There's no place like home!

I have found an apartment! Yes, that's right. In only one week, I managed to find myself a home in Bologna! I can't even began to describe how stressed out I have been about this whole process. After seeing seven different apartments (that's on the lighter side) and exchanging broken Italian about l'affitto (rent) and la caparra (security deposit), I managed to find a place where I feel somewhat comfortable.
The apartment is actually located "fuori le mura" meaning outside the city walls, so it's not exactly in the city center, but I really like that it's further away. It's right next to i Giardini Margherita, the central park of Bologna, and in a city literally devoid of any greenery, it's nice to have a place to really be outside. The apartment is only about a twenty minute walk to the center and with that comes quiet, a great view, and a good reason to work off some of this gelato.
Also I plan on buying a bike!
I'm living in a 6 person apartment with three boys and three girls, all from different places in Italy. We haven't picked the sixth girl who will live in my room with me yet, but I get to participate in the interviewing! Of course this basically just means I sit and smile. When everyone talks to each other it's like listening to five different radio stations and once. Completely confusing and a bit too difficult for me at this point.
I brought some of my things over today and I can definitely say that it's still pretty awkward. I don't know yet how to be polite in Italian. Or if they really are polite here. I once heard that English is a language that demands a sense of space. We're always side-stepping around each request.
"Do you think it would be OK if you listen to your music on a little bit lower volume?"
"Maybe later, would you be willing to show me how to use the stove? I don't want to ruin anything."
These questions definitely don't translate into Italian. I keep asking myself, how do I live with other Italians without stepping on anyone's toes? And then also, how can I keep my toes from getting stepped on? Of course, I think one of the main goals of this program is to put yourself way outside of your comfort zone. And even if I lose a few toes in the process, I'll still be alive right?
Tomorrow morning I check out of the hotel for good. I haven't yet taken any pictures of my own so below are the pictures apartment from the online ad. I promise more pictures will come once I've really moved in!