Finding a place to live abroad isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of student residences vs. private rentals, share common red flags to watch out for (from scams to tricky contracts), and talk through what we wish we knew before moving.

We also dive into life in Naples—what the people are like, the culture, the food scene, and some must-visit spots across Italy—so you know what to expect beyond just housing.

Whether you’re planning to study abroad or move overseas, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and settle in with confidence.

Time Stamps:

Meeting in Naples 1:48

Living Experiences in Europe 2:30

Cultural Insights 3:45

Safety and Challenges 6:38

Cultural Immersion in Student Residences 8:35

The Italian Coffee Experience 9:56

Friendships and Connections 11:50

Comparing Cultures: Italy vs France 12:12

Living Conditions and Community 14:45

Safety Tips for Tourists 20:53

Final Thoughts and Reconnecting 24:57

Barcelona residence: Resa Barcelona Diagonal University Hall of Residence - RESA

Naples residence: Collegio Universitario Villalta, Napoli - IPE

Apartment rentals site (mentioned at 5:50):Rooms, Flats, Apartments and Accommodation for rent at Uniplaces

My book (mentioned at 12:00): Susan's European Memoir: THE GEOGRAPHY OF BECOMING: A memoir of leaving, living abroad, and redefining home.: Chen, Susan: 9798250683050: Books - Amazon.ca

Italian pizzas/dessert mentioned:

Coffee (I was trying to recall at 10:07): Cafe con crema

Margerita pizza

Diavola pizza

Cannoli

Tiramisu

Creama pasticcera

Caprese

Italian travel destinations mentioned:

UNESCO sites (mentioned at 3:50): Pompeii and Ercolano

Turin

Rome

Puglia

Sicily (Palermo & Catania)

Mt. Etna