Written by Sophia Xie, University of Virginia | ISI Florence Fall 2025
Imagine you’ve just arrived in Florence, Italy, keys in hand, opening the door to the apartment you’ll call home for the next four months. You are greeted by an apartment that looks nothing like your space back at home – nearly everything is different, from the charging sockets to the kitchen appliances. A wave of discomfort settles in your stomach, rippling into a quiet sense of nervousness. It’s a strange mix of excitement and homesickness.
Homesickness, after all, is almost inevitable. We’ve built such strong communities, spaces, and routines back home that missing them is only natural. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by big, uncomfortable emotions while studying abroad, especially when everything around you feels new and unfamiliar, including where you live. But there are ways to ease those feelings and begin to see Florence as your home, even if only for the semester. After all, “home” isn’t something you stumble upon by chance; it’s something you can create with intention and practice.
Making Your Apartment Feel Like You
Even the smallest changes can transform the feel of your apartment. Consider adding a warm blanket or a throw pillow to your bed or sofa to bring an added sense of comfort. As the weather gets cooler, a blanket is sure to be a well-appreciated addition to the space. You can also make the space more personal by decorating with printed photos, postcards from your weekend trips, or small art pieces collected from local markets. By personalizing your apartment in these low-effort ways, you create a sense of familiarity and belonging that turns your Florence apartment into a place that truly feels like your own.
TIP: Check out Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Coin Casa, Satur, and IKEA Firenze for fun, affordable home goods. The first three stores are conveniently located in the city center, while IKEA is easily reached by tram.
Tidy Space, Tidy Mind
It’s also worth considering how the tidiness of your space can help ease homesickness and reduce feelings of chaos. During study abroad, your apartment becomes more than just a place to sleep; it’s a safe space when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Florence. Managing your room and common areas can surprisingly make a substantial difference in how grounded you feel. On hard days when you’re missing home, even simple routines – like tidying up, folding laundry, or organizing your study area – can be soothing and reliable rituals.
Shop Local and Make It Yours
As you explore Florence and all it has to offer, you’ll likely find yourself admiring the countless flowers, posters, and ceramics scattered across the city’s markets, shops, and street
booths. Consider adding a small piece of Florence to your apartment, whether that’s a unique mug, a handmade vase, or a poster of the Duomo. Not only will it make your space feel more connected to the city, but at the end of the semester, you’ll also have a meaningful souvenir to take home with you.
Keep Some Routine in the Chaos
There’s comfort in routine, and even though your days in Florence may look different from what you are used to, creating small daily rituals can help you find your rhythm. For instance, a typical weekday morning could consist of having coffee on your apartment balcony before a walk to your favorite café for a breakfast pastry. Or it could include a daily chat with the local baker, grocer, or barista in your neighborhood – learning the routines of your surroundings can help you feel grounded and connected. Alternatively, you could set a standing “family dinner night” with your friends each week, creating both community and structure amid weekend travel and the novelty of studying abroad.
Don’t Forget a Bit of Home
When packing for study abroad, consider bringing one or two meaningful items from home – like your favorite mug or, if you’re tight on luggage space, a small pocket photo. There are countless ways to make Florence feel like your city and home, but it can also be deeply comforting to bring a piece of home with you. Keeping up familiar habits from home, like journaling, listening to your favorite music, or regularly video-calling with friends and family, are great ways to incorporate your life back home into the new one you are building in Florence.
Remember Why You’re Here
Florence may be the place you call home for just a few short months, but it can quickly become a part of who you are. Soon, you’ll find yourself wishing each day in the city could last just a little longer. It’s a place where you can carve your own path, where what you put into the experience is what you will get in return. Still, it can be challenging to feel truly at home in a new city on a new continent.
Your mindset will be your most valuable asset in embracing the imperfections that come with it all.
Consider any challenges you face, whether it be the Italian mosquitoes, the small European kitchens, or a lack of “normality”, as part of the adventure you get to claim as your own.