Packing, Phones, & More

Packing

Siena and its environs have a generally warm and dry climate, with temperatures ranging anywhere from the 30s (°F) in the winter months to the 80s (°F) in late May and early September. You won't often see snow, but you can certainly expect some rain! Because you will experience a fairly broad range of temperatures, you should be prepared with both summer-like clothing and a warm coat. No kidding! It is a always good idea to pack layers and bring rain gear, including a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. You will walk EVERYWHERE in Siena, so make sure all your shoes are comfortable.

Our main tip: Pack what you think you'll need, since Siena runs on the expensive side! (The markets of Florence and Rome are better places to economy shop.) Make sure to bring your Laptop & adapter, and any Medications you may need. Beyond that, you will find whatever you need in Siena.

Carry-on sizes in Europe are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-European travel a backpack is SUPER helpful! Note: you will be lifting and moving your own luggage wherever you go. If you cannot manage your own bags, you will not be able to get to your destination!

Don’t forget US to EU adapters for electrical outlets. Adapters for continental Europe are available on Amazon and at Walmart (and similar stores!). If you do forget adapters, a houseware/hardware store ("ferramento") in Siena should carry them.

Tips for Purchasing your flight

Students should fly into Florence or Rome whenever possible. Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci is Florence's airport, located approximately 20-30 minutes outside of the Florecne's city center (centro storico). There are two airports in Rome: Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport ("Fiumicino") and Rome-Ciampino International Airport ("Ciampino"). Chances are good that the airline you choose will fly you into Fiumicino, which is located about 30 minutes by train from Stazione Termini (Rome's main train station).
We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date.
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline.
Students should purchase a flexible flight.
Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing.

As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

Travel Day

On the day of your flight, make sure you have the following in your carry-on* bag:

Passport

Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 months AFTER your planned return from Italy.

Holy Cross Affidavit Letter

This is a document provided by the Office of Study Abroad that states you are a student in good standing at the College of the Holy Cross and are on an official Holy Cross program! You might need to show this to the immigration officer once you arrive at the airport in Florence/Rome.

SART Acceptance Letter (CoE Letter)

You should print your acceptance letters (one in English, one in Italian) from your email. These letter serve as proof that you are an accepted student at the Siena Art Institute. You might need to show this to the immigration officer once you arrive in Italy.

Accommodation Letter (Print from Email)
Euros - the amount you bring is up to you, but €200 (euros) is a good start!

*Note that carry-on sizes in Europe & the UK are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-European travel I always recommend a backpack!

Sim Cards & Phone Plans

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in Italy. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our SA office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone.

There are several ways of ensuring you have cell phone coverage while abroad in Italy:

Call your American carrier and ask what your current plan allows for travel in the EU. Make sure you understand the parameters and if there are any steps to follow immediately before and after you land in Italy and switch on your cell phone/take it off Airplane mode.
Another option, as convenient but potentially expensive, is to pay your American carrier for an expanded international plan for the duration of your study abroad program.
Once you land in Italy, seek out a local phone shop or related business and buy a local SIM card with pay-as-you-go options, including unlimited data. Although this option may be cheaper than paying for expanded coverage while abroad, there are some downsides you should be aware of: it may not be easy to find a store immediately upon arrival; you may have to "unlock" your phone first; SIM cards can be tricky to get in and out of your phone.

No matter what your plan is, make sure you understand whether your American phone needs to be unlocked before you leave!

Required Apps

Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are required to have Whatsapp on your phone. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in Italy, even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet. All you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!

ISOS

You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in Italy, you must open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Siena. This allows us to best contact/help you in the event of an emergency.

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