Cheap Housing and Friendly Classmates in John Cabot University in Rome
I am studying at John Cabot University in Rome, which is located in the Trastevere neighborhood. This neighborhood is known for its large American student population as well as for its upbeat nightlife and amazing Italian restaurants. Trastevere is also one of the oldest neighborhoods is Rome and has a decent number of old churches and monuments with rich history that date back to as far as the middle ages and some even older than that. I find the atmosphere here very welcoming, cozy and lively. People are always loudly talking on the streets, there is food and music everywhere, ancient walls appear suddenly covered in pink flowers, vines and graffiti, and motorcycles and cars constantly scramble to fit through the neighborhood’s narrow cobble streets. I like to think I got very good at looking over my shoulder and being alert while walking down the streets due to the constant unexpected car or motorcycle coming from nowhere.
I live off campus in an apartment that I am subleasing for a month from my friend Mike who studied here, and I love it. The apartment itself is not super fancy and does not have amenities like air conditioner, however it is very cozy and is located closer to the university than any of the official dorms. It is also less than half of the price of a university dorm. I would recommend either arranging subleasing housing from a friend like I did, or simply staying at an AirBNB. That will save you so much money!
Another thing to note about housing in Trastevere is that your window will likely be facing another or many windows directly, and the neighbors will be able to see right through your every move as you see theirs. However, in Rome that is totally normal and not an awkward dynamic at all. Finally, Trastevere tends to get pretty loud with people partying until late even on week nights, therefore do yourself a favor and buy earplugs! (or go out and party every night with the loud people).
Because I live off campus, it could have been a little bit more difficult for me to make new friends than the people who live in the university dorms with several roommates. However, I find that because I am a very friendly and outgoing person, I had no issues simply going up to people during orientation lunches and classes and starting conversations about anything. People in general become very open to making new friends when they are in a study abroad program, especially in the beginning, so it is easy to find travel buddies and general people to hang out with if you make the first move. With that said, I do spend time alone sometimes and I have to say I enjoy that just as much, as it gives me time to observe the city and appreciate its beauty without any distractions.
