Late Spring Term

At the end of each term, departing students leave written tips for future SACI students. This page contains advice from departing Late Spring Term students.

“Plan to spend more money on food than you’re used to.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Get your photo supplies once you're in Florence.” K.O. (Late Spring 2011)

“Go to less touristy areas to eat. The food is cheaper and better. The waiters might not speak English and the menu might not be in Italian, but it is worth it.” R.P. (Late Spring 2011)

“Bring a backpack for day trips. Don't wait until the last minute to buy train tickets.” J.S. (Late Spring 2011)

“Bring bug spray and cough drops, they’re expensive here.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Zecchi’s (art supplies) is awesome. If you get cash from ATMs, take out as much as you can at a time. My banks at home charged $5 on top of the €2.50 ATM fee.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Invest in some really comfortable, thick-soled shoes. Go to the corner of Piazza della Signoria at 10 pm every night for some great music and a cool way to meet people. You can almost always reduce the price of a souvenir by 10-20% if you haggle.” R.M. (Late Spring 2011)

“De Herbore (Via Proconsolo 43/r) has a variety of herbs, natural foods, sugar-free and macrobiotic foods, and natural body care products.” L.K. (Late Spring 2011)


“Go out as much as possible. Be aware, but don’t be afraid.” M.B. (Late Spring 2011)

“Don’t wait until the last minute to write your papers.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“I wish I had known ahead of time that shampoo, soap, and converters can all be bought here.” S.H. (Late Spring 2011)

“Don’t walk around alone after 10 pm. It’s also very important to get some kind of phone while you are here for security reasons.” K.F. (Late Spring 2011)

“Have gelato (ice cream) once a day because it will cool you off when it’s hot.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Shop at the Central Market.” C.S. (Late Spring 2011)

“The restaurant Ciro & Sons near SACI has gluten free pasta and pizza.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Step out of your comfort zone, learn some Italian, converse with locals, make friends with people who live here, not just other students at SACI.” L.W. (Late Spring 2011)

“Buying fresh products from the indoor vendors brought me closer to the Florentine culture – it’s pretty awesome to see weird products like pig heads and octopus. Also eggs are only 1 euro for six, and the yolks are orange!” S.W. (Late Spring 2011)

“During June you won’t need more than a sweatshirt or a rain jacket, at the most.” J.A. (Late Spring 2011)

“Make sure you have cash – transaction fees are a killer and credit cards aren’t accepted in a lot of places.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Go to the museums!” D.F. (Late Spring 2011)

“Go to the Conad supermarket in Via Melarancio.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Leather shopping!” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Try to experience as much as you can. Time flies in such a beautiful place” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Budget yourself and look around to compare prices.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Be sure to validate your train ticket before getting on the train.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Go on the field trips and don’t sweat the small stuff.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“Go to Gelateria Cillo in Via de’ Neri. Signor Cillo is so sweet and he makes all the gelato (ice cream) himself.” A.T. (Late Spring 2011)

“Restaurants don’t serve tap water.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)

“La Giostra restaurant is fancy, but delicious.” E.D. (Late Spring 2011)

“Be prepared for all weather conditions. I was not expecting rain.” n.n. (Late Spring 2011)