Written by Sophia Xie, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Fall 2025
7:00 AM
No day studying abroad in Florence is exactly the same. However, a typical day starts with either a walk or a run along the Arno River. In the early hours, the city feels calm and unhurried. Store owners lift their shutters, produce trucks unload fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few early tourists pause on the bridges to snap photos. It’s a quiet and refreshing way to start the day, before the lively bustle of crowds and cars takes over the streets.
Cascine Park in the morning
10:00 AM
After getting back to the apartment, I have breakfast, get ready for the day, and then I head out the door to walk to Giunti Odeon, the theater-bookstore known for its cozy studying atmosphere. The doors don’t open until 10 AM, which is late compared to the libraries back in the States; however, I’ve grown to appreciate and savor a slower start to the day. I usually spend about 45 minutes here, working on various projects, planning future trips, or catching up on emails. Giunti Odeon has become one of my favorite spots in the city; it’s a place where I can leave the apartment and feel immersed in the rhythm of Florence.
Sometimes, instead, I opt for a coffee as a much-needed energy boost on sleepy days. Ditta Artigianale is a well-known coffee chain in Florence, and luckily, there’s a location right on my street. I like that it offers reliable Wi-Fi and spaces for students to work.
Study session at Ditta Artigianale
11:00 AM
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my classes start at 11 AM, so I make my way to the Rucellai Palace, the historic and beautiful building where ISI holds lectures. My first class of the day is The History & Culture of Food in Italy: A Comparative Analysis, a history course that explores Italian cuisine and its intersections with global culture. On this particular day, we take a class field trip to the Sant’Ambrogio Market, where we sample a variety of cheeses and chocolates, eat a bowl of steaming lasagna, and finish it all off with a cup of gelato. Having the chance to experience Italy through its food is unique and meaningful to me. This class is unlike any of the courses I’ve taken at my home university, and I always look forward to these exceptional experiences.
1:00 PM
After class, I usually go back to the apartment to make lunch, or I’ll grab a panino from one of the countless sandwich shops around Florence. Today, however, I decided to go to Biblioteca delle Oblate, the city’s public library. When the weather is nice, the outdoor courtyard is the ideal place to study. The upstairs cafe provides an amazing view of the Duomo, so occasionally I’ll grab a drink and work while taking in one of the most iconic sights that Florence has to offer.
The courtyard of Biblioteca delle Oblate
4:00 PM
At 4 PM, I have my Italian class, which meets for an hour every day from Monday to Thursday. We usually spend our time reviewing our homework, practicing our Italian speaking skills, and learning more about the food, culture, and daily life in Florence. I’ve learned so much since the beginning of the semester, largely because of how often the class meets. (Somewhat) understanding what locals are saying to each other has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of the course, and it’s boosted my confidence in using the language beyond the classroom.
5:00 PM
After class, I typically go to the Conad grocery store behind Palazzo Bargagli, since it’s the closest to both the school and my apartment. I pick up ingredients for dinner and peruse the aisles for a new Italian snack to try. So far, my favorite has been the dark chocolate Gocciole cookies!
7:00 PM
Most nights, I make dinner at home — with varying degrees of effort. I’ve found that pasta is the ultimate quick meal when I need something right away without much prep. It’s also fun to test out the endless varieties of pasta shapes and sauces available at the Italian grocery stores.
Other nights, my friends and I go out to dinner. There are so many amazing restaurants in Florence, and it’s nearly impossible to resist the urge to try them all. A favorite of mine has been Trattoria 4 Leoni, where I had an unforgettable pear-and-cheese pasta. Dinner wouldn’t feel complete without a scoop of gelato afterward. I like to try a new flavor every time, but salted caramel will always be a favorite and reliable choice.
Pear-and-cheese pasta from Trattoria 4 Leoni