Hi!
Here are friendly links to previous blog posts:
#1 Welcome to Cornell in Rome Fall 2011
#2 Restaurants in Rome (Italian cuisine)
#4 Bakeries in Rome (the good ones)
#7 Where to hang out in Rome 1/5: Lungo il Tevere
#8 Where to hang out in Rome 2/5: Nightlife
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The Fall semester in Rome is quickly approaching for you- Whether you really want or not, now you better really get ready!
Here are some tips for your successful settling in Rome. Some things you might want to bring here are also mentioned.
1. SLEEP WELL (with your earplugs on)
Where are you coming from to Rome? Most of you will be coming from a 6 or 7-hour time zone difference and will experience jet lag for a few weeks. Here are some tips to get over it quickly-
Sleeping well is the key of adjusting yourself into the new time zone. Many people fall ill during the first week in Rome – mostly due to some mild complications caused by jet lag. Being sick from the beginning will be probably very unfortunate especially in Fall semester, because you will be experiencing the beautiful Roman summer for the first month or so. Hence please sleep well to not get sick!
Are you a light sleeper? Then you will need many pairs of good earplugs, especially if you are living in the Sant’Anna apartments or in Cenci. The city of Rome and its people generate a lot of noise – the ambulance sirens are one of the most unforgettable, plus all the motorcycles, people yelling, etc… All these noises go up between the narrow alleyways. Yes, you can easily purchase earplugs at any local pharmacy but each pair costs €2.
2.Bring your water bottle:
Hydrating yourself in a consistent manner is also important to keep yourself healthy at all times. You may already be a fan of carrying water everywhere you go – However, it is difficult to find a cheap, light, and easily portable water bottle in Rome (there is a Bodum store in Trastevere but you probably do not want to spend €16 for your water bottle). So bring one from home! It will also be very useful during all the school trips throughout the semester.
3. Bring your medicine.
You probably have been informed that bringing certain types of medication to Italy may be difficult. Still, you can bring some basic medications such as Tylenol and Advil without any problem. Things are always more expensive in Europe- plus, the irregular opening hours of pharmacies in Italy might seriously annoy you in case of an urgent need.
4. Befriend Google maps (or any map available) as your best friend
Most of you will be living in a city that you are not familiar with- Playing with Google maps (even if it’s just another way to procrastinate) is a very enjoyable version of previewing and reviewing massive amounts of regional information you hope to learn ASAP…. For FREE. And it works very well.
5. Learn some Italian!
It takes some effort to feel comfortable at a new place, especially where a different language is spoken. Although most Italians you encounter (café waiters, store owners, etc) can speak some English, their attitude will be different once you make an attempt to speak Italian. Trying to speak the language in a foreign country is the basic way to show your respect to the foreign society you chose to enter.
– Sunny Kim