Studying abroad in Florence?

Question

Hi,

I am planning on studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I was wondering if it is better to go in the fall or in the spring (weather, things to do, etc.)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Assuming you don't have any time constrictions by what your studies are, I would definitely move to Florence in Spring. Why go there in winter? Florence can have some very humid and strict winters, so I would definitely not consider it having the chance to decide.

During Spring the weather will be amazingly warm and pleasant, so you'll also be able to take some day trips to the surrounding Chianti region (one of Tuscany's highlights) or go to the beach in Versilia which is quite close by.

Also Florence is the only Italian city that doesn't "go to sleep" in the summer (generally all the clubs and some shops close from half july to the end of August in every Italian city), so you'll have the chance to enjoy yourself and the weather at the same time. Also, there are alot of festivals occuring during the summer, that make it even better.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

I would think that Fall would give you the best set up:  Academic years start in the Fall (at least on this side of the pond), so you can "extend" your study into the Spring and Summer.

Fall is harvest time - think about what that means - stuff to eat and harvesting work experiences.

Then we go into winter - skiing (if you're into it).  Travel "off-season" for better deals and less crowds.  Travel by train to other parts of Italy as well.  

Holidays!

Even if you decide Spring is a better time to enjoy Italy, I'd say be bad and "take a semester off" in the spring instead to "find yourself".  Then you'll already have gotten your studies out of the way in the Fall, and you'll have made some friends to travel and plan with for the Spring before they decide to hit the States in the summer!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Well I am going to Florence in the fall,

Why fall??  one major factor for me was being able to travel to other countries. Well, if you plan on traveling to other countries while you are studying abroad then you might want to consider going in the fall cause well at least the school I am going to has a three week fall break which is awesome cause I can take a lot of trips during the break. (while in the spring I get no break well there's Easter break for like a week but that's it.( well at least for the school i am going to we only get a week of Easter break). hint: check out ryanair for cheap flights in Europe)

There are many festivals in both the fall and the spring time and you can take a train to Rome for like 30 euro or other cities so you will have tons to do when you get there in both semesters.

As far as the weather on the average:

July is the warmest month.  

January is the coolest month.  

November is the wettest month.  

July is the driest month.

Italy has longer summers so if you go in the fall you will be enjoying a warm weather. well good luck with your decision.

Answer 4

I studied there in the spring.  I loved this b/c you get to enjoy the city for about 2 months before all of the tourists come for spring break and summer.  Also, if you decide to travel around Europe afterwards, summer is so much better (especially for the beaches).

Answer 5

There are things to do in Florence all year long... It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The school terms start in fall. I suppose it would depend on what studies you intend to do.

I have a very close friend (I actually call her my sister, tho' we're not blood relations) who went to study at the Florence university in 1970... She is still there! She finished her studies, married a fantastic man from Florence and has

raised 3 kids there! She and her husband have run a small hotel in the center of town for years...

Here is the page of the Universitá degli Studi di Firenze...It will help clear your ideas...

http://www.unifi.it/CMpro-v-p-2312.html

If you want more info e-mail me...