Finding My Footing at the Venice Airport
When I arrived at the airport in Venice, any lingering travel anxiety completely left me. Right past baggage claim, near the exit doors, I spotted the CIMBA guides waiting for us. It was an instant relief. Around them was a growing crowd of students awaiting the next bus to Paderno. If you are nervous about making friends, this exact moment is the perfect icebreaker. Everyone is in the same boat: tired, excited, and eager to connect. We started mingling right there, trading stories about our flights and where we go to school. Once we loaded up, the hour-long bus ride to Paderno was absolutely stunning. The drive is filled with endless vineyards and rolling tree farms that line the Italian countryside. The architecture of the homes we passed was so charming and completely unlike anything I’ve ever seen back home.
Settling into Campus Life (and the Bolognese)
Once at CIMBA, we went to get our room assignments and welcome packets while the bus was unloaded. That packet quickly became my lifeline. It contained everything from room keys and class schedules to dining hall hours and internet access. I highly recommend grabbing lunch as soon as you drop off your bags. My roommate and I did exactly that, sitting down over a much-needed plate of classic bolognese before orientation started. It was a wonderful, low-pressure chance to chat and meet some of the girls living on our floor. Plus, discovering the campus coffee machine on day one was a major win. Socializing in the middle of a busy day is a lot easier with a little caffeine. Academically, CIMBA offers a rotating block schedule. It can sound a little confusing at first if you are used to a standard university routine, but the program does a great job of explaining this process during those first briefings. The entire schedule is laid out clearly in your welcome packet. I went ahead and added the dates to my phone calendar right away to help me stay on track during the first few weeks.
The Day 2 Lifesaver: The Donation Room
Even as a self-proclaimed chronic overpacker, I still managed to forget a few daily essentials. If you do the same, don't panic. One of the best hidden gems of the first week is the CIMBA donation room, which opens up for students on Day 2. It’s essentially a table of items left behind from previous sessions. I was able to grab face wash, toothpaste, lotion, and, most importantly, a hair dryer! They even had desk fans and extra snacks like ramen. It’s an incredible resource that saves you a stressful trek to a local store on your very first day.
Exploring Beyond the Classroom
In your welcome packet, you’ll also find a list of daily excursions, and I highly recommend signing up for them. I was lucky enough to travel to Asolo with some friends right after our first day of classes, and we had the best time exploring the winding streets. We even got to enjoy an authentic aperitivo on top of the hill next to a castle. The views were completely unreal. These school-offered excursions are a great opportunity to explore nearby small towns you wouldn’t otherwise get to visit. Everyone in Asolo was incredibly kind, and we got to practice our basic Italian at the local gelato store. That first week in a brand-new place can easily feel a bit hectic. There is a lot of information thrown at you all at once, but the program instructors did an amazing job of helping us settle into our classes and life in Italy. The biggest takeaway from my first few days is that everything here moves a little slower than it does in the US. Don't be afraid to take your time, look around, and enjoy it