Italians

Ciao, Come Stai?:

Stay away from the tourists...

Rule number one: if you want to meet Italians, you have to go where they go. I know, I know. It's obvious, but easier said than done! You'll have to step out of your own comfort zone. If you go to a bar and hear English being spoken, turn around and find another place to spend the evening. Even if you already do this at least once a week, for one thing, it will be easier, and then those public places will become your favorite. Also, chances are good that you'll want to learn Italian, which is a great motivator.

Take your hobbies with you...

You can fill your day with different activities, and this will bring you closer to Italians who have the same interests as you. For example, take up sports: tennis, swimming and soccer; an art class outside of school: photography or drawing; volunteer, take care of children, help retirees or work with a religious community. Whatever you want to do, it's possible to do in Italy, especially so it's much easier to meet Italians.

Speaking

Maybe you've heard before, but this is a great way to 1) speak Italian and 2) make Italian friends! I've made a lot of good friends over a cup of coffee. We didn't just talk in Italian and we didn't just talk about Italy. If your school does not communicate with local Italians who would like to speak English with foreign students, you can visit some local language schools and ask an Italian student about "uno scambio linguistico". If you want to experience what it's really like to LIVE here, then get involved. Meet people. Talk to them.

OK. I think that's it. If you're not ready after these ten posts, you never will be.

Go ahead and thrive.

And eat a huge bowl of mozzarella for me!

2022-01-14 07:13:58
© author lost