My Semester in Rome

Experiences, Insights, and Tips

Motivation and Preparation

A semester abroad had already been a major goal for me since my bachelor’s degree. Due to the pandemic, I was not able to fulfill this wish at the time, which is why I consciously and early on informed myself about study abroad options at the beginning of my master’s degree. Between my bachelor’s and master’s studies, I completed a language stay in Rome, where I got to know the city, culture, and language, and quickly realized that I wanted to return to Italy for my semester abroad. When deciding between Rome and Milan, I honestly considered several factors: existing networks, cost of living, winter semester climate, city size, and leisure opportunities. In hindsight, Rome was the right choice for me—especially because of its international student community, cultural diversity, and quality of life. I would clearly recommend Rome for a semester abroad, even though both cities have their advantages and disadvantages. The application process through World of Students was very straightforward. The International Office provided comprehensive support with information materials, events, and checklists. My recommendation for future students is to start thinking about a semester abroad as early as possible, ideally in the first semester of the master’s program, in order to have enough time for course coordination, financing, and organization.

Financing and Accommodation

I strongly recommend that all students address financing early and apply for scholarships. The Weltbürger scholarship was very important financial support for me, allowing me to focus more on my studies and my experience abroad. Especially in a city like Rome, where unexpected costs can arise, this support provides noticeable relief. In addition, like some other students, I had the opportunity to continue my working student job remotely with reduced hours. Those who have this option can combine it well with a semester abroad, but should realistically assess how much time they want to invest alongside university and social life. Finding accommodation in Rome can be challenging. Rent prices are comparable to German major cities, but the standard of housing is often lower. I recommend starting the search early, using the university’s recommended platforms, and definitely joining Erasmus and international WhatsApp groups. Especially at the end of semesters (January/February, July/August), many opportunities arise. I would rather advise against on-campus dormitories at UER, as they are expensive and come with some limitations. Overall, those who actively search will find something—but caution is advised, especially regarding common scams.

Arrival and Networking

I arrived one week before the Welcome Days, which I can highly recommend. UER offers a buddy program as well as numerous welcome and Erasmus activities. Regardless of whether you are assigned a buddy, you should attend as many events as possible during the first two weeks. This period is crucial for building a social network. Both the UER International Office and World of Students were always easy to reach and very helpful.

Studies at the Host University

Enrollment and course selection at UER were straightforward. Setting up accounts, receiving a student number, and final course registration all took place on site. It is important to know that courses may be canceled at short notice if there are too few registrations, so flexibility is required. Schedule overlaps are possible, especially when taking courses from different study programs. Classes were held exclusively in person. For exchange students, there is a 50% attendance requirement. The courses were internationally oriented, discussion-based, and practice-oriented. Particularly valuable for me was studying in an international environment and exchanging ideas with students from many different countries.

Everyday Life, Leisure, and Living in Rome

Rome offers far more than can be experienced in just one semester. Culture, history, art, nightlife, sports, and travel can all be easily combined. Thanks to the well-developed rail network, weekend trips within Italy are easy and affordable. Erasmus and ESN organizations offer inexpensive sports classes (e.g. yoga, pilates), language courses, cultural activities, aperitivos, and trips. Beyond that, Rome has a vibrant nightlife, especially in districts like Trastevere or San Lorenzo. Social centers such as ARCI are also recommended, as they provide insight into local life. Food and going out, outside of tourist hotspots, are significantly cheaper than in Germany while maintaining very high quality. Only supermarket prices and events are similarly expensive.

Challenges and Helpful Tips

The biggest challenge in everyday life for me was public transportation, especially due to strikes. Nevertheless, I recommend getting a monthly ATAC ticket. In addition, many students use bicycles or e-bikes (e.g. Lime or Dott), which is a nice way to experience the city, especially in the evenings. As in many large cities, it is important to be careful with personal belongings. I personally observed several (attempted) thefts. Good preparation and awareness in daily life are therefore essential. English is generally sufficient in Rome, but learning Italian is highly recommended—whether through language courses, Italian roommates, or everyday interactions. Outside of Rome, English is not always widely spoken.

Personal Conclusion and Recommendation

I cannot name a single “best moment” of my semester abroad. It was rather the overall combination of experiences: studying in an international environment, living in a culturally rich city, new friendships from all over the world, improved language skills, and significant personal growth. The Weltbürger scholarship played an important role in making this experience possible in this form. At the same time, I hope this report helps future students prepare realistically and confidently for a semester abroad in Rome. I can wholeheartedly recommend a semester abroad, whether as part of your studies or as a leave of absence semester. The most important thing is to honestly reflect on your priorities and prepare well.