Finding home in Florence, Italy

The first time I really felt I could call Florence home was the moment I stepped off the bus returning from Switzerland one rainy Sunday night. I felt a palpable sense of relief wash over me when I was surrounded again by the familiar sights, sounds, and smells of the city I love. Once I had been there for over a month, I felt like the fun was just starting to begin. I had made new friends and could finally find my way around the city without always being at risk of getting lost! I still felt like there were endless things to see and try and discover there, but I already had some favorite places and more importantly, people to experience everything with. Life never ceased to have its ups and downs for the remaining time of my study abroad experience, but when you have a solid place to land, it keeps you steady.

The following are a few things I consider necessary to successfully transition to a new place called home, especially if you’re living abroad…

 

ONE. Get lost.

It’s the only way to find what you’re looking for. In a city the size of Florence, getting lost always leads to a familiar place that will help orient you. Getting lost might happen more than you wish the first few weeks, but have patience and soon enough being lost will be a thing of the past (or will become a fun adventure when you have time to spare).

 

 

 

 

TWO. Make your apartment feel like home. 

Organize all your belongings and pack that huge suitcase under your bed so it’s out of site, out of mind. Lay some ground rules with your roommates, especially if you haven’t met them until now. Personalize your space however you’re able. In my case, I brought photos of family and friends, and printed a whole stack of inspirational photos, especially those travel-related, to tape on my walls. My brother also gifted me a huge map of Italy for my room, and it was the sweetest touch.

 

 

 

THREE. Find bars you like.

I’m not talking about drinking bars (although that could be important, too), but rather bars that serve coffee. Having places to frequent gives you a sense of community, especially once the baristas start to recognize you! Coffee is at the center of Italian culture, so why not make it a part of your daily routine? Plus, I could never get over how beautifully simple it was to hand over just a one euro coin after sipping down my espresso at the counter. One of my favorite Italian daily life rituals to date. 

 

 

FOUR. Yogaaaaa.

This was an important one for me. Finding my center on my mat did wonders of all kinds, mentally and physically, and always makes me feel at home no matter where I am. Paying attention to my breath also takes away any nerves or anxiety I’m feeling and reminds me about the important things in life. Namaste, man! If yoga isn’t for you, trying finding a time or place where you can exercise how you want. Following the bikes paths or the length of the river are great options for running. This will keep you feeling healthy and normal in your new home.  

 

 

 

FIVE. Learn from the locals.

Whether this is a friend or professor, I found life in Italy has a lot more meaning when I knew what was going on around me. If that meant learning more phrases in Italian, or asking about certain traditions I saw happening around me, either way I was diving deeper into the culture.