Studying abroad in Florence has been an incredible adventure, and I am thoroughly enjoying my first three weeks here. Every day brings new experiences and opportunities to immerse myself in the rich culture and history of this beautiful city.
One of the aspects I love most about Florence is how walkable it is. I can easily stroll to almost anywhere I need to go, whether it’s to my classes, a café, or a local market. The city is full of nice shops and delightful food places. The narrow streets have taken awhile to get used to!
My living situation has also been a pleasant. I get along very well with my roommates, and our apartment is incredibly spacious. We have three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, and kitchen. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after a busy day of classes and exploring the city. Sharing this experience with my roommates has made the transition much smoother, and we’ve already formed a strong bond.
We have already visited Milan, Lake Como, and Switzerland this past weekend. It was a blast and I enjoyed the gorgeous scenery in all three places. Lake Como happened to be my favorite because of the nice lunch we had and the cute shops surrounding the lake.
Academically, I am thoroughly enjoying my classes. I’m taking a drawing course and a Renaissance Art History class, both of which are fascinating. There’s something incredibly inspiring about studying art in Florence, a city renowned for its artistic heritage. Learning about the Renaissance while being surrounded by its masterpieces is an experience that can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. In my history class we get the opportunity to visit famous historic sites as well as art museums.
However, to be successful in my classes, I’ve realized that effective time management is crucial. Balancing coursework with the desire to explore the city and experience its culture can be challenging, but it’s a skill I’m quickly developing. Planning my days carefully ensures I make the most of both my studies and my time in Florence. With a midterm coming up, as well as an exciting weekend trip approaching, I find it so important to utilize my time efficiently. It is also a good idea to jump on studying earlier than I typically would.
Overall, my first few weeks in Florence have been a wonderful mix of learning, exploration, and personal growth. I’m excited to see what the rest of my time here will bring and am determined to make the most of every moment.