I moved to the beautiful Rome, Italy, last week to start a four-month study abroad program that my school offers. Although I've only been here for less than a week, I've already learned so much not only about myself but about the city, adulthood, and how to manage on my own. Here are some of the bigger lessons and changes I've learned.

It’s actually really easy to make new friends.

I was hesitant about making new friends during this program because it seemed like everyone knew each other before the trip, but that wasn't the case at all. Instead, people were extremely welcoming, and that has made all the difference. Don't be nervous about making new friends. As cheesy as it sounds, as long as you act true to yourself, you'll find great people to spend the greatest months of your life with.

You don’t actually need to check your phone every three minutes.

I am programmed, as I’m sure everyone else is too, to check my phone for new tweets or Snapchats or hilarious videos on Facebook anytime there’s even a lull in a conversation. However, with the limited WiFi here, actually participating in a conversation is not only suggested -- it’s required. Just in the past couple days, I’ve had less and less of a desire to even open up Facebook or twitter. Why should I spend all my time looking at my phone and not looking at the amazing experience I’m having?

Buses in foreign countries are way more confusing than American busses.

If you think that you can just hop on a bus and get anywhere you need to go efficiently, think again. The bus stops are inconsistent, the smell on the bus is nothing short of repulsive, and when the bus goes over bumps, the feeling is comparable to being on your own high magnitude earthquake. Not fun. Then you actually have to get somewhere, which, unless you're with a local, isn't going to be easy. Though sometimes frustrating, it always leads to good stories.

Get lost -- it’s a fun way to explore.

The first night here, my roommate and I got lost getting back to our campus. We were so sure of the way home until we realized that the bus we were on was going the complete opposite direction. Then, with the help of an amazing local Roman, we found our way to a taxi and got home. I know I'll always remember that story because we went off the beaten path, even if it was on accident. Don't stress out if while you're on the bus or train if you miss your stop and end up in a different location than expected. While in a different country, experience all that you possibly can.

Cash culture is not easy!

I'm used to just swiping my debit card for every purchase, from a pack of gum to a pair of shoes, and I loved the simplicity of that. Here, simplicity goes out the window. You need cash wherever you go, and if you don't have exact change, get ready for scowls or even complete refusal of service. I'm all for the cash culture -- the money is really pretty and it makes me feel like I'm in the past -- but carrying around large amounts of money to pay for everything is something I'm definitely going to have to get used to.

Don’t worry about gaining all the pasta pounds, you will definitely walk it off.

They weren't lying when they said that Rome is a walking city and that you need to invest in comfortable shoes. Just one day of sight seeing for us was a 10-mile excursion, and the relief I felt when I sat down after four hours of cobblestones, mud, and uneven sidewalks was probably the closest I'll ever feel to being in heaven. That being said, enjoy the pasta, gelato, and the occasional glass of wine, because chances are, unless you stay in your dorm or hotel room all day, you'll be out burning all that gnocchi and gelato you ate the day before.

You don’t have to take pictures of everything, enjoy just looking every once in a while.

You are in the Eternal City, and yes, everything you see is Instagrammable, but make sure that you take some time to just look at your surroundings, and not behind the lens of your camera or your phone. Take pictures, but remember that memories can last a lot longer than a photo buried months and months deep in your photos app on your phone.

Time goes by way faster than expected.

It's only been a week since I've been here, but that week has flown by. Already my friends and I have trips planned for the next four upcoming weekends. Make sure that you really do experience all you want to do because this opportunity will not come again. Live your life to the fullest, and don't opt out of something you really want to do because that might be the only time you have to do it.

So, in conclusion, when studying abroad, eat good food, drink good wine, make great friends, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Ciao for now!