Packing for Florence
List of Things to Pack
- Schools Abroad General Handbook: http://www.middlebury.edu/study-abroad/italy/handbooks
- School in Italy Handbook: http://www.middlebury.edu/study-abroad/italy/handbooks
- Passport with visa and supporting letters provided by the consulate [+ 1 copy of each]
- Copy of your airline ticket + hard copy of arrival instructions from this handbook
- Proof of Insurance from HTH Worldwide
- International Student Identity Card (optional)
- Calling Card
- Extra passport photos
- Debit/Credit cards and some cash
- Certified copy of original birth certificate or Driver’s License (in case your passport is lost or stolen)
- Medications in original containers and copies of prescriptions
- One set of dress clothes and shoes
General Packing 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.
Clothing
Winter in Italy can be cold and damp, and has a penetrating chill. Heating in Italy is not always adequate, so you will need warm woolen clothing, including a heavy winter coat or a down jacket. The best idea is to bring clothing that you can layer, so, as the seasons progress, you can dress accordingly.
Bed and Bath Linens
We do not recommend that you bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you. They are too 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. You may want to consider bringing one hand towel and one bath towel with you, which should suffice until you can purchase more.
Toiletries
Toiletries are readily available in Italy. If you are particular about brands, you may want to pack an appropriate supply of the articles you regularly use.
Prescriptions
If you are taking any medication that requires a prescription you should bring a full supply of what you will need during 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.
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.
Computers
Computer resources in Italy are more limited than in the U.S. Although there are many locations such as internet centers and cafes throughout Florence that are equipped with computers and Wi-Fi service, we highly recommend that you bring a laptop
The Sede is equipped with several computers available for student use, wireless internet, and laser printers (for academic use only). These resources are only available during the Sede office hours.
