An amazing last semester

I did my last semester of undergrad abroad in Rome with Arcadia. Honestly, it was the best semester of my life. I was really unhappy at my home university and found the change of scenery to be just what I needed. Overall, the program itself is great. The staff makes you feel welcome and comfortable, and since it is a relatively small program (there were about 60 students in my group), they know everyone. The classes are varied and interesting enough but not too difficult.
Rome was a really special place to live. There is a ton to do and see, and getting outside the traditional tourist areas is important. You can pretend that you're still in America and refuse to learn any Italian and stick to study abroad bars/tourist traps if you want. Or you can do it right and make an effort to learn Italian, meet local people, and actually see something other than main landmarks and tacky American bars.
Rome is a good starting location for travelling. Reasonable flights and trains to other cities/countries aren't too hard to find. I did some traveling within Europe and Italy, but not every weekend. I recommend spending time in Rome and not rushing your travels.
The area that they housed us (Garbatella/San Paolo) looks a little rough but is safe, charming, and in a convenient location. I definitely preferred living there over Trastevere. The apartments themselves are fine, not amazing though, but ours did feel like home. In terms of social life, there are a lot of bars, clubs, (coffee) bars, and piazzas where people socialize. The gay scene in Rome isn't the most vibrant (it's not Barcelona or Madrid), but it's not bad.
I was sad to leave and I plan to return to Italy, hopefully to live and work.

Random tips
-don't use TIM for cell service, Vodaphone seemed better
-figure our your banking arrangement before you leave (I have BoA and I used BNL ATMS with minimal fees)
-learn some Italian before you leave (it's not that hard)
-expect things to move slower
-watch your possessions (I was never pick-pocketed but I know people who were)
-do some solo travel