Top 3 Essentials to Bring to Italy for Your Semester Abroad
Before you zip up your suitcase and head to Perugia, you might be wondering: How do I fit four months of life into one bag? Here are three essentials every student should bring — trust us, your future self will thank you.
1. Comfortable, Close-Toed Walking Shoes
Perugia = hills + cobblestones + walking everywhere. Forget the flip-flops and leave the heels at home — they don’t mix well with ancient streets. Instead, pack:
- One solid pair of sneakers or walking shoes
- A second pair for rainy days (think: waterproof boots)
Bonus: If you’re coming in fall, warm socks go a long way!
2. Layered Clothing for Unpredictable Weather
Perugia might look sunny on Google, but don’t be fooled — fall evenings can get chilly fast. Plan to dress in layers:
- A warm, insulated coat for late October and November
- Light jacket or fleece for early semester evenings
- Scarf, gloves, and hat for windy days
Umbrian weather is moody, but layering is your superpower.
3. A Carry-On Packed With Essentials
In case of travel delays or lost luggage, your carry-on is your lifeline. Make sure it includes:
- Passport, vaccination card, flight details, and photocopies of each
- Prescription meds (with a doctor’s note), extra glasses/contacts
- Laptop and chargers
- Toiletries (travel-size only!)
- A set of clothes to change (The school can always support you with an emergency kit, but better safe than sorry)
- A good book, journal, or downloaded playlist for long flights
Pro tip: Include a photocopy of your passport in both your checked and carry-on luggage, and write the Umbra Institute address on the back:
📍 Umbra Institute
Piazza IV Novembre, 23
C/o The Umbra Institute
Perugia, PG 06123 – Italy
+39 075 775 0101 / 0102
See you very soon in Perugia!