How to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Top Ten Useful Tips: Part 1

So you've decided to go to Italy to study. Dreams come true. You can't wait a minute to leave. There's a "but": you're overwhelmed by what you have to do before you leave and you have no idea what to expect when you get to Italy.

I remember it was yesterday, and believe me, I had no idea what living in a new city was like (and I had trouble understanding a foreign language, too). My only regret is that I didn't explore the metropolis before I left. If you read this material before the "trip", you will definitely avoid my mistakes, keep it up! And in case you have already gone abroad, do not worry, because you will be aware of all the "pitfalls". Anyway, you're on the right track. Let us give you a helping hand.

In these posts, we'll share all the helpful information you'll need:

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

1. Money

2. Collections

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. Learning places

3. Communicating with Italians

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1. Money in Italy

Know what you're getting into:

The material side of life, spending in Italy is a topic that can be looked at from many angles. Unlike Americans, who rarely carry cash, Italians rarely pay with credit cards for anything less than two hundred euros. They also hate big change. Italians will gladly wait for you to give them the exact amount, even if it takes a very long time to count the small coins.

Since a lot of money comes from an ATM, you will always have large denomination bills. "Can't change this money," is one of the most common phrases I heard in Italy. I wish we had a ton of helpful advice on how to deal with this problem this time around. You can think of it as a funny incident that everyone sometimes encounters when moving to Italy. You can go to cafes or restaurants where everyone is used to large bills and bills. There is a positive side - you will definitely learn to appreciate small coins. Chin up, we all go through this.

The next topic is where large bills come from. Nowadays, all you need is an ATM and/or debit card, and some savvy to make sure you don't spend your hard earned money while transferring the amount. Here are some tips on how to make the best use of that plastic card for you.

Automats/Debit Cards:

The best and easiest way we know of is to just use a debit or bank card near the nearest ATM. If you use Bank of America, for example, you have access to BoA bank in Italy, BNL. They allow their customers to withdraw money for free. It's almost like changing your money at home (how wonderful!).

There are many paired banks in different countries, and you can get information about them by phone or from their official website. If a particular country does not have a bank that you have already used, it will take a lot of time and effort to open a new account. Costs for overseas ATMs can range from five to ten dollars. Some banks offer special packages for traveling abroad, which includes withdrawing a certain amount of money, but it is very likely that you will exceed a set amount.

If you plan to use a familiar ATM and travel a lot, make sure you gather enough information about the banks. Find out if your bank has a branch in the countries you are going to. If there are no branches, make sure you have the right amount of cash for a certain amount of time so you don't have to withdraw money at ATMs that are new to you and lose 5 bucks. It seems strange, but we promise you'll thank us the last week of your upcoming trip when you want to buy ice cream.

Credit Cards in Florence, Italy

Having a credit card is convenient and practical, but we recommend using one only when absolutely necessary. Credit cards in Europe can be more expensive. Check your bank information, international charges can range from three to six percent of the purchase price. Is it a lot? When you buy a leather jacket for 200 euros, for example, you'll probably get an extra six euros added to its cost. Then you can add up all the extra spending. There are better ways to spend your money - like buying a pizza.

If you decide to take a credit card with you, keep in mind that VISA is the safest option. There are also many other great credit cards that don't charge extra money when paying for anything in another country. Keep in mind that other cards have a substantial fee once a year, but if you plan to study abroad for one year or six months, you'll spend a lot of effort and money to get one. We, for example, have been using the Chase Sapphire card for a long time. You can also use the points you earn if you help your parents buy a ticket. Just don't forget to pay the bill!

Before you leave:

WARNING: In Italy, there is no guarantee that there is an ATM at the airport and it will work. Before you leave, withdraw enough money to at least pay for the first cab and coffee. If you get a chance, watch the exchange rate online. As a rule, the highest rate is most often in the summer season.

Another issue to keep in mind is the maximum amount of money you can withdraw. The bank will allow you to withdraw no more than 250 euros in one day. If 250 euros is not enough for you and you have access to a branch of your bank, you can ask the bank to increase this maximum for a certain amount of time. Usually the bank can put a limit of one or two weeks for your safety. Either way, you need to calculate your expenses a month in advance.

P.S. A useful tip: When you need to use an international ATM, go to the bank, not the ATM store, otherwise you unfortunately run the risk of encountering fraud. Be careful and watch your bank account.

P.P.S. To avoid any problems with your debit card, call your bank in advance and let them know that you are traveling to another country. Also let them know the exact dates, how long you're leaving for, and the names of the countries you may be visiting additionally. This will make it less likely that the bank will freeze your account while you are away. This has happened to us quite often, and thanks to experience, we assure you that the blockage can be removed within 24 hours if you call the bank.

2. The packing trip to Italy (Florence)

Asking the tough questions. Do you really think you'll need five pairs of pants? Do you know how much a hair dryer weighs? Do you think you'll wear that old shirt in Italy? And most importantly, do you realize how long you'll have to carry your unmanageable suitcases through the labyrinthine airport and train station? Hopefully you're not leaving in a few hours...

Whether you're traveling for fall, spring or summer depends on the contents of your suitcase. Also think about how often you usually change clothes and whether you're planning a trip to some tropical or subarctic area (maybe Majorca in the spring or England in the winter)? While we can't please every student going abroad, we have some tips to help you avoid some mistakes when packing.

What NOT to bring:

- Clothes that will have to go to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaners and laundries are far from perfect, sometimes Italian washing machines only ruin clothes. If you do need to use a laundromat, you give them the clothes at your own risk. We've seen things get lost, sat down and spoiled. If you want a shirt or dress that needs a gentle wash, for example, to come back in a similar condition, you can leave things at the dry cleaners.

- Tons of sweatshirts, sweatpants, one-size-fits-all clothes. It sounds silly, but you can quickly recognize a student as an American with these things. Despite the fact that knowledge of the English language already leads to this thought, the above items of closet sometimes cause a negative reaction. Sweatshirts and sweatpants (no matter what brand) are never worn outside the home (I guess Italians don't wear them at all). Be that as it may, Italians do very rarely go out in their home clothes. With the exception of a certain contingent of young students, Italians have always kept an eye on their appearance, their clothes looking neat for the most part. You may only need one pair of sweatpants and/or a sweatshirt for the winter. Before you leave the house, even if you are just going for coffee, you should wear street clothes. It's not a requirement, but at least this way you'll be aware of why you might be looked at like a crazy person on the street. People only make a mistake once.

- Uncomfortable shoes that can be worn for no longer than two hours. You can walk in shoes like that in a city like New York, for example, where people usually use cabs and don't travel long distances on foot, but not in Italy. In Italy cabs are expensive, so you run the risk of moving around the city on your own. Secondly, it is incredibly difficult to walk for a long time in high heels, in addition, there is a high probability that after a long route the shoes will fall apart. And thirdly, because of this you'll probably have to buy new gorgeous Italian leather shoes. So if you have to walk a long distance, leave your uncomfortable (albeit beloved) shoes at home.

- Clutches, bags, purses without zippers. Everyone thinks they're very comfortable, but wallets and bags without zippers are especially attractive to pickpockets (yes, they exist). Leave the decoy at home and carry a secure zippered bag instead. Honestly, you might want to leave everything but the bag itself at home, because you'll probably want (really want) to buy a new purse in Italy. Know that when you go back home, you'll have less space in your suitcase.

- Appliances by technique... This refers to hair dryers, straightening irons and other accessories. Sadly, ladies (and gentlemen), the stories you've heard are true. Your hair dryer can explode, and hair irons with a converter may not be as hot. You can use them for a while, but the change in power can eventually ruin the appliances. One day, the wires may burn. So, instead of taking them out and watching them slowly and painfully die, just leave these American-made devices at home.

Now that some of you may be shocked and appalled, we'd like to explain. First of all, you're all pretty as it is. Second, you will probably have roommates to ask for a hair dryer. Third, a student who lived in your house before you may have left it behind. And lastly, you'll be glad you didn't bring all those appliances with you when you have to drag your suitcases up to the fourth floor on your own, for example! Before you leave, you might want to learn about new hairstyles. At the very least, spoil yourself with a trip to a beauty salon at least once a semester (there are three Aveda salons in Florence that will happily wash, dry and style your hair). In addition, you can survive even if you live like a real Italian girl for four months. Most women in Italy take cold showers, never dry their hair with a hair dryer or use irons. You won't be alone if you decide to look natural.

- Toiletries (most of them). This is a tricky issue, as you won't be able to find some of them in Italy. If there is a product of the brand you want or a certain medicine, take it with you, but be careful. You can see quite a few students who arrive with a lot of different remedies that they have never needed. By the end of the semester, students throw them away to make room in their suitcase for gifts and souvenirs. Besides, anything you'd like to take with you probably weighs a lot. So wouldn't it be better to put your favorite jeans in your luggage rather than a bunch of useless mouthwash, etc.?

3. All about arrival: planes, trains and cars

Flight to Italy

If you're studying in Rome or Milan, you have the obvious airport option before you. In Florence, however, there are choices.

Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR):

Obviously, Pretola is the best option if you study in Florence. This airport is quite small and therefore easy to navigate. Plus, it's not hard to get into the city from there. You'll find that a large number of cabs drive around, where the flat rate is 20 euros (sometimes they add an extra charge for luggage and/or extra hours). Also in Florence, for about 5 euros, you can take a public bus that runs every 20 minutes and takes you to the train station.

The cons: their flights may be at inconvenient times and cost a little more than the others. Nevertheless, a ticket to Pretola will pay off - just imagine how much time, effort and money you would spend on a train ticket from Rome to Milan (where flights should be cheaper). The trip from Rome airport to Florence may cost, for example, 60 euros (120 euros if you count on a round trip). Plus, you'll spend an extra two hours on the whole way.

- Pisa Airport, Galileo Galilei (PSA):

Pisa Airport is the second convenient option to get to Florence. Pros: this airport, just like Florence airport, is small in size, so it is not difficult to navigate there. From there you can quickly get to the city by train or bus. Note: Terravision bus is cheaper (5 euros) than the train. Cons: the cost of a bus or train ticket is cheaper than taking a cab from Florence airport, but you may not have to wait for a crowded bus or train after a long flight.

- The airport in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci International, Fiumicino (FCO):

Rome is another city from which Florence is often reached. It has the third most preferred airport. Pros: Rome airport tends to have relatively inexpensive tickets and many more flights than other airports. Cons: The trip to Florence, especially for those who do not speak Italian and have never traveled in Italy before, can be difficult. It involves a short train ride to the central train station in Rome to then change to another train that goes to Florence (one-way cost €60). Keep in mind that trains don't run 24 hours, and planes can land either too early or too late, so you'll have to take those trains. You can take a cab, but the airport in Rome is farther from the city than Florence airport, so a cab in that case will cost you much more.

Rules and reminders about flying to Italy:

- Danger of being late! Because of websites that offer super-cheap tickets, people often have to spend the night at the airport. Be vigilant, check departure and boarding dates to make sure the tickets have the dates you want. If you're flying home during the winter season from Florence Airport, stay home as long as possible. FLR, God bless it, has a bad reputation for often delaying flights during bad weather. Arriving early at the airport may be a good idea if you have any problems during the pickup.

- Charles De Gaulle Failure. In case you haven't heard, Charles de Gaulle, Paris' main airport, is one of the worst places to fly out. If at all possible, avoid it at all costs. Flights from the U.S. through Paris to Italy are almost always from a terminal that must be reached by bus. Accordingly, you will have to leave the airport building and go through the screening area again. In doing so, you will lose a large amount of time for fear of getting lost in an unfamiliar place. If your connection lasts less than 2.5 hours, there is a high probability that you will miss your flight. Do not take the risk of a connecting flight at a given airport. Don't choose this horrible place when planning your itinerary, and the nightmare that time spent here can be for you.

- Alitalia ate my luggage. Alitalia has a very bad (and deservedly so) reputation for the frequent loss of luggage. If you're flying from Alitalia, make sure you have extra clothes and anything else you can't live more than 24 hours without in your bag. It's also a good idea to have phone numbers and addresses of your school, hotel, or host family in your carry-on that the airline can contact when it finds your luggage. It is helpful for the airline to know where you will be staying.

Trains in Italy

Train travel in Italy is a wonderful, wonderful choice, but not when your suitcase weighs like a corpse and when you haven't slept in over 18 hours. If you're going to travel by train in the condition described above, read this carefully before you fly to Italy to study.

Travel by train. Top tips and cautions:

Station?

If you are traveling by train, make sure you know the name of the station where you get off. In Florence, for example, there are three train stations with the word "Florence" in the name. The main station is called "Firenze, Santa Maria Novella" or "Firenze SMN." This is where you are most likely to get off. Not "Firenze, Campo di Marte" or "Firenze, Rifredi," two stations that lead to residential areas outside the city. When you see Firenze SMN, you will not forget it, as it is as if the place takes you back to the beginning of the twentieth century. If your train makes a stop in Rifredi or Campo di Marte, it will be before Santa Maria Novella (a way of saying you are approaching your destination). Be careful, because it's easy to make a mistake the first time and get off before you need to. So, you'll have to wait for the next train, which can get expensive. Not to be underestimated, but after the first trip you can get tired, so it is worth remembering that Santa Maria Novella is the final stop.

Train tickets and train types:

Tickets can be printed from the machine, by cashiers, can be scanned onto smartphones or printed at home if you have checked in on the Trenitalia website. The machines are easy to use, they print out fairly quickly, and you can spend hours waiting for a cashier. Keep in mind that the machines only accept European credit cards, so have cash with you.

The ticket usually records the departure and arrival point (note: your arrival point, not necessarily the train's arrival point), the number of passengers traveling on that ticket, class (first or second) and price. You will also see the train number and seat number.

There are many different types of trains: super slow (regional), slow intercity, fast and extra fast (eurostar), super fast (freccia rossa / freccia argento). There is also a new independent company called italo, whose fast trains run between the main centers of Rome, Florence and Milan.

It used to be thought that slow trains ran quite often. They tended to make more stops in smaller and less popular cities. In the last decade, they have appeared along with fast trains, which can take you from Rome to Milan while most people are still eating lunch. There is a downside, however, that a ticket for such a train is more expensive. Poor students used to take such 6-hour trains from Rome to Florence to save some money. Nowadays, they have become less frequent, so tickets for such trains sell quickly.

If you take the super-fast train (called the Freccia Rossa, Argento or the Eurostar), you get a certain seat (you can choose seats so that your friends sit next to you) and don't have to go anywhere to show your ticket to the conductor (tip: put your ticket next to you on the table if you want to fall asleep).

This is important, however, if you take a slow train (there are no signed seats), you will need to stamp your ticket before departure. If your ticket doesn't have a date, time and seat number stamped on it, it's a ticket with no time limit. You could hypothetically use it at any time, but if you don't validate your fare, you're breaking the rules and officially not paying the next time you decide to ride on that ticket again. If the train conductor catches you, he or she will charge you a fine for not giving your ticket to be checked. Check machines are usually green or gray and may be located on poles at the entrance (called "binari"). The other passengers will also put their tickets to them, so look around and don't forget! Make sure you can read the date at the end of the ticket. If not, stamp the other side of the ticket, and hopefully the train conductor will be in good spirits.

When you arrive at the train station, look at the train schedule on the electronic scoreboard. The next ten to fifteen departures are usually listed in order of time, and the train number and final stop are also listed there. Keep in mind that your final stop is not necessarily the train's final stop, understand the distinction and check the time and train number to make sure where you get off.

Tips and tricks in Florence, Italy

- How to get a Eurostar ticket at a discount.

If you are already planning a trip to Florence, buy tickets in Italy as early as possible. Some trains offer a certain number of seats at a discount, but they sell out quickly. The best way to buy a ticket is to stand in line at the ticket office. If you manage to get tickets a month before your trip, you can buy tickets for the "super economy" or "economy" option. They tend to be cheap, but they are not refundable. If you will have plenty of time and are willing to adjust to train schedules, you can buy a Eurostar ticket from Rome to Florence for 19 euros (fare is usually 43 euros!). It's important to plan accurately, because the sooner you buy your tickets, the more likely you will save money.

- Exchanging or returning a ticket

Tickets without discounts can be exchanged or returned at any time before the train's departure. To return, you will have to talk to one of the cashiers. A refund will give you 80 percent of the money you paid for the ticket. If you need to change the date and station on your ticket, go to the machine and follow the instructions. After you make the adjustments, you will be printed an additional ticket, which you will have to present along with the first ticket. Note: you cannot change the specific route on your ticket, only the date and time. If you need to change your departure and arrival point, please ask the cashier.

- Sciopero ("Delay"

This word comes in handy when you need to use public transportation in Italy. It translates as "delay. You have to remember it and love it. You have no choice, unfortunately. Delays happen about once every two months and usually to the notice of trains and buses. If you have an important trip, be careful at local bars and cafes or check the Trenitalia website for updates.