The climate in Rome is Mediterranean. Summers are hot, September and May are beautiful, and in December and January it can be quite cool (40°F) and damp, like October and November here. On rare occasions it even goes below freezing. While this is not as severe as the weather in Iowa, the reality is that the studio, apartments, museums, churches, even restaurants, are simply not heated (or cooled) as thoroughly in Italy as they are in the Midwest. With perhaps the exception of the summer programs, you need to be prepared for at least two seasons, and thus layering becomes the optimal strategy for personal comfort. Sweaters and a jacket or coat of some kind are ideal in late fall, winter and early spring. (A leather jacket or coat is ideal, and although leather is comparatively expensive in Italy, the quality is superb.) The cool, rainy weather of winter usually begins in late October or November. Fortunately, spring comes early, and late February and March can be quite sunny and beautiful, if still somewhat cool. April is often rainy, and May is warm. Summers, as mentioned before, are hot, and air conditioning is generally nonexistent. One sweater, something for rain, and comfortable summer clothes are recommended.

 

Under all circumstances, comfortable and durable walking shoes or boots are a must. You will be doing a lot of walking from the day you first arrive, which will help you get into great shape, but you need to make sure you have good footwear. Try to break-in new shoes before you go to save your feet unnecessary pain.

 

You should also be aware that generally speaking, Europeans dress less casually than North Americans, although this has been changing over the last several years. Nonetheless, you can be refused admission into churches or museums on occasion for reasons of apparel, but this usually applies only to the lack of it in the summertime. That is to say, shorts or a mini-skirt, a bare midriff and bare shoulders may deny you access into some places, and you can even be ticketed in Rome for going shirtless.

 

On the other hand, while shorts, sweat pants, Nikes, and baseball caps may be comfortable, and big camera bags convenient, they will definitely identify you as a tourist, and make you a much more obvious target for the attention of thieves and scam artists. Big backpacks, although convenient, are also a giveaway. We suggest that you observe what the locals are wearing, and try to blend in a little. It might also make it easier to meet people. In the past one rarely saw young Italians wearing jeans, athletic shoes or T-shirts. This has become more common today, particularly among young people like you, but ISU logos will be a dead giveaway. With respect to jewelry, if you choose to wear it you should be careful, as it is another favorite target of pickpocket artists and thieves.

 

Packing for Survival

 

Clothing

• Business casual attire (dressy slacks and jacket)Skirt (for visits to churches)Jeans
• Lightweight slacks/skirt
• Lightweight shorts (clothes for early fall)
• Sweater
• Sweats
• Regular casual clothing articles that can be layered
• Lightweight thermal underwear for cooler, rainy November/December days
• Ten-day supply of socks and underwear (unless you don't plan to do laundry often)
• Rain jacket or raincoat
• Scarf, hat and gloves for cool weather
• 2 pairs walking shoes/sneakers
• Sleepwear
• Flip-flops for shower at youth hostels

 

Other supplies

• Passport and visa (plus several photocopies of each)
• Laptop
• Art supplies
• 3â€� x 5â€� or 4â€� x 6â€� index cardsâ€"to make flash cards for Italian class. Index cards in Italy are expensive, about €5 (about $6.50) per pack.
• Prescription medicines (in original bottle and, if possible, with copy of the prescription from your doctor)
• Umbrellaâ€"a good one
• Camera
• Film with lead sack
• Batteries for all equipment
• Personal portable audio
• Alarm clock
• Wristwatch
• Swiss army knife
• Washable laundry bag
• 2 electrical wall outlet adapters for Italyâ€"can be purchased in Rome for approximately €2 ($2.60) each
• Money belt or travel pouch belt (large enough to hold passport) to wear
• under clothing
• Collapsible overnight bag for trips (oversized knapsack)
• Small lock with key for knapsack wrist key coil
• English/Italianâ€"Italian/English dictionary (opt for the larger paperback size rather than the tiny pocket size)
• Money exchange converter
• Calculator to convert metric to Imperial systems or vice versa
• Telephone/address bookâ€"with emergency numbers
• Passport-sized photographs (at least six)
• Photos of loved ones
• Pocket compass

Please inform your leaders of any ongoing health problems that necessitate special treatment or prescription medication. Our primary concern is your well-being should you need our assistance during the Rome program.

Extra items for insurance and comfort

• Moist wipes (sometimes you eat on the run)
• Sewing kit
• Sunglasses with a neck cord
• Cap or sun visor
• Extra reading glasses/eyeglass repair kit
• Extra set of contact lenses if you wear them
• Vitamins
• Medicines such as aspirin, cold medication, allergy tablets, stomach, cough drops
• Toiletries such as shampoo, deodorant, lotion, hairbrush, toothbrush, etc.
• Washclothsâ€"washcloths as we know them are not available in Italy

 

Especially good for traveling

• First-aid articles such as Band-Aids (for heavy walking)
• Bug repellent, sunblock
• Travel clothesline, laundry detergent (if you are particular, otherwise buy it there)
• Travel-size toiletries (generally unavailable in Italy)
• Air mattress/sleeping bag, set of single bed sheets, bath towel and washcloth, pillow
• Shower caddie (container for toiletries)
• Plastic zip-lock bagsâ€"for traveling with wet articles
• Foam ear plugsâ€"if you are a light sleeper
• Bounce laundry sheets to insert into clothing for travelingâ€"to it keep fresh

Visit a travel shop for additional ideas for personal articles.