Perugia – Page 2 – DEV – The Umbra Institute – Study Abroad in Italy

By Jacqueline Inman, University of Vermont

Perugia is home to many amazing sights for visitors to see: the Etruscan Well, the National Gallery of Umbria, stores, and restaurants in the central piazzas, and panoramic views from Porta Sole. But, when you’re staying in Perugia for an extended visit, like the students at the Umbra Institute, there is room to make your Perugian experience your own, finding the best spots off the beaten path. After having spent just over two months in Perugia, these are the places I would recommend visiting if you are interested in the creative sides of Perugia.

Via della Viola

Via della Viola is a street not far from the central Piazza Novembre IV, offering an artistic side of Perugia. Funky and colorful murals line the street, along with some of the coziest bars and restaurants, such as Civico 25 and La Fame. The street is home to Perugia’s movie theater, Postmodernismo, which screens many independent films. The stylish theater doubles as a bar and hosts community arts events. Every Wednesday, they show movies in English, creating a great mid-week activity for English-speaking students. Postmodernismo is a vastly different environment from a chain AMC theater that you would find in the U.S., providing the viewer with a classy movie-watching experience. It may not sell slushies and heaping bags of popcorn, but you can get a cocktail or glass of wine to go along with your movie.

Corso Cavour

Corso Cavour is another Perugian street that took me a few weeks to happen upon. If you walk down the long stairway of Sant’Ercolano, you will end up on Corso Cavour, immediately greeted by some of the spots that I would recommend spending time in.

Paradiso 518 arts bookshop, Caffè Della Penna, and Lick Gelato are clustered near each other on Corso Cavour. Paradiso 518 is not the average bookstore but describes itself as an art bookshop and micro-gallery. It is an intriguing place to browse around, full of creative books and magazines set up to make the store an aesthetic experience. Right across from Paradiso 518 is Caffè Della Penna, a particularly cozy cafe and my favorite place to study. Della Penna has a sitting room in the back of the café with a warm ambiance like no other café I have been to in Perugia. Finally, Lick Gelato, next to Paradiso 518, is well-known in Perugia for some of the best gelato around. Lick is an artisan-style gelato and cake shop, and is a must if you enjoy fun and unique gelato flavors.

Pian di Massiano Saturday Market

If you’re interested in shopping for cheap, second-hand, or vintage clothing, the Pian di Massiano Market that occurs every Saturday is the place to go. From the Pincetto mini metro stop that is located right near the historic center of Perugia, it is a 15-minute ride down the hill to the last stop of the mini metro called Pian di Massiano.

There are a wide variety of goods sold at the market, including sandwiches, fruit, jewelry, home goods, and my favorite part – vintage clothing. Clothing stands make up most of the market, offering tables piled high with second-hand, generally high-quality items for people to sift and dig through. The clothes mostly range in price from 1 to 5 euros. The market opens at 8 am and goes until 1 pm on Saturdays, so there is plenty of time to search through the never-ending heaps of clothing.

Piazza San Francesco

Finally, when it’s a beautiful day and you’re tired from walking around the hilly town of Perugia, you can find a grassy area to lay down on a blanket in front of the beautiful Church of San Francesco al Prato. This is my favorite place to go with friends to read a book, listen to music, or just soak up the sun if it’s out. An added plus of this area is that there is functional wifi that you can connect to, making homework or studying possible from outside.

There are many more wonderful places to see in Perugia, and I am constantly discovering new ones. But, if you are looking for creative and cozy places to visit in Perugia that might not be found in your first google search, these suggestions are worth the visit.

Written by Umbra Rep Timothy Ringie, University of Massachusetts – Amherst

I’ve always had a pretty strong idea of what I wanted my study abroad experience to look like. I knew that I wanted an experience other than one in a large city such as Florence, Rome, or Milan where I’d be surrounded by hundreds of other American and English speaking students and tourists. I wanted the opportunity to practice my Italian and not be able to solely rely on my English in everyday life. In order to do that however, I knew I needed to find a program away from popular destinations and to find one that would provide true immersion into Italian culture.

As I departed the US for the Umbra Institute, the one thing that concerned me most was that I was sacrificing the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. It’s not that I was expecting zero nightlife in Perugia, it was just that I assumed it would be vastly different, and on a much smaller scale, than what I would have experienced in Florence or Rome. Wow, I could not have been more mistaken!

During my first weekend here in Perugia, I saw a side of the city I was not expecting. Granted, the population here (160,000 give or take) is far less than that in Rome or Florence, so the nightlife options are less numerous. I believe, however, that this works in Perugia’s favor. Something that I wasn’t aware of before arriving in Perugia was the amount of students that can be found here. The Umbra Institute is just a small part of the overall student body here in the city. Besides the Umbra Institute, there are somewhere around 40,000 students, broken up between the Università degli Studi di Perugia (the Italian University) as well as the Università per Stranieri di Perugia (the University for Foreigners). That means that in addition to a large number of Italian students, there are students here from all over the world as well.

During my first weekend here, I was astounded at what I saw; when I left my apartment at night, the first thing that hit me was the noise. Normally on Via dei Priori, the street which I live on, is not loud at all. The street is lined with shops and restaurants so there are usually a lot of people out and about but not like this. I was greeted by group after group of people making the long walk up the steep hill toward the city center. As I walked up the street, it just kept getting louder and louder. Doorways which seemed unassuming during the day opened up and there were crowds of dozens and dozens hanging around and chatting. As I neared the top of the street, I ran into a literal wall of people, who were all crowding around the entrance of a popular bar called “Gold Bar”. As I made my way through the maze of people, rattling off “mi scusi” and “permesso”, the noise just got louder. I rounded the corner and I looked towards the main square Piazza IV Novembre, I caught a glimpse of what my weekends would be looking like for the next few months. There were literally thousands of people in the square, all congregated in large and small groups. I had certainly not expected such a vibrant nightlife and that was only a taste of what was to come!

As I got more settled into life in Perugia, I began to understand the “nightlife habits” of the Italians as well as the fun spots to go to in Perugia. One thing I noticed is that compared to the United States, everything starts later here in Italy. Aperitivo, which serves as a sort of appetizer to dinner where you meet up and chat with friends, occurs around 6-8pm. Along the Corso Vannucci, the “main street”, there are restaurants set up outdoor seating in the middle of the street which creates a very lively atmosphere. Italians usually don’t start eating dinner until around 8pm and there is no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. After dinner, everybody takes to the streets and before you know it, the streets and piazzas are completely full of people.

Everyone uses the Piazza IV Novembre as a meeting point to decide where to go. Maybe you’ll decide to make the quick walk just past the cathedral to Dempsey’s bar, an American-owned bar which always has a huge ground outside, but even though it’s an American bar, there is no shortage of Italians outside. Or maybe you’ll decide to walk around the corner to Marla’s, a two-floored bar which normally hosts live music. There are also plenty of great areas away from the main piazza and great spots to practice your Italian the further you go from the piazza as they are where the locals tend to hang out. Streets like Corso Cavour and Via della Viola are great areas to interact with the locals. Via della Viola, with fun places like C’era una Vodka or Agricola, is very interesting as you can hear street musicians playing well into the late hours of the night. But watch out as you may have to squeeze to the sides of the street every once in a while as an unfortunate driver tries to navigate through the crowds of people! If you’re into dancing, maybe you’ll visit one of the few discotecas right outside the city, although I personally haven’t visited them as nobody wants to see my dance moves. Or better yet, you may even run into some of the Umbra Institute staff at Elfo’s Pub right off of Via dei Priori collectively enjoying a soccer match on the large projector there. There is no shortage of great venues and spots for all here in Perugia.

Despite all these great places I’ve mentioned, they’ve not been the most memorable part of the nightlife for me here in Perugia. The most memorable for me by far, has been the people. What makes Perugia fundamentally different from a larger city, is the fact that you really feel like a part of the city and community. I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world here, not just from Italy but from countries far and wide like Canada, Spain, France, Russia, South Africa, Germany and more. Perugia feels like a melting pot where everyone is open to meeting new people. In larger cities, people are often wary of those they don’t know and will only stick to their friend group. Here in Perugia I’ve found myself engaging in conversations with people from different countries and cultures, with widely different ages and backgrounds. The people here are excited to meet new people and hear their stories.

After having been two and a half months here in Perugia, I seldom go out on a weekend without running into someone who I’ve had a conversation with at some point or another. It’s a really nice feeling when someone you have met from another country remembers your name! Perugia is the best of both worlds when it comes to the nightlife; it is big and diverse enough that there are plenty of options in terms of a night life for those who want it, but it is also small enough to provide awesome opportunities to make connections with the city and the people and form real friendships.

By Lauren Lewis (she/her/hers) – Umbra Rep Spring ’20 and UConn student

I was three days away from my abroad adventure in Perugia, Italy. I had already fully packed three suitcases and my carry-on and was anxiously counting down the seconds until I could hop on the plane and start my life-changing spring semester abroad. My sister had then come into my room and stared at all my bags. “Unpack everything, we need to start over,” is what she said, and that’s exactly what I did.

I consider myself lucky that I had a sister who had studied abroad the year before I was going to, as she was able to give me insight on what I would need when living out of suitcases for four months. However, realizing that many people may not have siblings who have studied abroad, and most people have not had the unique experience of living out of a suitcase for four months, I decided to provide all the tricks and tips on how to successfully pack for your spring semester abroad.

The first and more important rule for packing is: Do not overpack! You do not need your entire wardrobe when traveling abroad- in fact, you don’t even need half of your wardrobe. Here are two questions to ask yourself when trying to figure out if you have over packed or not.

Can I carry my bags? If you have too many bags, to the point where you will need someone else’s help carrying them, chances are you have over packed. When you get off the plane, you will need to be able to carry your luggage with you to meet the Umbra staff. In addition to this, you will also have to carry them around the cobblestone streets of Perugia when finding your apartment. Therefore, it is important to be able to carry your luggage. When I studied abroad I brought a large suitcase, a smaller suitcase, and a carry-on. I had more than enough room for all of my belongings and was able to carry my luggage wherever I went. If you are someone who has yet to purchase your suitcases for your study abroad experience, I recommend getting a suitcase set that has rotating wheels and comes with a smaller carry-on bag. The rotating wheels make it easy to move, and the carry-on bag can be used to travel on the weekends.
Do I have room in my suitcase? You will end up buying things when you are in Italy, whether they be souvenirs for your family members or loved ones, or if you are like me- more clothes. Therefore, you must have ample room in your suitcases to bring back things from your study abroad experience.

When packing for your study abroad experience, there are four important items that you should make sure you have packed.

1. Prescription Medicine: It is vital to bring all medications that you will need with you for the duration of your time abroad. Italy may not have the same type of prescription and therefore, if you do not bring it with you, you may not have it for the entirety of your trip.

2. Hygiene Products: I went to Italy, only knowing two to three words in Italian. If you are like me, the language barrier will make it hard to know what products are good for you. Therefore, I recommend bringing your own. It is also important to note that personal hygene items in Italy may be slightly different than what we are accostumed to or, when they are the same, may come under different brand names and packaging. You may have to visit more than one store in Perugia before you find an exact match for your favorite products. Therefore, it is best to stay safe and bring a starter pack of whatever you are comfortable using and don’t want to find yourself missing.

3. An adaptor: All of Europe has different adaptors than we do here in the United States. Therefore, it is best to just pack one before you leave that you can use if you have a layover.

4. Euro: I recommend taking at least 200 to 300 Euros with you at the beginning of your trip because some food places and shops will not take credit cards. If you decide not to bring Euro, DO NOT buy it at the airport. The fees are jacked up and sometimes you may even get counterfeit bills. Therefore, wait until you get into Perugia before you take money out. Despite the Euro, be sure to plan ahead of time how you will access money. Check your bank to see if they have a credit card to use in foreign countries and have multiple ways to access money.

Now it is time to share what most people probably came to this article; to figure out what types of clothing to bring with you for your four-month abroad experience in Italy. Before giving you my recommendations on what types of clothes you should bring, I think it is important to note some important aspects of packing. First off, do not pack outfits. You will be in Italy between 110-120 days unless you decide to stay longer. Your suitcase will not be able to fit 122 different outfits. Therefore, I recommend bringing clothing items that can be interchanged with one another. In addition to this, remember that you are going to Italy, which is one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world. So, don’t be afraid to take a break from your sweatpants and try new clothes that you may have been too scared to wear here in the United States. I encourage you to take advantage of your creativity and to get out of your comfort zone with your fashion pieces!

Warm Coat. A common misconception that people have when going to Italy is that it is warm all year round. Although it does not generally snow in Perugia and is warmer than a lot of places in the United States, it is still cold. Therefore, you should bring a warm coat. I brought a Peacoat, which worked on most days. However, there are a lot of alleyways in Perugia specifically, which serve as wind tunnels. Therefore, I would recommend bringing a puffy coat, or a thicker coat if at all possible.
Undergarments. Be sure to pack at least two weeks of different undergarments to wear. This will provide you with the flexibility to choose how often you want to do laundry.
Pants. I would pack a variety of different kinds of pants that you could wear while abroad including jeans, sweatpants, leggings, and shorts. Ultimately, I would try to pack between 7-9 pairs of pants as this will provide you with some variety, and provide you to dress with the seasons. It is important to note that I did not see many Italian women wearing shorts. However, as I said before going abroad is the perfect opportunity to express yourself in a different way than you have before, so if you are going to wear them, wear them with confidence.
Sweaters. I will reiterate: it will be cold during your first two months abroad. I would plan to bring at least five to seven different kinds of sweaters. I promise you that you will use them!
Shirts. I would bring a variety of long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, and tank tops. I brought between 12-20 different pairs, as some of my tank tops took up virtually no space in my suitcase. Bringing a variety of treats provides you with the ability to mix and match outfits!
Light Jacket. It will eventually start to warm up. However, there will be a moment where it is too hot to wear a thick coat but too cold to not wear a coat at all. Therefore, I would recommend bringing a light jacket that you can use when you travel and also if you are going to go out at night.
Dresses and Skirts. I do not wear dresses as often which is why I only brought between 1-4 pairs. However, they are useful when going out to a fancy dinner with friends, and even to wear on a day to day basis. Depending on who you are feel free to bring more dresses and skirts in exchange for pants!
Shoes. You should also plan on packing three to four pairs of shoes. I recommend bringing a walking shoe or sneaker, a pair of boots, and a pair of flip flops. If you like to work out I would recommend also bringing a pair of running shoes. I would not recommend bringing a pair of heels, as the streets of Perugia are cobblestone and you will have a hard time walking. Just remember, you will be walking a lot more in Italy than you do in America. Therefore, it is important to make sure all of the shoes you are bringing are comfortable!
Pajamas. I included this for the people who are like me and may forget the most basic items to bring when traveling. Be sure to bring warm pajamas for the winter and lighter pajamas for when it gets warmer.

Now that I have gotten through the main clothing items you will need to last your time abroad, I thought I should mention some miscellaneous items that you should think about before starting your journey. If there are any little snacks that you love, I highly recommend looking up to see if Italy will have them. As mentioned before, Italian shops do not carry the same products that we have in the United States. Henceforth, if you can’t survive without a certain food or condiment, I would pack it in your bag. Another item I recommend looking into microfiber travel towels to bring with you. I packed them in my carry on and I was able to use them in the airports and bring them with me when I traveled. The last item that you should think about bringing is a rain jacket or an umbrella. Although it most likely will not snow while you are in Perugia, it will rain. As my mom always says, “It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared!”

But the most important items are…

By this point I have mentioned almost every tangible item you will need to bring with you for your semester abroad. However, I have not mentioned some of the most important things you will need as you embark on your overseas adventure. Be sure to bring an open mind, as you are in a new country and some of their customs and ideologies are different than the ones we see here in the United States. Make sure to also bring patience. Oftentimes when traveling things do not go as planned. Remain calm in these situations because most often everything will work out. Be sure to bring your resilience. Sometimes people get homesick while abroad. In those moments take time to call your family members, friends, and always make sure to make your mental health a priority. Lastly, bring your spirit of adventure. You will have one of the best times of your life while traveling abroad. You will meet new people, learn a new language, and be exposed to a completely new lifestyle. Be sure to take it all in and make every moment count!

—

Umbra Institute note for Spring 22 students: for an extensive list of items to bring for your Spring Semester in Perugia, please make sure to read your pre-departure handbook.

By Umbra Rep Lexi De Marinis, University of Richmond

Looking for a quick lunch between classes, or maybe a spot for a nicer local dinner? Here are my favorite places to eat in Perugia for every occasion.

Sandwich: Piada e Delizie

Address: Piazza Francesco Morlacchi, 5

This sandwich place is right around the corner from school, and they make quality and inexpensive (4-5 euro) torta al testo, a typical Perugian focaccia cooked on a cast iron plate. You can either make your own sandwich or choose from the extensive list of combos they have on their menu. They make the sandwich right in front of you and include an olive oil drizzle and sea salt on the torta al testo. I like to make my own with Prosciutto, Arugula, Burrata, and Tomatoes.

Pizza: Pizzeria Mediterranea

Address: Piazza Piccinino, 11

Pizzeria Mediterranea is close to school and my personal favorite pizza in Perugia. Each pizza is 4-7 euro so it’s also a great deal! I recommend La Pizza Lasagna. It is a delicious and unique pizza topped tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy meat, and Ricotta. The Pizza Margherita with Bufala is also amazing!

Charcuterie: La Prosciutteria

Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 44

La Prosciutteria is a unique place in Perugia with GIANT charcuterie boards. I particularly like this place because you tell them how many people you have and if you want a small, large, or gourmet board and they put together a board with cheese, meat, fruit, veggies, toasts, and more. They also have options for sandwiches and salads. The atmosphere is lively, and it is a good price. A small board is 5 euro per person, a large 10, and a gourmet 15. The large board comes with plenty of food for a whole meal.

Traditional Osteria: Osteria a Priori

Address: Via dei Priori, 39

Osteria a Priori is the place to go for a nicer, traditional meal. Everything I have eaten there has been delicious and given the quality, the prices are decent. They have seasonal menus that rotate often with whatever is locally available at the time. A few of their dishes are: roasted vegetables with goat cheese (8 euro), lentil soup (8 euro), pumpkin ravioli (9 euro), and a traditional beef dish with vegetables (13 euro). This is a must go place during your time in Perugia!

Non-Italian: Lezioni Di Greco Corner

Address: Piazza Francesco Morlacchi, 11

This is a great Greek place right around the corner from school. You can make your own pita choosing your protein, toppings, and sauce. My personal favorite is the pumpkin (zucca) keftedes in a pita with hummus, tzatziki, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. This whole meal only costs 4.50 euro! I love to go here when I need a break from pizza, pasta, and cooking at home.

Gelato: Mastro Cianuri

Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 17

At first glance you would not even know that Mastro Cianuri has gelato, but it is the best in Perugia. My personal favorite is their chocolate gelato. A small cone with two toppings is 2 euro, a large 3. They also have small chocolates, coffee, pastries, and a caffe menu.

Written by Umbra Rep Noah Singer, University of Vermont

Coming to study abroad in Perugia, one of my goals was to find a charming café where I could read, write, do homework, or simply relax and people-watch. As you could assume, there are an immense amount of cafés in Italy… an overwhelming amount. Though I have not found one that is unsatisfactory, I felt it necessary to guide others to some of the cafés that have stood out to me.

Antica Latteria

A gem hidden in plain sight, Antica Latteria is a place you must try if you are in Perugia. Founded back in 1925, this fantastic bar is a good place to check out because they make fresh panna (fresh whipped cream) for pastries and coffee. This panna is exquisite; it is so tempting and delectable that it is dangerous! Pictured above is a “caffè con panna” (espresso with whipped cream), I highly recommend trying this. They have a plethora of pastries such as cannolis, brioche with panna, and a variety of sweets without this delicious, whipped cream. Antica Latteria is located just down the street from Piazza IV Novembre, just to the right of the Pam, making it just a short walk from the Umbra Institute.

Caffè del Banco

Caffè del Banco is the perfect place to go in between classes if you need a caffeinated beverage, a snack, sandwich, or the need to satisfy a sweet tooth! It is located about 300 feet away from the Umbra Institute making it a great place to get something quick. Because it is located just outside Piazza IV Novembre, it is also an ideal location to get a drink and people watch! The barista inside Caffè del Banco is always very sweet, and she will remember your face after a few visits. Oftentimes you will see Umbra professors and staff going for a snack or coffee throughout the day!

Caffè Dal Perugino

Caffè Dal Perugino is a terrific little bar just outside of Piazza IV Novembre, and across from the Coop. It is a wonderful place to go if you want a coffee and a panini because it is very cost efficient, and they have high quality products. The baristas here are very kind, always greeting you with a smile, and offering you water (the only other place that has offered me water is Verace). They even have various types of mints and gum at the register, which can help if you are trying to avoid coffee breath! Caffè Dal Perugino is a cute cafè that you must checkout!

Verace

Verace is my favorite cafè and is just a short walk down from Piazza IV Novembre. The owner of this spectacular establishment also owns a restaurant (that is also called Verace) right next to it. This restaurant is fantastic and makes delicious pizza for a reasonable price. They have pizza for sale in the cafè as well, making Verace the perfect place for a cheap, heavenly lunch. Verace has exceptional coffee, friendly baristas that always welcome a chat (they have even taught me some Italian), and they always offer a free glass of water, which is a rarity in Perugia. Personally, I love to go to Verace with a book in the afternoon for a coffee, and to enjoy the quietness in their outdoor seating area. I simply cannot speak highly enough about Verace!

All these bars are wonderful places with a great aesthetic and quality products. They are all within a 5-minute walk of Piazza IV Novembre, which is great because they are right in the city center. On the contrary, if you are at the institute and do not have time to leave the building, or you are looking for the cheapest option, there are coffee vending machines within the building. Though I was skeptical at first, I have learned that these vending machines make delicious cappuccinos for just 70 cents, an espresso shot for 60 cents, and many other cost-efficient options.

By Lexi DeMarinis, University of Richmond

When you first arrive in Perugia, Italy for your semester abroad you will most likely spend the first week trying every pizzeria, pasta dish, and torta al testo in town. Then, you will realize it would be nice (and cheaper) to cook some fresh food in your apartment that reminds you of home. At this point you will head to the grocery store, most likely the Coop. Here you will find yourself completely overwhelmed by the amount of items packed into the small store, the number of people you bump into, and how different it is from going to the grocery store in the United States. I am here to tell you that grocery shopping in Italy does not need to be difficult, and there are more options for buying food than the Coop.

General Tips

Put a glove on (found with the bags for produce) before touching any produce
After you choose produce put your bag on the scale and select the item on the screen
Place the printed sticker on the produce bag BEFORE you check out

The Coop

The Coop is a great one stop shop grocery store. They have fresh produce, yogurt, milk, fish, and meat, but they also have snacks, crackers, cereal, frozen items and PEANUT BUTTER. While the frozen section is not huge there are some good finds such as frozen soup, fruit, pizzas, seafood, vegetables, and more. My personal favorite is the frozen pumpkin soup, you just heat it up in a pot for a few minutes and enjoy!

Fresh Vegetables @Via dei Priori, 20

The Coop is great, but if you are looking for guaranteed fresh produce directly from the farm this is the place to go. The owner is very kind, and he speaks great English. You point to what you want, he picks it out and bags it for you. He also gives you the best one of whatever you ask for. For example, if you want a bell pepper, he won’t give one that is about to go bad, but instead rummage through the bin to find you the best one. He has a few extra items in the shop as well such as crackers, canned beans, olive oil, and jams. Sometimes he has fresh cut up veggies that you can buy bags of to make minestrone soup. If you don’t see what you want, just ask and it’s probably in the back.

Fresh Pasta @Via Cesare Caporali, 3

This very small shop does not even have a name and there is only room to stand and order at the counter from one man who owns, runs, and makes the pasta. I highly recommend going here for a fresh, local experience that you will not get in the United States. The man speaks English, but he will help you through your Italian and urge you to practice. He makes fresh gnocchi, ravioli, and other types of pasta daily. It is also a great place to go if you only want one portion of pasta because you buy it by weight.

Butcher: Pierini, Via Dei Priori, 15

Again, you can find meat at the Coop, but when in Italy going to the butcher and getting your meat from the shop that specializes specifically in meat is a must have experience. The one on Via a Priori is conveniently located right across from the fresh produce shop. I highly recommend the sausages, they are full of flavor and really cheap, less than 1 euro per sausage. I recently used them to make sausage and peppers!

Pam: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, and Vegetarian Options (Open Sunday)

Pam is a great place for dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian, pre-packaged and frozen meals, and some American snacks. They have a small fresh section (much smaller than the Coop) but I mainly recommend Pam for the alternative products I mentioned above. They have dairy free yogurt and almond milk. They are also open all day on Sunday so when you come back from your weekend travel and realize you have nothing to eat it is a great place to grab a few Sunday essentials.

Alimentari’s

These are stores typically run by one to two people and they often sell products from other cuisines. Here you can find Asian spices, noodles, and sauces as well as American snacks and Halal products. They also often have frozen fish and a small selection of fresh produce. These are also typically open on Sunday for some amount of time.

Check Lexi’s Instagram highlights about groceries in Perugia on Umbra Instagram page!

by Umbra Rep Lauren Pawlowski, University of Connecticut

Part of adjusting to life in a new country while studying abroad is figuring out ways to make this place feel like home. Exploring the city and surrounding areas is exciting, but it’s good to balance taking trips and doing casual things around Perugia. I have lived in Connecticut for my whole life, so it is a little overwhelming trying to fit in with the Italian culture. Although this feeling may be common amongst the American students here, there are many ways to manage stress and feel more at ease with life abroad. Taking advantage of your free time is one the best ways to do so! So although watching Netflix may be tempting, here are 10 different ways to enjoy your spare time:

1. Looking for inspiration or something new to look at? Visit the art gallery or historical exhibits in the city fortress, la Rocca Paolina. Or you can take a stroll down Via Cartolari and Via della Viola to see outdoor murals and public art.

2. Feels like you’re eating too many carbs? Here are the local workout options: get a gym membership, visit Metropolitan Boulder (a rock climbing center where Umbra students get a discount), or run around the city or at the local track. If you’re looking for fewer hills, visit the parks around the city. One of them is Percorso Verde in Pian di Massiano (get there by Minimetro), where you can walk, run, play ping-pong, or just relax.

3. Start a new hobby: journaling, drawing, painting, playing the ukulele, reading books, writing poetry, etc. There are art supplies available at the Flying Tiger Copenhagen store and Novart Deco, both located in the city center. You can also buy books around town (look for “Libreria”). Journaling or making art about your experience can help you remember all the aspects of your study abroad adventure. Also, if you brought a nice camera then Perugia has many beautiful views to photograph!

4. Cook a new recipe or try new foods. You can search recipes online, ask a staff member, or talk with a local about new dishes to try. Enjoy a meal with your roommates or invite a friend over.

5. Watch a movie at the cinemas around the city. There are English movie nights on Wednesdays at PostModernissimo or other theaters. Ask the Umbra staff for advice on where to go.

6. Experience the best of Perugia: walk around, explore, or sit on the steps and chat with the locals.

7. Go to the mall (Centro Commerciale Collestrada) via a 35-minute bus ride. There you can find H&M, Zara, IKEA, and other popular stores. Or you can peruse the shops around the city center for some quick finds. There are a few thrift stores in Perugia, but you’ll have to take a bus or use the Minimetro to get to them.

8. Enjoy a coffee, sandwich, or aperetivo with a friend or with someone new. It helps to have a chat over food or a casual drink.

9. Visit the outdoor markets around the city for fresh farm produce, fish, truffles, clothing, and handmade goods.

10. Call a friend or family member back home to tell them about your experiences, get advice, or hear about life back in the States.

Check the Activities and Map sections of the Umbra App for more ideas and trips happening in the area!

Are you planning to study abroad in Perugia, Italy this fall? We at the Umbra Institute have constructed a list of 5 things you shouldn’t forget to pack for your fall abroad in Perugia.
This list is not everything you need (please read your pre-departure handbook carefully), but rather a selection of some of the most common items that our students forget each fall:

A winter coat
Italians often spend the start of September soaking up the sun on the beach and tourism easily paints Italy as the ideal location for sun-bathing warmth. However, November and December in Perugia can get chillingly cold. It won’t snow, but snow can be seen on the distant mountain tops as the wind carries a cold breeze into the city. Winter coats can be quite expensive in Italy so we advise that students bring one from home.
Ciabatte or pantofole
That’s right, Italians wear shoes in their homes. This is primarily because most Italian apartments do not have carpeted floors. In warmer months, ciabatte (which are like flip-flops or… crocks!) are worn to keep your feet clean and comfortable. In colder months, pantofole (winter slippers) are worn to keep feet warm as they step along cold wood or tile floors.
Warm clothes to wear at home
Italian homes and public buildings are often cooler than what the average American is used to in the winter. This is because energy is much more expensive in Europe than it is in the U.S., so Italians don’t keep their heat blasting all day, every day. Instead, in part due to Italian law, Italians turn the heat on for a limited number of hours each day, and walk around wearing sweaters and warm pants. Italian law even dictates the range of dates during the year when heat can be used (a period that typically doesn’t start before early- or mid-November.)
Comfortable walking shoes
There are three characteristics of walking in Perugia: uneven cobblestones, stairs, and hills. Perugia is a beautiful hill-top city with postcard-like panoramic views around nearly every corner. However, while abroad, students find that walking is their most comfortable and commonly used way of getting around town. Comfortable walking shoes are not flip-flops, and sometimes not even sandals. Students often find that the most comfortable shoes are shoes designed for running or walking. Note for those of you who may enjoy high-heels: Be careful wearing heels in Italy! It is easy for a stiletto to get caught in a cobblestone crack, and though Umbra staff is available to help you seek medical assistance, no one wants to see you fall or twist your ankle on your way to enjoy a nice evening walk. Our students usually avoid heals during the semester, especially after their first night out; and many ask us to warn others about how uncomfortable such shoes can be.
Anti-Covid items
All students will find an anti-Covid starter pack in their new home in Perugia! However, in order to be fully protected while traveling from the US, it is necessary to bring at least three (3) masks and gloves (keep in mind that your airline might ask you to change your mask every 4 hours, even in flight). You can pack extra masks and bring them with you if you want, as you’ll find that they’re likely to cost more in Italy than in the US. Keep in mind that Italy doesn’t acknowledge use of cloth masks.We also recommend pocket-sized hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for use when soap and water are not readily available and
anti-bacterial wipes or solution to wipe down high-touch surfaces.
A thermometer is also an essential medical device that should be in your personal anti-Covid care kit.

So, are you ready for an exciting semester abroad?

By Claudia Conrad, Umbra Spring 2020 Alum

Dear Perugia,

I must confess something… I love you.
I may not be from you, but you have made me feel more than welcomed, and there’s no other place that makes me feel the way you do. You make me open my windows in the morning and stick my head out to take in the fresh Perugian air. I love your warm cappuccinos in the morning that make me think about all that I’m grateful for in life. It is the simplicity of eating a warm fluffy croissant on the steps of the piazza that makes me smile. Oh, those wonderful steps. They are comforting and always there for me. They speak to me, fulfill me and introduce me to my soon to be friends. On days filled with bright blue skies and a strong sun, I sit there and bask, soaking up the warmth. I observe the pigeons that gather and then flock. I observe the locals, strolling, arm in arm, on their afternoon walk. I overhear their conversations, the Iitalian language is a constant song I love to listen to.

I will never forget the first time we met. I was excited to meet you, I wanted to know everything about you, but I knew this relationship would be a long and beautiful one, so there was no reason to rush it. You’ve introduced me to friends and loved ones and that is one of the many great gifts you have shared with me. Although we’ve only met a year ago, I feel as if I’ve known you forever. The days with you were so filled with present moments that they went by slowly, however, they gave me the opportunity to appreciate them even more. You inspire me so much. You have led me to flourish. You make me love to dance, and to express myself for who I am. You give me no worries in the world, all excess anxieties are left behind. You are truly a fantasy.

Now, we are apart. We are in a long-distance relationship. I daydream about you a lot. Thinking of the short time we spent together, and what it could’ve been. On days that I feel down, I sit outside, close my eyes, and I pretend that I’m with you. I listen to the playlist I made for you and I sing out loud. I know there is a mutual understanding that we will be united again some day. I can’t help but wonder; how are you feeling? Do you miss the rush of locals walking through the streets in the evening? I know I do.

Please don’t forget about me. I know we will be back together soon. Until then, let your sun shine, let your bells ring, and protect yourself. You are so sacred to me and to so many others.

This is my love letter to you, Perugia.

by Teresa Cutler-Broyles

Perugia has won.
And it didn’t even know it was in a contest.

When I arrived in 2014 for my first year of teaching at the Umbra Institute I had no idea what to expect. I’d never been to this city; in fact, I’m not sure I’d ever been to Umbria. Not
intentionally, anyway.

My first visit to Italy was to Rome in 2000 and I fell in love. With all of Italy as a concept, of course, but with Rome itself. I spent six weeks in the city wandering its streets, discovering its secrets, learning all the dos and don’t and ins and outs, and filling my heart with its beauty, and its not-so-pretty aspects. The noise and the tourists (which for some reason I didn’t think I was) and the unending rush were all part of the reason I loved it, and I couldn’t imagine another city capturing my heart in the same way. Every time I came back to the country after that, I spent as much time as possible in Rome while I explored south to Naples and north to Venice—bypassing Umbria on the way via train.

Then I discovered what I’d been missing.

I arrived in Perugia on the same day—in fact, on the same bus—as my students that first year, having spent two weeks in Rome beforehand. The staff had met them at Rome’s airport as I’ve since learned they do every year, having traveled down the day before to be up long before dawn to meet the early arrivals. My students, jet-lagged and frankly terrified were gathered up with the other arrivals and we were all settled in for the ride north.

Most of them slept. I watched the countryside go by. As we rolled into Perugia I took a deep breath, excited to see a new city and the school, and the lovely little apartment they’d found for me, where I’d be spending my next five weeks.

And that right there is the key. The fact that I got on a bus and showed up in this lovely town without a worry. That I knew my students would be taken care of and that I’d have a place to live with windows that overlooked something amazing. And sure enough, it all worked like clockwork.

Umbra itself is located in a centuries-old building right in the main piazza with its gorgeous fountain. Classrooms are equipped with all the amenities we’d expect from the 21st century while maintaining their medieval character in the ceiling arches and the traces of doors and windows beneath the plaster on the walls. The library where computers for students reside is filled with heavy wood bookshelves and filled with research material anyone with a love for Italy would want to get their hands on—and students can (and do) spend hours in there working on their projects.

As an instructor at Umbra my job is to get students here, offer them an exciting and educational experience two days a week, introduce them to as much Italian history and food as possible, and then help provide them with guidance as they need it to negotiate their way through the city and the country on their own on the days we’re not together. Generally, they need me for about three days… after that, due almost entirely to Umbra staff and their ongoing and tireless support, students get it all figured out and they’re off into Italy to fall in love with it just as I did so many years ago.

And Perugia is easy to fall in love with. Its main piazza is alive with people at all hours, its food is exquisite and quite unique—Umbria has dishes that are found nowhere else in Italy, and while it does have its tourist restaurants, it also has fabulous gems hidden in nooks and crannies at every turn—and its museums and churches scattered throughout are as stunning as anywhere else in Italy. Twisty medieval streets, ancient Etruscan arches and walls, and one of the largest collections of in situ paintings in a nearby church are just a few of the reasons I keep coming back.

Which brings me back to the beginning. I don’t know when it happened, exactly, that my heart shifted from Rome to Perugia, or when I began looking forward to being in Italy without thinking immediately of how much time I’d spend in the Eternal City. This year will be my sixth one teaching with Umbra. And I’ve been in Italy since March 6 this year.

And I haven’t visited Rome once, because Perugia won’t let me go.