Watch the Pre-Departure Meeting with Rome Staff

Packing Tips

You’re going to be away from home for quite a while, so you may want to bring a lot of stuff with you but it is very easy to over pack and bring more than needed. Here are a few of our tips and recommendations to make sure you bring the essentials without over packing.

Don't over pack!

Baggage

Check baggage requirements for your airline carefully. If you exceed the size, quantity, or weight limits for bags, the airline will charge you for the extra bag ($100 or more per piece EACH WAY).
Do not have items shipped to you abroad. They will get stopped at customs and you will need to pay tax and fees on the items. Its always better to have more luggage than ship items.
Hang on to your baggage claim tickets in case your bags are lost.
Typically, students bring 2 large suitcases and a carry on. But keep in mind, you should be able to carry all your luggage on your own. There may not be people to help you along the way.
Bring a good quality backpack for weekend trips. This way, you won't have to take your large luggage with you on every trip.

Clothing

What to Bring with you to Rome

When you arrive in Rome for the fall term it will be very warm. You should do additional research the varying climates of Italy and where you're going to be living in Rome to help narrow down the clothing you’ll need to bring.

It will be an average high of 85F and an average low of 65 F in Rome when you arrive in late August. (Tip: Air conditioning is not common in Rome.)

It will start to cool down as the months go by, ending with an average high of 55 F and low of 40 F degrees in December.

What are the cultural norms?

You may be taking class trips or want to visit a church or other place of worship. There are dress codes for these locations. You cannot wear shorts, short skirts or dresses. Your shoulders should be covered- No tank tops or sleeveless shirts/dresses. Bring a sweater or cardigan to wear in these places.
Flip flops, shorts and leggings are examples of attire that is common here in the States but is not common or part of the fashion culture in Italy.
Italians are fashionistas, they care about their outward appearance. It is recommended that you not walk around in sweatpants, pajamas, or like you just rolled out of bed. You will stick out and look like an American. It is best to dress for success and embrace your inner fashionista while in Italy.

You will be walking a lot! Rome is a great walking city and you will be eating and walking your way through the semester. Good shoes are super important. Bring comfortable walking shoes. This is something different for everyone:

Sneakers are a great idea.
Flats are a great idea, but make sure they have support for those long walks!
Bring a more formal pair of shoes for your internship, nice dinners out, or other special events.
Loafers, oxfords, flats, or boots are a great option for a good all around shoes to bring. Just make sure they are comfortable.

The good thing is that if you forget something, you most likely can buy it when you arrive. Rome is known for its fashion and shopping. So plan that you will bring home more than you brought with you. Leave extra space in your suitcase for what you want to bring back.

A few tips from the OSA:

Be practical. You don't need to bring your entire wardrobe with you.
Layers are your best friend!
Bring a versatile coat that you can use in multiple weather situations.
Bring 1 or 2 "nice" outfits. You never know when you may need it.
Never underestimate a good pair of shoes.
Don't bring anything you would be devastated to lose.

Electronics

We all love our electronics, so make sure you bring the correct converters and adaptors. Otherwise, you won't be able to charge them or they may burn out if you try plugging them in.

Adapters

Adapters change the plug-in to fit into the foreign plug.

In Italy and most of Europe, wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not). See the picture on for what a three prong plug looks like.

This is a must for your time in Rome. You will need adapters for your:

Cell Phones
Tablets

We recommend adapters that have a variety of plug configurations for various countries so that you have the adapters that you need when you travel outside of your program country.

Converters

Converters (surge protectors) change the voltage to work with your electronic.

If the plug to your electronic says its voltage input is 100-240V then you only need an adapter to change the plug.

If your electronic does not have a voltage input range of 100-240V that means the device can only be used with a specific voltage (mostly like US voltage 110V). You will need to use a converter to convert the voltage in Italy plugs (typically 220V) to your specific electronics voltage requirement.

This is typically needed for large electronics that use a lot of electricity like laptops.

If you don't use a converter with these types of electronics, chances are they will not work or "blow out."

Keep in your Carry-on Bag

All valuables (jewelry, electronics, money, etc)
Program’s contact info and address. *
Photocopy of your passport and visa. *
Contact info for International SOS. *
Medications with prescription and doctors note (see the health section for more info)
- If you take any medication (including vitamins or herbal supplements), make sure you take enough for the entire semester. Pharmaceutical products will get stopped at customs.
A change of clothes.

*Give your parents a copy also

Things you May Not Want to Bring

Toiletries: Most students will be studying in modern metropolitan areas where they can easily access a store with toiletries. Unless you are very specific about the beauty products and toiletries you use, you may want to consider purchasing them upon arrival.

It is recommended that you bring just enough toiletries to last you the first few days in Rome. There is a Supermercato Emme Più close to campus. There are two Supermercato Emme Più stores, one is a grocery store and the other one is the personal care/home store. The latter is where you can purchase items for your room, and toiletries.

Sheets and Towels: You will be provided with linens, blankets, pillowcases and towels. These will be changed weekly and laundered.

You may wish to bring a larger bath towel, facecloth and pillow as those provided are small.
It is recommend that you bring a blanket (micro fiber or light down that compresses for packing) to supplement the blanket that will be provided.

Laundry detergent: You can easily purchase this when you after your arrival in Rome. You may wish to bring some laundry detergent tablets with you so you don’t need to immediately search out a store until you are more oriented with the area.

Expensive or irreplaceable items: Do not bring anything with you that you would be devastated to have lost or stolen. Leave them at home.

Small appliances: Hair dryers, straighteners, electric razors, etc... they are inexpensive to buy in the host country.

Athletic equipment: Depending on the sport, this can be expensive equipment to travel with. It most likely will be cheaper and easier to purchase or rent when you arrive.

Google Sites

Report abuse