One of the hardest parts of preparing to study abroad is making sure you have everything you need. Packing can be quite the source of stress. Follow this guide for a successful semester in Florence! CLOTHING How much? I survived with a small suitcase...barely. If you’re just going to do one checked bag, do the biggest one possible! Most students bring 2 huge checked suitcases for a full semester. Style Italians dress nicely. People don’t walk around in sports attire, sweats or really even leggings unless it complements a stylish outfit. Men are the same way. They may not wear button downs everywhere but they don’t walk around in basketball shorts. You can spot an American easily through clothing so if you want to blend in, pack less sweats and tees. For women, modesty is the best policy. Pack a couple of light cardigans to bring with you when you are sight-seeing in the warmer months. Shoulders must be covered to enter many churches and cathedrals. Jeans are a go-to, always. But jean shorts are not worn by Italian women. This goes back to the modesty issue. In a city like Florence, where there are many study abroad students and many American tourists, you won’t be called out for it, but I would avoid wearing jean shorts on your travels to smaller Italian cities. Instead, wear a dress or nicer, looser shorts. Heels or no heels? That is the question! I’ve read travel blog after travel blog with conflicting views on this one. I say…bring the heels. Don’t overdo it with every pair you have but bring one nice pair for those week day nights out on the town. Yes, the streets are cobblestone, but if you know how to walk in heels properly, you will be fine. I brought more than one pair and wore them out a lot. Layers are always the answer. Studying abroad you will obviously be traveling to different places. While it doesn't get too cold in Florence, you'll want a heavy winter jacket, gloves and hats for your travels up north. Then of course, tanks and bathing suits for the warmer months when you make your way to Croatia, southern Italy and Greece! Rain Jacket? In Florence, it doesn’t snow in the winter, it rains, a ton. I did have the luxury of seeing a snow day this past winter, but that is a rarity. When I studied abroad however,was a week in February it poured every single day. A rain jacket is essential. Rain boots are hit or miss. They take up a lot of space but will come in handy. It is up to you. Skip the umbrella though- the second there is a drop of rain street merchants will hunt you down to sell you one. Never pay more than 5 euro for one. (Forgot those scarves? No worries! They sell them all over the city. Just make sure you pack your favorites!) ACCESSORIES Scarves Back to trying to blend in: Italians love their scarves! Men and women! Side bags While backpacks are great for longer trips and when you need to carry more, side purses are harder to pick pocket from. ELECTRONICS Adapters! Bring more than one! I went through a full semester with just one and it was a pain having to switch off charging my phone, laptop and camera! That nice camera A given. You’ll want to take a picture of everything you see and do. A GoPro Trips to the beach? Canyoning in Croatia and Tuscany? Bungee jumping, skiing and more in Interlaken? Enough said. A Fitbit I don’t have one but I wish I did. Walking everywhere, you’ll be excited at the steps you hit! (My favorite item in the world: my hydro flask. My most loyal travel companion) OTHER Reusable bottles and bags The most convenient is the water bottle because water isn’t free in a lot of European cities. To avoid getting to a restaurant and adding a couple bucks to your bill, bring a big water bottle with you and refill it at home every time you leave, it will be a money saver over time. A reusable grocery bag is convenient for trips to Conad. They don’t bag your items for you anyways. I brought a lot of reusable items, simply for environmental reasons. Check out my blog post on sustainable traveling HERE. Bug spray There are lots of mosquitoes in Florence, especially in the summer. IDs The Italian drinking age is 18 for hard liquor. Very few places card but, some places do! Flo, a summer club, does from time to time. Student ID I left mine at home when I studied abroad, so I wouldn’t lose it (my school has a $25 fee to replace it), and regretted it. I missed out on the student discount at a movie theater in England. If your program is through a University in Florence they will most likely give you an ID. My program was an internship, so I did not receive one. If you are in a situation similar to mine, bring it. You'll get free access into the Gucci Garden! Cash
The best exchange rate will be at banks but if you already have some euro, bring it. Avoid using your card, unless you have one without international fees. Even if you do, most places prefer cash or have high minimums. Some American dollars! There are places in Florence that actually take dollars. Green Street has a 1 euro= 1 dollar deal. Lions Fountain has the same deal on Monday nights. The exchange rate right now is 1 euro is 1.14 dollars. You will be saving 14 cents with each dollar you bring and spend! Anything you can’t live without For me this was peanut butter. You can find some peanut butter here but it is different and they may not have your favorite brand. I eat this item every day and literally made room in my suitcase for it. I’m out of the norm on this one. Maybe for you it’s not peanut butter, but if there is something you know you can’t live without, leave some space for it. Of course you have your typical check list: tooth brush, toothpaste, razor, passport, etc. But follow this guide for those tricky items you can't decide on. Do you take it or leave it?
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