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 clothes racks or drying machines, 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. Each terms will experience a change of season and temperatures, so bring clothing that you can mix and match, and that you can layer. Bring a jacket or a coat appropriate to the season. When sightseeing at the Vatican and all churches, keep in mind you will need to cover your shoulders, midriffs and knees. Your class schedules will inform you when you 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, midriffs or legs. 

Recommended Attire:

• Casual button down shirts and pants
• Comfortable dresses

Comfortable walking shoes 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.

In addition to your clothes, we recommend bringing:

• Laptop – if you have one – there are also computers at the UWRC Business Center
• 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
• In the spring, sun hat, bathing suit & sunscreen – it’s expensive in Italy!
• Earplugs, eye mask
• 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)