Florence, Figured Out: Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad

Updated Published

Annabelle Persaud Student Contributor, University of California - Santa Barbara

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

It’s been over 2 months since studying abroad in Florence, and I still remember the feeling of walking around the Duomo and exploring the rest of the city. When I initially arrived in Florence, I couldn’t fathom how much change and growth I would undergo and to this day I still think about my study abroad experience. If you’re getting ready to leave and go abroad in Florence, this is your one stop how-to guide on what to pack and not, places to see, restaurants to eat at, and more recommendations in between.

Girls Going Out — Original photo by Annabelle Persaud

The Art of Packing Without Bringing Your Entire Closet

Figuring out how you can put your whole life in one or two suitcases, makes packing one of the most overwhelming parts of studying abroad. When it comes to Florence, the main thing you’re going to want to watch out for is what time in the year you’re planning on going. Florence is a city that changes drastically with its seasons, so when it’s winter it can get cold almost to 30° F, but when it’s summer it can be a melting pot with temperatures reaching up to 90° F filled with humidity. Here’s a good starting off checklist for your closet:

1-3 of each thing from jeans, sweaters, long sleeves, basic shirts, tank tops
- If it’s winter stock up with warmer clothes, vice versa for summer
  - The Zara’s and Brandy Melville’s in Europe are NEXT LEVEL so make sure you have space in your luggage to fit all the elevated items you buy while abroad
NEUTRAL COLORS are your best friend
- Stick to the basics and if you end up going to a more vibrant destination like Spain or Greece, you can always buy bright colored clothes there
Going Out Staples: Black skirts, black boots, black leather jacket (and tights if it’s winter)
- It’s seriously an epidemic all throughout Europe. Leave the corset tops you’d wear at frat parties at home, you’re much better off with classier going out tops
Know the Italian culture: Cover up even during the summer
- Many Italians are still very religious, so it’s important to respect their culture and check the length of your shorts before bringing them

Tip: Linen pants, long flowy skirts and breathable shirts all help you stay cool in this concrete jungle

Medicine Cabinet Meets Shower Caddy: The Health & Hygiene Checklist You Didn’t Know You Needed

Pack medicine for any type of pain because it’s probably not as strong as in the European medicines (and it might not be the exact same thing you’re use to taking)
- Tip: Pack mosquito bite lotion, mosquitoes are everywhere through this humid city
If you have any specific haircare or skincare products, make sure to bring those too
- For example, you don’t want to change up your skincare routine that could potentially make your skin flare up from a new skincare product
TRAVEL SIZE EVERYTHING
- You’re going to a travel a lot during the weekends so it’s better to have travel size versions of everything to ensure you don’t get anything confiscated at TSA in airports
For the girlies: from what I’ve heard it’s better to pack your own menstrual products since they are slightly different in Italy from what you’re use to in America
For anything else that’s health or hygiene-related, Caddy’s is the perfect store in Florence to grab anything you forgot to pack

Travel Must-Haves for Chaos-Free Trips

Pack a carry on that FITS Ryan Air’s guidelines (or similar airlines such as Vueling, Wizz Air, etc.)
- These are the best airlines to fly on because of how cheap the tickets are, but make sure your carry on fits the measurements perfectly
Multiple portable chargers, adapters and AirTags
Traveler’s backpack with different compartments that can be squeezed in case of checking any personal item’s sizing too.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy — Original photo by Annabelle Persaud

From Sunsets to Spritz: What to Do All Day (and Night) in Florence

DAYTIME

Duomo, The iconic Santa Marie del Fiore Cathedral
Walk along the Ponte Vecchio or the Arno River
Uffizi Gallery or see the David Statue
Buy the best leather goods in all of Italy at Florence’s Leather Market
Piazzale Michelangelo for the best place to watch the sunset
Buy a custom-made charm bracelet from Giuliano Ricchi Jewelry

NIGHTLIFE

(Disclaimer: All bars and clubs recommended here are 18+ due to Italy’s legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.)

Reverse – $14 deal for 2 drinks & 2 shots
Naima – $5 unique cocktails
The Box – $1 shots and $3 cocktails
Lion’s Fountain – get your university’s signature shot
Old Stove – the go-to bar for study abroad students
Fitzpatricks – for Karaoke
Club 21 on Tuesdays or Fridays
Babylon on Saturdays
XO on Thursdays
SPACE WEDNESDAY (and Fridays)

GELATO, PASTA, AND RESTAURANTS YOU CAN’T MISS IN FLORENCE

Gusta Pizza or Mister’s Pizza – my personal favs for pizza in Florence
Pino’s Sandwiches or All’Antico Vinaio – the most iconic sandwich shops throughout the city
Trattoria Zaza – definitely catered to more tourists, but still amazing quality food at affordable prices
Osteria Santo Spirito – truffle gnocchi and bruschetta are chef’s kiss
Acqua Al 2 – not your traditional Italian food but still delicious and tell the owner you’re studying abroad for a special surprise
Vivoli – for your afternoon affogato pick-me-up
Badiani – BEST GELATO EVER

Friends hanging out in Florence, Italy — Original photo by Annabelle Persaud

As I reflect on my time living in Florence, I’m so grateful for this experience. I can’t wait for you to experience the charming city for yourself.