Clothing
Bring the basics
Most students do a fair amount of shopping while in Italy.
Semester Students: Plan on clothes for all seasons. Bring warm clothing to layer up during the fall because heat in the building is limited to certain hours by law. One light and one heavy jacket will suffice. November through March is usually cool and damp due to rainy weather, whereas May through August is usually hot and sunny.
Summer Students: May, June, and July are hot and humid months. Evenings can sometimes be cool.
Bring comfortable shoes
You will walk a great deal more than you do in the U.S. Also remember that cobblestone streets in Rome are uneven and very slippery when wet.
Be mindful of dress codes
Remember that more modest dress is required to enter churches. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Formal clothes
There will be a few occasions during the semester when you will want to sport your fancy threads, so bring formal options.
Cell Phones
All Rome Center students are required to have a mobile phone with data access (even when not on WiFi) during their time as a student. students are required to use an app that helps them stay informed of local and international security concerns, and contact help or be contacted in emergency situations. To benefit fully from the features of the app, students need access to a data plan. There are two options to fulfill this obligation:
- Bring a mobile phone from home with an international data plan that allows consistent data access, regardless of location.
- Bring an unlocked mobile phone and buy an Italian SIM card in a local shop.
Class Supplies
All your class supplies can be acquired at local neighborhood stores in Rome. Pens, notebooks, and folders can be purchased at the neighborhood cartoleria.
All textbooks and course materials can be purchased at the Anglo American Bookstore in Rome. Directions and details will be given to students during on-site orientation in Rome.
Computers
There are many computers available for students to use on campus in common spaces and in the Information Commons. Most students bring their own laptop or tablet; however, this is not strictly necessary and is up to students' personal preference. If you bring a laptop/tablet, remember to bring a plug/power adapter for the charger. Voltage in Europe is 220 volts. It is also recommended that students bring their own USB drives for storing files.
The Information Commons, computer lab, Rinaldo’s Café Bar, and all common areas outside of residence halls have wireless access. Please note that there is no wireless internet in the residence hall.
Toiletries and Specialized Products
Toiletries & Cosmetics:
Bring travel-sized items. Larger sizes can easily be purchased upon arrival. Almost every toiletry can be purchased in Rome, but students may want to bring some over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cold medications. Cosmetics and toiletries CANNOT be shipped to Italy; they will be stopped at customs.
Contact Lenses:
Bring an extra set of contacts or glasses, and your prescription. Contact lens solution can be easily found, usually in an ottica (eyeglasses store) and in some pharmacies or supermarkets.
Linens & Towels
The Rome Center will provide sheets, pillowcases, and pillows for your bed. There is a sheet and towel exchange on campus once a week. Students are provided with one regular size towel. Additional towels can be purchased in Rome.
Money
The easiest way to get cash is at an ATM (bancomat in Italian). Notify your bank that you are going abroad so they don’t think your credit or debit card was stolen. You can ask them about local ATMs in Rome to see if there are any that will not charge you service fees.
Also, set up online banking so you can check your balance often and transfer money from accounts online. Plan ahead and get some local currency (at least 200 euros) to use the first few days you arrive.
Students may exchange USD currency at currency exchanges around the city. There is a fee for doing so.