Packing: General Suggestions

Plan carefully what to bring, keeping in mind that you will have to carry all of your own luggage while traveling. This means TRAVEL LIGHTLY. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough!  Choose each item carefully and avoid duplication.

Consider what you will use for luggage.  As you pack for the flight over, also keep in mind that when you travel you will be carrying this same luggage by yourself, sometimes over great distances or on crowded trains.  Take things that are easy to manage and avoid over-packing.  One rule of thumb is to pack your bags and walk around the block with them three times; then re-pack.

Although most U.S. brands are sold in Italy, you may find them costly.  If you cannot do without certain items, or if you are not willing to experiment with local products, take a sufficient supply with you.

Bed and Bath Linens

We do not recommend that you bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you. They are heavy and take up too much space in your luggage.  These items are also costly to ship in advance and can be easily purchased once you arrive in Italy. If you are going to be living with a host family, sheets and blankets will be provided.  While for other types of accommodations, they may not be included. You may want to consider bringing one hand towel, one bath towel and essential linens/blankets with you, which should suffice until you can purchase more.

Clothing

Winter in Italy can be cold and damp, and has a penetrating chill.  Central heating in Italy is not always the norm, so you will need warm clothing, including a heavy winter coat or a down jacket. The best idea is to bring clothing that you can layer so that you can dress accordingly as the seasons progress.

Computers

Computer resources in Italy are more limited than in the U.S.  There  are many locations such as internet centers and cafes throughout Florence that are equipped with Wi-Fi service and we highly recommend that you bring a laptop.  Most, if not all, new laptop models are equipped with self-setting transformers; however, it is advisable to check the power cord to determine whether the laptop has dual voltage (110/220).

The Sede is equipped with Wi-Fi, a scanner, and a laser printer (for academic use only). Each student is given a code for use of the printer which allows them to print a maximum of 150 pages per semester. These resources are only available during the Sede office hours (see Contact Information).

Electrical Appliances

The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts/50 cycles rather than the 110 volts/60 cycles found in the United States. You should make sure that any appliance you bring is 110/220 compatible. Electrical outlets in Italy also tend to be shaped differently than in the U.S., so you will need a plug adapter as well.  Transformers and adapter plugs are available in Italy, but it is best to buy them in the U.S. before you leave, since U.S. transformers are lighter and cost less.

Occasionally, even though a transformer is used, an appliance may not work properly. Because of this difficulty and because of their weight and bulk, you may want to leave most electrical appliances at home and buy those that you find absolutely necessary after you arrive in Italy. Some electrical appliances (e.g., hair dryers) can be bought inexpensively in Italy.

Gifts

If you are planning to live with a host family, you may wish to present them with a token gift. Choose a gift that has some significance to you and is packable and light. Consider bringing books with photos of your home or school’s town/state/region, small artisanal crafts, or other items representative of where you are from (e.g., maple syrup, saltwater taffy, etc.).

Don’t forget photos!  Your friends will be interested in where you come from: your family, town, friends, and school. Take pictures that help explain parts of your life in the U.S.

Prescriptions

If you are taking any medication that requires a prescription, you should bring a full supply of what you will need for your entire stay in Italy with you in your carry-on luggage.  It is advisable to bring all the original prescription forms and a note from your doctor to avoid possible questioning. Mailing medicines across international borders is extremely complex, expensive, and often impossible. Prescription medicines should be left in their original containers.  Please also note that in the event that a prescription must be replaced in Italy, you should have the generic name of your medication on the prescription, in addition to the U.S. ‘brand’ name.

If you are under a doctor’s care for a specific condition, you should bring a copy of your medical history with you or sign a release form with your doctor in case your medical history needs to be sent to a doctor in Italy.

Toiletries

Toiletries are readily available in Italy. If you are particular about brands, you may want to pack an appropriate supply of the items you regularly use.