![\"Italy](\"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/italy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Italy-127.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nConsider what you will use for luggage.\u00a0 As you pack, also keep in mind that you will be carrying this same luggage by yourself, sometimes over great distances or on crowded trains.\u00a0 Take things that are easy to manage and avoid over-packing.\u00a0 One rule of thumb is to pack your bags and walk around the block with them three times; then re-pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bed and Bath Linens<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nWe 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. For other types of accommodations, these 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nWinter in Italy can be cold and damp, and has a penetrating chill. Heating in Italy is very energy conscious, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are many locations throughout Florence that are equipped with Wi-Fi service and we highly recommend that you bring a laptop. Most 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Middlebury School in Italy Sede in Florence is equipped with internet and a laser printer (for academic use only). There will be a maximum number of pages that each student can print per semester. These resources are only available during the Sede office hours (see Contact Information<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectrical Appliances<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nThe 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. A full list of the plug types used in different countries can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOccasionally, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gifts<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nIf 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 easy to pack. 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.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t forget photos!\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prescriptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you are taking any medication that requires a prescription, you should bring a full supply for your entire stay in Italy with you in your carry-on luggage.\u00a0 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 not<\/span><\/strong> recommended, as it is extremely complex, expensive, and often impossible. Prescription medicines should be left in their original containers.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Vegan_toiletries_and_household_products,_August_2015\"](\"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/italy\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Vegan_toiletries_and_household_products_August_2015-300x224.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf you are under a doctor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toiletries<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nToiletries 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winter in Italy can be cold and damp, and has a penetrating chill. Heating in Italy is very energy conscious, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Computers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many locations throughout Florence that are equipped with Wi-Fi service and we highly recommend that you bring a laptop. Most 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Middlebury School in Italy Sede in Florence is equipped with internet and a laser printer (for academic use only). There will be a maximum number of pages that each student can print per semester. These resources are only available during the Sede office hours (see Contact Information<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. A full list of the plug types used in different countries can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 easy to pack. 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.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget photos!\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prescriptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are taking any medication that requires a prescription, you should bring a full supply for your entire stay in Italy with you in your carry-on luggage.\u00a0 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 not<\/span><\/strong> recommended, as it is extremely complex, expensive, and often impossible. Prescription medicines should be left in their original containers.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n If you are under a doctor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nElectrical Appliances<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Gifts<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nToiletries<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n