What are some important things I should bring to/know about Italy for a semester abroad?

Question

Besides the obvious passport.

i.e. type of clothing that would fit in with the locals, little tidbits/hints about the communities

anything will be a major help!

Answer 1

Tampons! You'd be surprised at the little stuff they dont have

Answer 2

Where are you going to stay?If in Rome or Milan , I really think you won't have any problem about. Maybe about your own medicines, but there are international medicine shops.

Italy has got a mild climate, it's good you bring an overcoat for winter time, sometimes it snows, shorts and t-shirts for summer(hot and windy).

I suggest you to buy an italian dictionary...you know,just young italians speak english.Sounds strange but it's the truth.

have a good journey here!

Answer 3

Well I think the most important thing is to learn Italian the basics just to ask for a capputino, next bus stop, dayt by day conversation, helps a lot.

Buy your bus tickets,  you never know when the “Controlore” kind of Bus agent will come by to ask for the tickets.

Italian women use a lot of make-up and dress very elegant.

Don’t put shorts to go to Vatican, they don’t allow to get in.

If you want to learn Italian in Rome the best and cheeper is “Societa Dante Alighieri” Piazza Firenze, 27 - 00186 Roma 0039 06 6873722

Buona Fortuna

Margarita

Answer 4

One thing that I noticed was that Rome is full of tourists.  Just make sure that you have good walking shoes.  Jeans are common, but make sure that you have a few pairs of good slacks.  Going out to dinner requires that you have this.  Make sure you find a supermarket, they are a lot cheaper than the little bar/tabacchi that you find all around the city.  The locals tend to be quite nice if you at least try to speak Italian.  Although, shop owners and workers feel that they are doing you a favor by serving you.  The customer is always right is not a credence they live by.  Also, I think tourists are the only people who pay for public transportation.  We stopped paying after the first day.

Answer 5

I was just in rome, spiletto, and naples... clothing isnt my strong point here but smart casual seems to fly... your gonna love it it is a beautiful place and the people are nice... many speak some english but you probly should know italian... as for the cities... it depends on which one your at... rome is bustling and always filled with people and pretty much everyone stays out late... if in rome, the spanish steps are a local hangout place... the food is good everywhere and its HOT in the summer and pretty cold in the winter...