Upon arriving in Rome by air (Leonardo da Vinci airport in Fiumicino), you will be required to pass through immigration and customs, where passports and visas will be checked and most likely stamped. Next you will head to the baggage hall to collect your luggage. You can locate the baggage carousel for your flight by checking overhead monitors. In the event that your bags don't arrive on the same flight as you do, you will need to report this to the baggage information desk inside the baggage hall, giving them an accurate description of your bags, the numbers off your claim ticket, and an address to which you would like them delivered. We recommend that you use the studio address, where your bags can be received even if you are not there. Finally, you will have to go to the customs office in the baggage area to sign a release form so that customs can clear your bags in your absence once they do arrive on a later flight. This is not the easiest process after a long flight, but your luggage should eventually arrive at the address you give. Make sure you get a reference number and phone number from the baggage claim desk before leaving so that you can call if necessary to check on the status of your luggage.

 

Fortunately, luggage almost always arrives on the same flight as the traveler, especially now in the days of higher security. After collecting all your baggage, etc., you then proceed out of the baggage hall and into the arrivals level of the airport. If you have planned to meet someone, this is the best place to do so. If you arrive without a welcoming party, you will need to make your own way from the airport into Rome, which is approximately 15 miles away.  

 

From the airport you have two choices for making the trip into Rome: taxi or train. Taxis are available outside at the arrival (ground) level of the International Terminal at a taxi stand. Cost is typically about €50 ($65) with the tip. Sharing a taxi splits this cost. Please note that the meter amount for such a trip will likely be less than what we are quoting, because there are extra charges for luggage in the trunk. Most taxi drivers like to be paid in local currency, but will sometimes accept dollars from the airport at a horrific rate of exchange. Be prepared and arrive with some Euros to get you through the first day or two (approximately €200+), or plan on visiting the ATM in the airport.

 

Train service is also available for making the trip into town. The airport station is adjacent to the International Terminal at the departure (second) level, open from 6 a.m. to midnight. The ticket cost for a one-way trip into Rome from the airport is about €10 ($13). Please note that you have several trains to choose from, stopping at different stations around Rome. If you choose to take the train, we recommend that you take the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station in the center of Rome, where you would also likely arrive if you are traveling to Rome by train from elsewhere in Europe. Termini is a large, chaotic station with lots of people standing around looking to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Don't accept any rides or taxis that are offered to you verbally as you pass through the station. Walk with your bags directly through the station out to the large open plaza in front of the station (which is also a major bus transfer station); head to the taxi stand on the right-hand side (looking out from the station) and wait for an authorized taxi.

 

Give the driver the address and he should be able to get you there. Don't forget to tip when you get to your destination (€1 per person is acceptable). In any case, be sure to have the phone numbers for your program leader and/or the studio with you when you arrive, in case you have any problems or questions and need assistance.

 

Ask the driver to wait while you pick up your apartment keysâ€"if you are leery about leaving your bags in the taxi, bring them with you into the housing office. Ring the bell, and you will be buzzed in. Store your bags in the alcove and walk up the stairs to the office. Here you will meet Linda Usai or her assistant. Pay the €20 ($26) deposit for the apartment key and the €72 ($95) fee for the mandatory Italian health insurance and the Permit of Stay. Be prepared to show your passport and visa and to give them a photocopy. You will be given a map with the address of your apartment and the ISU studio, both clearly marked. Show this to your taxi driver. Faculty members will meet you at the studio during orientation.