Spring Term

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

“If you’re interested in food, buy a membership to Teatro del Sale for €5. Meals have fixed prices (€7 for breakfast, €20 for lunch, €30 for dinner). It’s a bit pricey, but delicious and all you can eat. Cibreo and Rivoire are great for hot chocolate (with whipped cream). Gelateria dei Neri, Vivoli and Grom are my favorite for gelato (ice cream).” A.W. (Spring 2012)

“I would recommend Mario’s. It only serves lunch, but it is very local and has fantastic Florentine food that is cheap. You have to go early to get a seat, but it’s well worth it. n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Get out of the city center and take advantage of every opportunity to travel. Don’t overpack, just don’t do it!” E.B. (Spring 2012)

“Pack light. Bring your own computer. Bring an extra hard drive and/or flash drives. Don’t expect to find cheap electronics here.” S.F. (Spring 2012)

“Go to Gusto Pizza” n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Bring warm clothes. The first two months are pretty cold.” K.R. (Spring 2012)

“Go to Mama’s Bakery for an American breakfast. Plan trips in the beginning that come later in the semester. Spend time in Florence, too!” n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Trattoria da I’ Boia has the best pizza I have ever had.” n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Osteria Santo Spirito – the best gnocchi! Jewelry supplies are expensive. Get a list of the supplies and buy them in the States.” Z.T. (Spring 2012)

“Get out on the weekends and see Italy. Time will fly and before you know it, you will be packing up to go home.” n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Don’t sleep the second you get here – walk around and meet people once you arrive – it’s worth it.” E.A. (Spring 2012)

“Bring the art supplies that are easy enough to pack. Supplies really add up when paying with the euro.” A.D. (Spring 2012)

"Take advantage of the Central Market. Vendors offer better deals and fresher produce than supermarkets. The experience/atmosphere is interesting and enjoyable. I know students this term who never even went once!” M.G. (Spring 2012).

“Go to the Oblate Library to do homework, meet actual Italian students and hear live music on weeknights. Great café there, too. Amazing views.” n.n. (Spring 2012)

Traveling by bicycle is a great way to discover Florence

“Get a bike! Best investment I made. Stamp your ticket before you get on the train!” K.Z. (Spring 2012)

“Work to learn the language. It’s rewarding.” C.E. (Spring 2012)

“Try to go to a museum at least once a week.” n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Go to the Sant’Ambrogio market. It’s a little out of the way, but less touristy and really great.” A.J. (Spring 2012)

“Cheap sweaters can be found at the Sant’Ambrogio market during winter.” n.n. (Spring 2012)

“Prepare for an adventure. Leave all expectations at home. Get ready to meet new and different people that you wouldn’t normally meet. Keep an open mind and never forget to feel grateful that you have the chance to study abroad.” N.P. (Spring 2012)

“Don’t forget cartolerias and copy shops for pens and notebooks.” S.Y. (Spring 2012)

“I love Trattoria Anita near the Uffizi (behind Palazzo Vecchio)” A.M. (Spring 2012)

“Favorite restaurant – Trattoria Neroni, Via Faenza, very reasonable prices and interesting environment.” E.D. (Spring 2012)

“Bring half as many clothes as you think you will need.” G.L. (Spring 2012)

“Eat at Il Vegetariano. Go on all the field trips! Bring a towel. Do everything!” B.B. (Spring 2012)

“Go to Pizzeria Tarocchi across the river for their pear ravioli! Unreal!” A.C. (Spring 2012)
The David overlooks Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo

“Go to Filo Gelato near Piazzale Michelangelo.” K.B. (Spring 2012)

“The cafè across the street from the main SACI building is great.” V.H. (Spring Term 2011)

“Trattoria Antellesi - great restaurant right around the corner from SACI on Via Faenza. Amazing food and staff.” A.H. (Spring Term 2011)

“Aldi – best diner in town.” K.H. (Spring Term 2011)

“Hang out with the locals. Go to the more intimate coffee shops and nightclubs. Make friends with the people working there.” n.n. (Spring Term 2011)

“Try delicious, authentic , and cheap Pizza Uomolo, Trattoria Mario and go to Salvini for cheap supplies and discount items.” T.T. (Spring Term 2011)

“Get out and see as much as possible (e.g. before classes and on weekends). Find a good balance between work/study and time for recreation and exploration in a new land.” A.F. (Spring Term 2011)

“Pharmacies have a good supply of gluten-free food.” C.H. (Spring Term 2011)

“EX3 Contemporary Art Gallery!” S.C. (Spring Term 2011)

“Try the Jazz Club (€5 membership card).” R.T. (Spring Term 2011)

“I really enjoyed the restaurant Ciro and Sons. It’s a cute place inside with frescos and giant chandeliers. Prices are relatively cheap/fair.” n.n. (Spring Term 2011)

“If your Macbook should break, go to Data Port rather than to the Apple store.” D.N. (Spring Term 2011)

“If you need anything, just stop at the front desk. They are always helpful.” P.C. (Spring Term 2011)

The SACI Worthington Library

“Use the SACI library!” J.S. (Spring Term 2011)

“Bati, near the Sant’Egidio building, recently added many art supplies.” n.n. (Spring Term 2011)

“The cooking course at the beginning of the term was really interesting and fun.” n.n. (Spring Term 2011)