by Mateo Medina Abad

 

Arrival Essentials: Your First Days Made Easy

You might still be packing, or maybe you’ve already arrived in Italy – either way, it’s never too late to perfect your packing list with Università Cattolica’s student essentials guide. Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to wonder where to start. Between planning for the weather, local fashion, and those can’t-live-without sentimental items, your suitcase can fill up fast.

 

Here’s what you must prioritise:

Documents, documents, documents. If you’re coming from a non-EU country, your passport is just the beginning. Bring originals, photocopies, and digital backups of all important paperwork (think visa documents, permit of stay requirements, and academic records). It’s always safer to have too many copies than risk being caught without one.

Adapters and voltage converters. Italy uses European plugs (Type C, F, and L). Your chargers, hair dryers, or laptops may not work without an adapter – and some beauty tools might even need a voltage converter.

Clothes: less is more. Don’t overpack! Italian fashion is effortless and chic, and you’ll find yourself tempted to shop for new clothes once you arrive. Leave extra space in your luggage for your future Italian wardrobe.

Bring a piece of home. Pack small sentimental items – your favourite book, a photo, or a keychain – to bring comfort on tough days.

 

Colder Months: Surviving Your First Italian Winter

If you’re coming from a tropical climate, be prepared for cooler temperatures during the winter months, which can feel quite different from what you’re used to.

• Pack thermal layers: They’re lightweight, invisible under clothes, and perfect for layering (a new favourite word in your vocabulary).
• Buy bulky items locally: Coats, scarves, and boots take up valuable luggage space. You’ll find climate-suited options once you’re in Italy.
• Pro tip: Invest in hand warmer pouches – lifesavers for students from year-round warm countries.

 

Warmer Months: Embracing the Italian Summer

After enjoying the winter months, summer in Italy is a different experience: hot, bright, and unforgettable.

Skip black outfits – switch to whites, creams, and pastels.

Choose breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen will be your best friends for staying stylish without overheating.

Pack summer survival tools: A reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, mosquito repellent, and – trust us – the comfiest shoes you own.

 

Weekend Getaways: Pack Like a Pro

Italy makes spontaneous trips tempting from alpine towns to coastal escapes. But packing wrong can ruin the fun.

Travel light. The smaller the bag, the easier the journey (think trains, buses, budget flights).
Stick to must-haves: water bottle, sunscreen, portable charger – and double the underwear you think you’ll need.

Plan ahead. Always check the weather and terrain before you leave. And if you forget something? Don’t panic – Italy has shops everywhere.

 

Essentials You’ll Use All Year Round

Some items deserve a permanent spot in your bag:

• Portable charger: You’ll take more photos and videos than you expect.
• Umbrella: Italian weather is beautiful but unpredictable.
• Your lucky charm: Whatever connects you to home – a reminder of who you are as you start this new chapter.

 

What to Take Back Home: Souvenirs & Stories

When it’s time to leave, you won’t just be packing clothes – you’ll be packing your memories.

• Classic gifts: A moka pot, Italian coffee, local liqueurs, or olive oil for family and friends.
• Unexpected treasures: A café flyer, a metro ticket, even that library card you never returned.
• New habits: Saying boh without thinking. Craving aperitivo at 6:00pm Standing at the bar for a quick espresso.

These things will follow you home, long after your suitcase is unpacked. But in the meantime, welcome to Università Cattolica. Welcome to your new life in Italy.