Now that I’m about halfway through my semester studying abroad in Rome, I’ve finally gotten into a routine. At the beginning everything felt new and a little overwhelming, but now my weeks have a really nice balance of classes, exploring the city, and planning trips with friends. Every week looks a little different, but this is what a typical week looks like for me.

Mondays: Starting the Week in Rome

On Mondays I usually take the morning slow since my classes aren’t until the afternoon. I like using the morning to get some homework done, walk around the city, or grab coffee somewhere nearby.

One of my favorite things about studying abroad here is that I can literally do my Italian homework sitting near the Colosseum. It still feels surreal sometimes. Instead of studying in a library back home, I can sit outside with a notebook and be surrounded by so much history.

Before class, I also love walking around and going into small local shops around the city. Even if I’m just browsing, it’s a fun way to explore different streets and neighborhoods.

In the afternoon I have two back-to-back classes from 3:00–4:15 and 4:30–5:45. After class my friends and I usually grab dinner somewhere nearby or walk around the city before heading back for the night.

Tuesdays: A Busy but Balanced Day

Tuesdays are one of my busier days because I have two classes. My first class is from 10:00-11:15, which is actually a nice schedule because I don’t have to wake up super early.

After that class, I usually have a couple of hours before my next one from 3:00-4:15. I really like that break in the middle of the day because it gives me time to explore a little more. Sometimes I’ll walk around the city, find somewhere new to get lunch, or sit at a café and relax for a bit before heading back to campus.

Wednesdays: Exploring Before Class

Wednesdays are pretty similar to Mondays since I also have two back-to-back classes from 3:00-4:15 and 4:30-5:45.

Since my classes aren’t until later in the day, I like using the morning to walk around the city again. Sometimes I’ll stop at a small café and get a cappuccino and a croissant, which has honestly become one of my favorite little routines here.

If I’m really craving iced coffee like I would get at home, I go to Corner Juice Lab and get an iced vanilla latte. It’s one of those small comforts that reminds me of home.

Before class I’ll sometimes wander into little shops or explore streets I haven’t seen yet. Living here has made me realize how much there is to discover just by walking around, and even if I take the same path – I can find a new shop to explore!

Thursdays: Finishing the Week

Thursdays are my last day of classes for the week. I have my morning class from 10:00-11:15 and then my second class from 3:00-4:15.

By Thursday everyone is already talking about weekend plans. One of the best parts about studying abroad in Europe is how easy it is to travel. My friends and I usually spend time looking at train tickets or deciding where we want to go next. Even if we don’t travel that weekend, there’s still so much to see and do in Rome.

Weekends: Traveling or Exploring Rome

Weekends are usually when we travel. Sometimes we take trips to other cities in Italy, and other times we go somewhere else in Europe. Being able to explore so many places while studying abroad has been an incredible experience. But even when we stay in Rome, there’s always something new to do. We might try a new restaurant, walk through a different neighborhood, or revisit some of our favorite spots in the city.

Halfway Through the Semester

It’s honestly crazy that I’m already halfway through my semester abroad. Time goes by so fast when you’re constantly doing something new.

Living in Rome has been such an amazing experience so far. Between classes, exploring the city, and traveling on weekends, every week feels like a new adventure. Even the simple things, like doing homework outside or grabbing a cappuccino before class, feel special here.

I’m really excited to see what the rest of the semester brings!!

Written by: Claire, Spring 2026, Rome student from Point Loma Nazarene University