Thriving in Milano
A guide to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during your study abroad. Whilst it may not always be easy, by following our helpful hints and tricks, you’ll find yourself walking down the laneways of Italy looking and feeling like a true local.
By Katalina Mendoza, Tara Kukansean, and Grace Schulberg
Traveling abroad often comes across daunting especially when moving to an eclectic and fast-paced city such as Milano. We recall our first week questioning our sanity to move overseas, most people would not jump at the idea. With patience, time, and confidence the weight and nerves of studying abroad disintegrated and instead left us with the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.
But in order to live it up during your time abroad, you must guard your health to stay in good shape and wellness. This article here is a guide for those who are about to leave to study abroad or those who have arrived looking for advice as to how to support a salubrious routine, navigate the Italian healthcare system, and keep up with a healthy lifestyle to have a memorable time in Milano!
Supporting a Salubrious Routine
For starters know that Milan is one of the major fashion capitals of the world. Whilst that doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be sourced from Gucci and Dior but instead putting together an outfit that illustrates your mood or personality. Couture shops surround Milano, however, the ordinary person might not budget for such an exquisite piece of clothing. Instead one will find many thrift stores located all over Milano, especially by the canals and “Brera district.” We must not forget shoes, as they are just as important, so dress according to the season. “The Milanese take their footwear very seriously”.
Looking good doesn’t always mean we feel good, sometimes we require a certain vitamin or fitness regimen to give us the extra boost. Milan boasts gym facilities all around the city, with having a reputation for maintaining an inclusive environment of people leading different lifestyles. The best website for finding times and locations of gyms in Milano is and joy.life. This site provides all the information one must know to receive an invigorating workout.
Lastly, everyone around the world has different sanitary habits; a helpful tip, when traveling or living in Milano, is to carry a hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes with you. With so many people traveling in and out of the city all day, you are bound to run into germs that might possibly run you down, and no one wants that while traveling.
Another big helpful hint is to drink water. Being in Italy surrounded by cocktails and wine, you might find yourself being easily tempted by these beverages on a night out. Unfortunately if not balanced with water, dehydration sets in and can take a toll on leading a healthy and salubrious lifestyle.
Navigating the Italian Healthcare System
An important aspect of staying healthy abroad is knowing how to understand the healthcare system of the country you are living in.
Disclaimer: The cost of Healthcare in Italy is very affordable and reasonably priced compared to other countries such as the United States. In cases of emergencies and regardless of your nationality, you will receive medical attention without having to pay at the time of need.
In Milano, there is a wide variety of hospitals and medical facilities that are available to anyone and everyone. EU students specifically can use their National Health Insurance card and receive public medical services without having to take out additional health insurance, unless your preference is private health insurance. Down below is a link to a description of the National Service Card and the benefits it obtains.
The majority of non-EU students most likely need medical insurance before arriving in Italy as it is a requirement for your visa application. If your insurance was not confirmed prior to your arrival, you can sign up for the National Health Service (SSN) which provides full medical coverage from doctor visits, laboratory tests, and surgery, etc. Registering for SSN does come at the cost of 147,99 euros for the whole year. Down below is a link from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore explaining more in-depth of SSN and how to apply.
If you are in doubt of where to find a clinic or unsure if you need more medical attention, the next best option is to locate your university health center. Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore here in Milano has one of the best student health centers for students to utilize when they are ill or need medical advice. From personal experience coming down with the flu, going to the school nurse was very helpful and relieving as she was able to do an examine and offer medical advice *recover*. The school nurse can also recommend medications for you to purchase at the Farmacia (pharmacy) near the school or the area where you live.
The school nurse also can suggest hospitals or clinics you can go to based on the medical attention you need. The Universita Cattolica student health center website lists the partnerships with clinics and hospitals in the area which include discounted rates as well! These discounted rates come in handy for a student living on a budget and are very reasonable. For example, a visit that would cost 68 euros is discounted at 30 euros! A great deal.
The Farmacia’s in Italy is the Italian way of buying over the counter medications and the first place to seek for remedies or medical advice for getting over the flu or any other sickness. You can find a pharmacy all over Italy as they are located in the central parts of neighborhoods to be convenient and accessible when you are in need to grab something quick to cure. Remember that not all of the pharmacists speak English, though they are always happy to help you.
Keeping Up with a Healthy Regimen
Italy is thought of as a central hub embracing and perfecting food culture to create unimaginable delicacies such as pizza, gelato and various types of pasta. It is a wonder to discover how Italians stay slim, healthy and active whilst consuming wholesome and hearty meals throughout the day.
While the thought of food is often strongly associated with Italy, according to medinaction.com it is extraordinary to reveal that according to the European Association for the Study of Obesity, quoted by medinaction.com, the country boasts the lowest adulthood obesity rate in Europe with numbers targeting less than 10% of the population. Various reasons surround this rate such as their core diet revolving around fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, homemade pasta, nuts, lean protein including fish, olive oil, herbs, spices as well as small portions of wine to savor and enhance meals.
You may be surprised when dining at a restaurant to receive generous portions however mealtime is often shared with friends and family and seen as a way to incorporate pleasure and nourishment
On one’s arrival in Italy, it can be shocking to discover the way Italians go about a meal. Starting with primi (1st course, pasta), secondi (2nd course, fish/meat) and to finish off dolci (dessert). Coming from consuming predominantly a western diet, to consume such a large quantity of food seemed preposterous to devour. Italians share a different mentality when it comes to food consumption. Rather than being viewed as an enemy, food is depicted as a friend that accompanies you throughout the day.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle cannot solely depend on the food you consume but also the measures we take to fit exercise into one’s daily lifestyle. Milan is a city that boasts numerous parks such as Parco Sempione is located near the Sforzesco Castle, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, near Porta Venezia, and Parco Monte Stella, near the Stadium, which, are popular places for locals to walk and run.
Not only is it easy to locate parks but also numerous apps such as “Strava” exist to assist users with finding popular running/bike routes around Europe. Time is often used as an excuse as to why one does not exercise during their study abroad experience however there are several apps that exist such as Fitness Buddy and Nike + that allow you to create quick personalized workout routines that are easy to follow and can be completed while traveling or between classes. It may be difficult, but time will always be available to include mini-workouts into one’s daily schedule.
Returning back to the topic, it is possible to stay healthy in Milano by simply making small changes to our everyday choices. While it may not be easy in a city that boasts infamous specialties, with sufficient exercise and choosing healthy alternatives our daily lifestyle will be impacted in the most positive manner. Follow our tips and tricks of the trade and you will most definitely be thriving in Milano during your study abroad experience.
