SCParry

willit - thanks for the feedback. Obviously too many years spent writing marketing copy for a living!

zoemarchioni

Hi, I live in tuscany from 8 years. First of all when I arrive here I'm like you a student and absolutly alone...dont' worry and take it easy!!!
Italian are smiling and happy people!
REgarding eating alone at restaurant is absolutly false that they frowned upon!
Eating is an art in Italy..so alone or with somebody eat and enjoy!
I think taht Lucca is a very small city not so much brillant for a studentbut at the same time you can find cheaper accomodation than in Florence that was a more big City with big University more foreign and Italian Student!
But in less that one our from lucca you can be in florence by bus or train...and from Florence you can visit Chianti and so on.
Regarding Italian school i can't help you my granfather is half italian so he talk with me only in Italy since I was a Child!
Hope to be helpful for you!!

BobBaldassari

I just got back from spending one month in Lucca. I found an apartment inside the wall. I walked everywhere. However, it might be better to buy/rent a bike. Some places will rent a bike for a month at a time. Other places will sell you a bike and agree to buy it back at a preset price.
You can use rental agencies to find an apartment or just find independent people online. Like any lodging, the prices vary depending on location, time of year, size, etc. My personal email is [email protected]. sent an email if you want more information.
Bob