Università degli Studi di Firenze

Most Italians who you can socialise with, are really interested in meeting a native English speaker who wants to learn their language, and will make an effort to socialise with you and help you. But the initial 'getting to know them' is hard, we found the men are really forward in wanting to know the girls, the Italian women generally don't wanna know anyone but Italian men. And foreign guys are pretty much at a disadvantage, unless your female friends introduce you to their Italian male-friends!

Absorb everything sit back and look closely at what you have accomplished, try your hardest to intake everything and everyone who passes through your life. Though sometimes things can get rough remember eventually things will get better and tomorrow you will be a little bit stronger then yesterday.

Come well prepared financially, try and save a little, it does end up being pricey (rent being the main source of drainage!), use the internet at Uni, it'll save you so much money from net cafes. Go out and socialise, it's the only way to meet Italians and improve your language, it worked for me, it'll work for you!

Plan everything (travel) in advance!

Once you've been there, you always want to return (after 5 days back home I'm already planning to go back...)