This past semester I had the lucky ducky privilege of studying abroad with Temple University's Rome program. After three and a half months, way too much weight gained, and a broader outlook on the world, I must say it was the absolute time of my life. The life you live while abroad, whether it's for a year, a semester, or even just a summer session, will by far be the most laid back, stress free, most unbelievable time you will ever have. Below are a list of things I learned while there and that I believe are very important to keep in mind:

1. Explore every day

Even if it's just going for a run (which, honestly, we all know means going for a walk), taking the long way home from school, or hopping on a bus/metro and getting off at a random stop, never let a day go by without seeing something amazing. You have a whole new world in front of your eyes for only a short period of time and you'll never regret getting lost.

2. Your apartment is small and that's OK

For three and a half months, I lived in an apartment about the size of a closet. Seriously, I'm pretty sure the living situation wasn't even legal. I must say though, that room (shoutout 434) turned into one of my favorite places. The amount of love your roommates and you can squeeze into a little room is pretty impressive. Don't let your first sight of your living situation alter your mood. Whether you're living in a mansion or a shoebox, your time will still be amazing.

3. Never count the calories

You go ahead and eat that second, (or third, fourth, or fifth) slice of amazing pizza. Get gelato twice a day (once in the afternoon and once at night is perfectly acceptable). The food you have abroad will top any food you'll have in your life (except those amazing homemade meals made by your mama). Never ever think about how much you're eating or how your clothes are mysteriously getting tighter (don't worry ... it's definitely the dryer's fault). You'll regret that time you didn't get that one pastry staring you in the face. Don't think about it. Just go for it.

4. Take trips to other countries with your best friends

One of the best moves I made while abroad was planning a trip with my best girlfriends to Paris on Valentine's weekend. Who needs chocolates and a big teddy bear from a boy who will probably eventually break your heart when you have the twinkling Eiffel Tower, a bottle of champagne, and your best girls surrounding you? Although I was only there for a weekend, Paris was one of the most breathtaking places I've been in my entire life.

5. Feeling homesick is so OK

You are in another country, where people speak another language, living on your own, for months, without your family! It is so completely normal to feel homesick. That's why we have that amazing invention called FaceTime (or Skype). Anyone you are missing is one quick phone call away. They are constantly thinking of you, and before you know it, you'll be so busy having the time of your life with the best people that this feeling will soon fade. As my bunkmate said on my last day in Rome, "I think the reason I was never really homesick was because you guys and the friends I made here were so amazing that they became my home away from home."

6. Take every opportunity

You will look opportunities right in the face that will seem absolutely unreal. But trust me, they are real. You always wanted to sky dive? Now's your chance. What a cooler thing to do while in Europe? Don't you ever hesitate. Think of the stories you will have for everyone back home (believe me, they are dying to hear all of them)! Never in my life did I think I would be able to honestly say I went horseback riding on the Appian Way on a Sunday afternoon, or sipped a 12-euro glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower at the age of 20, but hey, here I am saying it (and I ain't lying).

7. It's a weekday—go to the bar

It's Tuesday night and your friends are talking about hitting the bar. Go for it. You're not in America anymore where people are lame and only party on weekends. You are in a country where 1. you are legal and 2. the bars are the most fun they'll ever be. I must say some of the best nights of my life happened during the week. You'll see your best friends in school the next day, half awake, and laugh over and over about the things that happened the night before. You have your whole life to sweat the small stuff, but not now. Enjoy this feeling. Oh, and if any of you go to Rome, go to Scholar's Lounge on a Sunday, Tuesday, or Wednesday for Karaoke Night. You will not regret this!

8. Check your bank account less frequently than usual

Yes, yes––I know this lifestyle can (and definitely will) be expensive. But, ten years from now you'll be more glad you spent the money on something amazing rather than missing out on it because you were running a bit low. Once you're back in America, you can be a real person with a real, boring job again. But, for now, splurge. I promise you will be okay and have enough money to get yourself home (and if you don't ... oh well, looks like you have to stay).

9. Thank your parents

I can honestly say that without my parents I couldn't have even dreamed of going abroad. They had my back 24/7 through everything I did. I had never left home like that before. The fact that your parents trust and love you enough to give you this opportunity means they're pretty freaking awesome. They know you are busy, but remember to send pictures, text, and even call them. They are constantly thinking (and mostly worrying) about you. (Also hi mom & dad shoutout to you guys!!)

10. Never forget the person you were abroad and never forget the people

My favorite group of friends I have ever had are the friends I had in Rome, and I only knew them for three and a half months. Although we don't live as close as I wish we did in America (like in the same building), we still keep in touch and when we see each other it's like nothing at all has changed. I was also the most laid back and happy I ever was in Rome. When I came home, people told me I had a glow to me. Never forget who you were there. Keep a journal and write down advice for your future self. I guarantee who you are abroad will be the best version of yourself and you will never want to lose sight of that. Enjoy every day.