Tips for Students Traveling in Rome

Photo credit: Erin Fay

Traveling to Italy soon? “Where to go?” “What to see?” “Where to stay?” Are these some of the questions that have been bouncing around in your head? Well here are some answers from a trip I have been planning and researching for some time. Trust me when I say Rome is a must for any trip to Italy. Seeing the ancient ruins is a great experience.

You might wonder, “Won’t there be long lines?” Well, you have an option to buy tickets before you get to the site itself. In fact, you can buy most tickets online these days. What I really suggest, however, is the Romapass. The Romapass is good for three days and  offers free admission to the first two historical sites you choose to visit and then a discounted admission for three days from the first use to all other sites you visit. The Romapass costs thirty-four euros which is about $44.46 in American dollars. It can be purchased online at www.romapass.it. The Romapass also offers FREE public transportation until midnight on the third day of your Romapass.

Are you student? Good news for you if you’re traveling to these sites as well. You are eligible for a student I.D. card, the only internationally accepted form of I.D. for students. This I.D. card which costs only twenty-five dollars can be used to get discounted admission into attractions, museums, historical sites, buses, trains, hostels, discount hotels, restaurants, and more. This card is used to prove that you are a FULL-TIME student at a university or college. This card can be obtained by visiting www.myisic.com and giving them the information they need. Allow a couple of weeks for processing before receiving your card, so be sure to get it early before you go!

Not sure where to stay? There are great hostels and discount hotels in and around Rome. But how do you know which one to pick? PLUS Hostels is a great website full of information about hostels in any area you would like. The website gives you pictures, descriptions, and guest experiences. This website helps you to find what you are looking for. Worried about going alone? Travelocity, Orbitz, and other travel sites are great for guaranteeing your hotel or hostel. They offer discounts and help even while  you’re overseas.

Bringing your phone? Your carrier might be able to enable international service and calling, but not all can. What do you do then? The best way to go about it is to buy a cheap disposable phone  and a minutes card when you get there. You can use that to call home. Also most, if not all , hostels and hotels offer free-wifi. That way you can use  your own computer to  email back and forth with friends and family.

These are some tips for what to see and how to do! Good luck with your own trip!

by Rebecca True