Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Cattolica International

Life in Rome

All roads lead to Rome, they say… and you are almost there!

In order to have the most of your stay in Rome, here are some tips for you.

  • Rome is a very large and busy city. It may take some time to get used to the pace of the city.
  • The weather in Rome can be very hot and humid in summer. Make sure you bring light and comfortable clothes.
  • Be careful of pickpockets. Pickpockets are a common problem in Rome, especially in tourist areas.
Check the ATAC website (English version) for further information. At Ottaviano subway station (metro A) you can buy the monthly pass.

At Termini or Ottaviano subway station (metro A) and at “edicola” / ”tabaccaio”, you can purchase the following tickets:

  • BIT: Integrated Time Ticket: costs €1.50 and lasts 100 minutes from the initial validation. 
  • DAILY PASS 
  • CIS weekly PASS: € 24
  • MONTHLY PASS: € 35

In case of public transportation strike, be sure to check the following links for up-to-date news:

Here are some tips:
  • Immerse yourself in the Italian culture, get to know local fellows. Learn some basic Italian phrases. This will help you communicate with locals and feel more comfortable.
     
  • Explore the city: Rome is full of history and culture. Take time to visit famous landmarks like Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon, but also explore the lesser-known neighborhoods to get a feel for the local life. 
     
  • Rome is home to some of the best museums in the world, such as the Borghese Gallery and the Vatican Museums.  Book tickets for popular attractions in advance. This will avoid long queues and help you make the most of your time. 
     
  • Stroll through the streets and alleys of the historic center. This is the best way to discover the true soul of the city. Download a map of the city on your phone. This will help you get around and find your way.
     
  • Try local cuisine: Italian food is delicious! Don’t miss out on trying authentic Roman dishes like pasta alla carbonara, pasta cacio e pepe, pizza al taglio and of course indulge in gelato from local gelaterias.

The city offers students several opportunities. In fact, during the year artistic, musical and sportive events take place and are not to be missed. 

Between June and July, the Tevere Expo takes place. It is held every year along the river Tiber’s banks. Tevere Expo is a market of Italian typical products where to conveniently buy also gastronomic specialities. Get to know Trastevere and Isola Tiberina, beautiful places close to the Tevere.

Check this link for further ideas of what to do during your stay in Rome.
 

  • Train stations (Termini, Ostiense, Trastevere etc), metro stations and public transport are often areas to watch out for pickpockets and thefts;
  • Always make sure your backpack/handbag is closed; 
  • Try not to keep your credit cards, passport, cash in the same wallet/ pocket/ bag; 
  • Make sure you always have copies of important documents in a drive online or a separate USB key.
     
Studying abroad is an invaluable academic experience, but it can also be a way to explore a new country.  

Have you already planned your weekends? 
Here you can find some ideas on what to do, and where to go! 
  
10 reasons why you want to consider traveling by train: 
 

  1. Scenic Routes
    Italy offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. Traveling by train allows you to witness the beauty of the countryside, picturesque villages, and rolling hills, providing a unique and scenic journey that flying simply cannot offer.
     
  2. Efficient Rail Network
    Italy boasts an extensive and efficient rail network, making it easy to travel between major cities and smaller towns. The high-speed trains provide a quick and comfortable way to move around the country.
     
  3. Cost-Effective
    While budget airlines might seem like a cheaper option at first glance, train travel can be cost-effective when factoring in additional expenses such as transportation to and from airports, baggage fees, and the overall convenience of city-center train stations.
     
  4. Reduced Environmental Impact
    Trains are a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation compared to airplanes. Consider your carbon footprint and choose a more sustainable travel option! Curious to know how much CO2 emissions you are saving by traveling by train? Check out this easy-to-use calculator: https://travelandclimate.org/
     
  5. Cultural Immersion
    Traveling by train allows you to witness the changing landscapes and absorb the local culture along the way. It's a more immersive experience, providing glimpses of daily life in various regions of Italy.
     
  6. Convenient City-Center Stations
    Train stations are often located in the heart of cities, making it easy for you to access you accommodation and explore the city immediately upon arrival. This convenience can save time and enhance the overall travel experience.
     
  7.  Flexibility and Freedom
    Train travel provides flexibility in terms of departure times and the ability to change plans more easily. You can hop on and off trains, exploring different destinations without the constraints of strict flight schedules.
     
  8. Unique Experiences
    Train journeys themselves can become memorable experiences. From the bustling platforms to the relaxing ambiance of the train carriages, you can enjoy a unique and cultural journey that flying might lack.
     
  9. Avoid Airport Hassles
    Train travel eliminates many of the hassles associated with air travel, such as long security lines, baggage checks, and the need to arrive hours before departure. This allows for a more relaxed and stress-free travel experience.
     
  10. Meet Locals
    Trains provide an opportunity to interact with locals and fellow travelers. You can strike up conversations, learn about hidden gems from locals, and make new connections along the way.

 


USEFUL RESOURCES
Looking for inspiration and new ideas? 
This fun map shows you how far you can travel from each station in Europe in less than 8 hours. 
https://www.chronotrains.com/en
 
Useful links:
To book your tickets / check options in Italy:
Trenitalia: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html
Italo Treno: https://www.italotreno.it/en
 
Tips on how to travel around Europe:
Trainline https://www.thetrainline.com
Seat61: https://www.seat61.com/

 

The mention of any specific company names, brands, or products in this content is for informational purposes only. Such references do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with these entities. Università Cattolica does not have any formal relationship with the companies cited, and no endorsement or sponsorship should be inferred.
 

Studying abroad is an exciting and lifechanging opportunity. There is no better way to expand your horizons and become a global citizen.

However, international travelling comes at a high environmental cost, and we can’t be but well aware of the current climate crisis the world is facing.

What can you do to reduce the impact of your study abroad experience?

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