Deciding what to pack and prepare for studying abroad can be daunting. Follow SRISA’s handy pre-departure checklist for all the essentials you’ll need for your time abroad.
- Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, and workout clothes if you plan on going to a gym or jogging. Count on doing a lot of walking.
- Pack sustainably: bring products that reduce packaging and waste.
- Bring electronic devices necessary for your classes. Check your syllabi to see what the professors require. And remember portablenchargers and adapters.
- Pack light and pack smart. Can you walk down the street and up at least two flights of stairs with your luggage? If not, you may want to consider lightening your load.
- Bring a backpack or bag that can fit under an airline seat for weekend travel. Cheaper airlines require minimal items you can carry on without paying baggage fees.
- Carry little to no valuables and designate a place to conceal them. Your passport, cash, and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you carry them, put them in several places rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Use inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest.
- If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. Medicines may not be sent into Italy, so bring enough for your travels.
- To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, you may wish to carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need for taking the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.
- Install WhatsApp on your phone, tablet, and laptop. Calling online with WhatsApp is free and one of the best ways to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Plus, we use this to keep you updated on important news and information.
- Consider bringing a voltage converter if necessary. You can purchase one while in Italy if you want to save space.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, important documents, and the school’s contact information with family or friends in case they need to contact you in the event of an emergency.
Helpful tips for traveling
And, for the final roundup of how to prepare, pack, and carry important documents and information, follow our recommendations below.
Copies, Copies, Copies!
- Make at least 3 copies of your passport. Give one to your parents/guardian/spouse and keep 2 copies on you while abroad. Keep copies secure and separate.
- Make at least 2 copies of the front and back of credit and debit cards and your travel itinerary. Give one copy to your parents/guardian/spouse and keep one copy with you while abroad.
- If you haven’t already done so, e-mail a copy of your itinerary to housing@santareparata.org.
Money, Money, Money!
- Make sure your credit and debit cards are accepted in Italy. If your card has a Visa or Plus logo, you’re fine. But always check with your financial institution!
- Get your credit card and debit card overseas numbers in case of an emergency.
- Contact your company before leaving to let them know you will be overseas, or you may risk having a hold placed on your account.
Identify Yourself
- Carry your passport and photo I.D. in a secure place and easily accessible by you. You will have to present them at various points in your trip.
- I.D.s must have a photo, proof of age, and maybe even student status (this is not necessary, but a good idea for obtaining discounts).
- Carry a written prescription for each medication from your doctor and keep it in the original container. If possible, get enough of your prescription for the duration of your stay before you depart.
- Carry proof of insurance with you. Again, make sure to carry it in a secure place.
It’s in the Bag!
- Keep your purse, backpack, or bag with you at all times. Never leave your belongings unattended! Tuck bags firmly under your arm or wear them across your chest. Wear backpacks in crowded places on the front.
- Carry SRISA’s address and phone number with you wherever you go. Remember to leave this contact information with your parents/spouse/guardian. Please refer to the Pre-Departure Handbook for Emergency Contact Information.
- You might consider purchasing a guidebook about Florence and Italy at your local bookstore and research your destination to learn about the culture, travel, and more for a better experience.
During orientation, we will give out an extensive Student Handbook outlining places to shop, eat, and buy groceries, plus more great information that will be handy for your time in Florence.