Packing list

You will need to consider the amount of luggage that you are allowed to bring on the plane, being aware that if your bag(s) are over the weight limit it might cost you an additional $50 to $100 or more per bag at the airport. Be sure to check with your airline on relevant restrictions. Also remember most of us tend to pack twice as much as we need. Keep in mind the old rule of thumb: pack your suitcase, then, take out half the clothes. You don’t need as much as you think you do!

Travel bags should be lockable and personal bags should have adjustable shoulder straps to keep them close to your body. When moving around Rome, especially in crowded piazzas, buses and subways, it is best to wear bags and purses that fit close to your body to reduce the likelihood of theft.

All student apartments are equipped with washing machines and clotheslines or drying racks for drying (machine dryers are very rare), so packing clothes that are washer friendly and air dry easily is recommended.

Italians are known around the world for their style, and Rome’s residents are no exception. When deciding what to pack for Rome, keep in mind that day-to-day European style tends to be more dressy and conservative than American style. It will be hot when we are there, so bring clothing that is light, comfortable and maybe more modest than you would wear at home. When sightseeing at the Vatican and other churches, keep in mind you will need to cover your shoulders and knees. We will post on the schedule when we will be visiting churches so you can plan accordingly, but in general, you will want to be “church ready” at any time. You will not be permitted into churches with bare shoulders or legs. 

Recommended Attire:

• Comfortable dresses
• Casual button down shirts
• Light blouses
• Light pants

Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Comfortable sandals are a must. Keep in mind, you will be walking for long periods of time on cobblestone streets, sometimes up to 6-8 miles a day. Cobblestone streets eat dainty shoes. You will want to bring shoes that are durable as well as comfortable. If you don’t mind that your Tom’s won’t survive the trip, bring them! Otherwise, find some more robust footwear.

Professor Wong does not allow his students to wear flip flops in Rome. 

In addition to your clothes, we recommend bringing:

• Laptop – if you have one – there are also computers at the UWRC
• Cell phone – all students studying in Rome must have a cell phone – you can either bring yours from home and set up an international plan, or buy a cheap phone in Rome
• Scarves  – these are a staple of Italian style and a must-have multipurpose travel item – they can be your blanket on the plane ride, an accessory during the day, or a shawl when you go out at night – also useful for when you need to cover up at a church
• Work out clothes – T-shirts, tank tops and shorts are okay
• House shoes – Roman apartments can have cold, hard floors – bring slippers (flip flops are okay inside your apartment)
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen – it’s expensive in Italy!
• Earplugs
• Bathing suit
• Medications, supplements, etc. – see our advice about this here
• Plug converters and adapters – voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US it’s 110 – most electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, laptops and electric shavers are dual voltage by default, but hair dryers and straighter tend not to be – check your devices to verify their voltage
• Photocopies of your passport and visa

• Fine jewelry
• High heels – any heels, really
• Hair tools – flat irons, blow dryers, etc
• Heavy technical devices
• Too much stuff
• Anything you really love and would be sad if it got lost or stolen
• Flip flops (unless you plan to use them as house shoes)