What to Pack for Study Abroad in Italy

Choosing what to pack for your study abroad trip in Italy can be difficult. However, finding the right clothes and items can make all the difference in how confident and comfortable you feel while walking down the old Italian streets. 

Rain or shine, you will always see the streets bustling with people. Many Italians treat the city streets like their own runway, exuding confidence and classiness as they strut by. 

Don’t let the excitement of studying abroad in Italy stop you from packing strategically!

Having trouble imagining what you’ll be bringing to your new home in Italy? Look no further than the list of Italy study abroad packing essentials we have compiled for your trip abroad. You’ll be an expert packer in no time!

What is the climate like in Italy?

Like some people may be used to, Italy has seasons. While it may not get as hot or cold as some places around the globe, there are significant temperature changes throughout the year. The country experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

The northern region has cooler temperatures compared to the southern region and along the coast. On average, the coldest temperatures are found to be in the 30s (Fahrenheit), and the hottest temperatures reach the 80s or 90s.

Throughout the year, Italy does experience rainfall, with more rain in the south and along the coast. Keeping the climate and weather patterns in mind, it’s a good idea to consider when and where you'll be located so you know what to include in your packing list.

13 essentials to bring for studying abroad in Italy

1. Devices

Knowing what to bring for study abroad in Italy will make the experience even better.

When you’re writing down your packing list for studying abroad in Italy, it’s important to keep in mind what supplies you’ll need for class. Ask around or research your specific school; some classes may require you to take notes or submit things online. Or, some professors may ask you to only take notes the old-fashioned way. For class, your laptop may be all you need. Either way, bringing a few pens, pencils, and notebooks won’t hurt.

Insider Tip: When considering how you will use your phone abroad, there are a few ways to go about it. You can get an international data plan with your current provider, but many times that can get pretty pricey. We’re sure everyone’s all about saving money, right?

The best course of action would be going to a local provider, such as Vodafone, and buying an Italian SIM card and a phone plan of your choice. Some of the lower plans can cost around 15 euros/month. Just make sure to save your original SIM card so you can change back to it when you return home. (We answered more questions about affordably using your devices abroad over on FundMyTravel.)

2. Portable charger

A high-capacity power bank is definitely a must to bring with you while walking around, or for days when you know you won’t be near a power source. It’s always good to keep for emergencies, too. Your battery might be running out from all the beautiful pictures of Italy that are now in your camera roll, and you need just enough to use Google Maps to get you home!

3. Adapter

Another important item to add to your Italy study abroad packing list is an adapter, or multiple! You can easily order a travel adapter on Amazon, which some come with the option to plug in several cords, allowing you to charge or connect a few devices at once.

Make sure to research and check reviews. Investing in a good adapter makes all the difference, so you don’t end up frying your phone, laptop, or even hair styling tools. Definitely something you want to avoid!

4. Camera

You’ll want a camera that can do real Italian pizza some justice.

If you’re into photography, or simply just like taking pictures and don’t want to take up all the space on your phone, consider bringing along a camera to pack for your study abroad in Italy. 

Pictures are a great way to revisit all those awesome memories you’ll make, and who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new hobby or talent in photography! Your family and friends will enjoy looking at all the cool pictures you took and the stories you’ll tell to go with them.

5. Notebook or journal

Sometimes words can capture a scene and your emotions better than an image. Consider adding a travel journal when deciding what to pack for your study abroad trip in Italy! Writing about your experiences can help you remember things easily, and it’ll be nice to read and reminisce on your adventures when you’re back home.

Writing about certain places you went to, foods you ate, and people you met will keep your memories alive. Your words may even inspire you to start your own travel blog!

6. Makeup

Looking at some Italians, you’ll see that a lot of women wear minimal makeup, if they wear any. Some brands of makeup you use may not be available, or they may have different ingredients in them that you’re not used to. Packing your own supply of makeup is a good idea, so you’re not struggling to find what you usually use.

7. Toiletries

Something that you may not think of adding to your packing list for study abroad in Italy is toiletries that you are used to from home and a toiletry bag to organize them. Certain shampoo, conditioner, and other hair product brands that you use may not be easy to find in Italy. We also recommend bringing your deodorants, perfumes, and colognes from home.

For women, the options for feminine products are very limited in Italy. We suggest bringing what you are comfortable using—enough to last you for the time you will be abroad.

Ready for your adventure in Italy?

8. Medications

We definitely recommend making a list of any prescriptions you take on the regular, and call your pharmacy or doctors to make sure you have enough throughout your program. While you can walk into a lot of pharmacies in Italy and easily pick up some medicines that you would normally need a prescription for, they may not have what you need as easily accessible.

Over-the-counter medications, such as those for allergies, colds, flu, cough, and pain, are a good idea to keep in your bag so you’re always prepared. Again, a trip to an Italian pharmacy (easily located by their bright green cross signs) can provide you with most generic medications. But if you’re used to a certain brand and it works, bring it with you! Any medication you think you need is definitely vital to your study abroad packing list.

9. Travel-size everything

While you’re abroad, you’ll more than likely be taking mini weekend excursions around Europe to see what beauty and culture other countries have to offer. If you know you’ll be making other travel plans, the things you’ll definitely need to add to your packing list for study abroad in Italy are travel-sized versions of toiletries and anything else you use day-to-day.

These days, you can find leak-proof refillable travel bottles that can easily fit in any suitcase. Something we also recommend bringing is a smaller suitcase or travel backpack to fit your belongings for those quick weekend trips.

10. Passport/other important documents

Yep, this one is kinda important.

When checking off your list of what to pack to study abroad in Italy, one thing you cannot leave without is your passport, of course! Make sure to keep it safe, placed in a durable passport holder, on your person, or tucked away where no one will know.

If it’s in your bag with you (along with other personal items you may carry around), make sure you don’t allow easy access for others to take it off you. A great tip to remember is to bring a crossbody bag and then put your coat over it so no one can easily take it. When traveling to a foreign or unfamiliar place, it’s always a good idea to be extra aware of your surroundings and personal belongings.

When it comes to other important documents, such as your passport & visa or license, we highly recommend making copies. Leave these with your parents, guardians, or friends at home in case of an emergency. Bring an extra copy with you abroad, just in case you need it for any reason.

11. A personal lock

While we hope you never feel unsafe or don’t trust the people around you, we suggest investing in a personal lock that doesn’t have the code easily accessible. Locking any extra cash, your passport, devices, or other important items/documents away while you’re gone for the day (or maybe a whole weekend) will give you some extra security and peace of mind.

12. Comfortable shoes

Comfortable walking shoes are vital for any outfit and avoiding painful blisters (ouch!) while you're out and about after classes. If you’re sitting there trying to decide which shoes are a must to pack in your bags, think of only one word: comfort. The streets in Italy are often old and cobblestoned. Looking at any local’s choice of footwear, you’ll rarely see anything besides a flat (but still stylish) shoe.

When deciding how to pack for your Italian study abroad adventure, we recommend some stylish sneakers, boots, sandals, or other flat shoes. If you’re thinking you cannot leave without bringing a pair of heels, we suggest block or chunky heels. These are thicker and more durable, so they will withstand the streets. Trust us, the state of your feet and shoes will thank you later!

Comfortable shoes are *everything* in Italy.

13. Clothes

Depending on when you study abroad (spring, fall, summer?), our clothing recommendations may vary. However, some styling tips that apply to any time of the year—we can confirm—include:

• Clothes that are less revealing. Jeans with rips, crop shirts, or short shorts/dresses/skirts are advised against. Many Italians dress on the more conservative side. There are plenty of clothes out there that aren’t revealing yet are super flattering for everyone!
• No athletic wear. This means no leggings, running shoes, and other types of workout clothes. You will rarely see, if ever, an Italian walking around in athletic wear. While athleisure is pretty popular in some parts of the world, you would definitely stick out as a tourist wearing it in Italy. So leave the leggings at home, unless you have plans to work out or go to the gym.
• Think about leaving your sweatshirts with logos, college names, etc. behind. While you may love to rep your home state, university, or favorite brands at home, it’s not as popular in Italy. However, you can always bring a few if that’s what you’re comfortable with.
• A cardigan or shawl for summer months when visiting religious sites. Many religious sites around Italy will require that you cover your shoulders upon entering, so it’s a good idea to pack some cute cardigans to keep you covered!
• Neutrals! Consider adding to your Italy study abroad packing list a few neutral-colored pieces of clothing. You’ll blend in with the locals walking around with their hues of blues, blacks, greys, whites, and browns. Although we aren’t against adding some color to your wardrobe.
• Umbrella or jacket with a hood. It will definitely rain while you’re abroad in Italy, no matter what months you’re there. Don’t forget to tuck in an umbrella for those rainy days. Rain or shine, you wouldn’t want the rain to stop you from experiencing the beauty of Italy.

Download our FREE Hi-Res Printable Study Abroad in Italy Packing Lists

Seasonal (and printable) packing lists for study abroad in Italy

Fall semester packing list

During the fall semester, you will get a mix of the end of that nice Mediterranean summer weather and the cooler winter months. How many clothes you bring is your preference, but we recommend following this fall semester printable packing list for studying abroad in Italy as a guide:

• 3 pairs of jeans and/or other pants
• Dresses
• Skirts
• Shorts
• Short-sleeve shirts
• Long-sleeve shirts
• 3 or 4 sweaters
• 3 or 4 jackets (a mix of light and heavy jackets)
• Swimsuits
• Socks
• Undergarments
• Beach cover-up or shawl
• Pajamas
• Summer sandals
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• Few pairs of gloves
• A few scarves
• A few hats
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cross-body bag
• Backpack (for class) 

Spring semester packing list

During the spring semester, you will experience more of the colder winter months and a few weeks of nice spring weather. How many clothes you bring is your preference, but we recommend following this spring semester printable packing list for studying abroad in Italy as a guide:

• Jeans
• Pants
• Sweaters
• Long sleeve-shirts
• Mix of heavy winter coats and lighter jackets
• 4 short-sleeve shirts
• 4 dresses
• Skirts
• 3 pairs of shorts
• Boots
• Fashionable sneakers
• 1 pair of sandals
• 2 swimsuits
• Beach cover-up or shawl
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Pajamas
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Hats
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cross-body bag
• Backpack (for class)

Summer semester packing list 

During the summer term, you will get to experience that hot, dry Mediterranean climate. How many clothes you bring is your preference, but we recommend following this summer semester printable packing list for studying abroad in Italy as a guide:

• Dresses
• Skirts
• Shorts
• Short-sleeve shirts
• 3 long-sleeve shirts
• 2 pairs of jeans or pants
• 3 lighter jackets, cardigans, or shawls
• Sandals
• Comfortable, stylish sneakers
• Swimsuits
• Beach cover-up or shawl
• Socks
• Undergarments
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cross-body bag
• Backpack (for class)

Check off everything on your packing list for study abroad in Italy!

Now that you’re an expert on what to add to your packing list for studying abroad in Italy, you can go pack your bags! Following our suggestions, you will be prepared to travel to Bel Paese—the Beautiful Country—in any weather and at any time of the year.

One more thing: do leave some extra room in your bags for some shopping while abroad. Most importantly, don’t forget to take time to relax and take some pictures (both physical and mental) of your new home.

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