Be conservative in the amount of clothing, supplies and other items you choose to bring to Rome, but remember that if there is anything that you must have while there, bring it with you. Bring only as much luggage as you can carry by yourself. Choose luggage, purses and camera bags that are sturdy and have locks or firm closures. Pickpockets are common. Bags with long straps which can cross over your body are recommended.
Books + Supplies
You are responsible for purchasing the books and texts on the “Required Books” list as well as the items on the “Required Supplies” list prior to your first day of class. “Ditta Poggi” is a well-stocked art supply store with two locations in the city center.
Required Books
Please refer to the course information sheet provided by the Director.
Recommended Readings To Prepare For Rome
- Boardman, Jonathan. Rome: a Cultural and Literary Companion. New York: Interlink, 2001.
- Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von, Thomas P. Saine, and Jeffrey L. Sammons. Italian Journey. New York, NY: Suhrkamp New York, 1989.
- Hibbert, Christopher. Rome: The Biography of a City. New York: W.W. Norton, 1985
- Hughes, Robert. Rome A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.
- Hawthorne, Nathaniel, and Susan Manning. The Marble Faun. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2002.
- Tung, Anthony M. Preserving the World's Great Cities: The Destruction and Renewal of the Historic Metropolis. New York: Clarkson Potter, 2001.
- Varriano, John L. A Literary Companion to Rome. New York: St. Martinʼs Griffin, 1995.
- Velani, Livia and Giovanni Grego. Rome: Where to find Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini, Borromini. Florence: Scala, 2001.
Access To Box Storage For The Rome Program
Course resources and project files will be uploaded to the new BOX storage system. The site address is: Box.miami.edu. You may use your CANE ID credentials for access.
Required Supplies
- A foldable laminated map of Rome that is inclusive of northern Roman
- Laptop
- Sketchbooks/notebook (not smaller than 5 x 7), minimum of 3 sketchbooks will be needed.
- Drawing pencils/erasers
- Compass/Divider
- Watercolor paints and brushes
- Tracing paper- one roll per student
- Tape measure
- Drafting Tape
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear- foldable rain jacket/rain shoes/umbrella
- Writable Media (Flash Drives/DVDs)
- Cell Phone
Check your individual course syllabus for additional items. Art supplies are available in Rome, but often brands and sizes vary from those found in the U.S. Paints and some papers tend to be more expensive (mylar, for example), while some items may simply not be available (such as “trace”).
Clothing
The weather in Rome during your stay will vary -- cold in winter; cool in late winter, early spring and late autumn; and warm to hot in late spring, summer and early autumn. You should plan on bringing clothing which you can layer for warmth while it is still cold, but which willalso work well as the temperature rises. Remember that Romans tend to dress more formally than most Americans do. At times standard attire of shorts, t-shirts and sandals will not be appropriate (when visiting churches, for example). Keep this in mind as you pack and remember to bring adequate warm weather clothing which shows respect for the customs of the host country.
Medication, Cosmetics, Etc.
Some cosmetics, shampoos and other over-the-counter drug items available in the U.S. are also available in Rome. When not availa- ble, for many there will be comparable Italian items (many American-type deodorants and hand lotions, however, are simply not available). For prescription items such as glasses, contact lenses and medications, bring copies of your prescriptions in case of dam- age or loss, and provideboth the brand and generic names of drugs. Don’t plan on being able to easily find a prescription drug which you need regularly. Bring a full supply and have the prescription as a back-up only. Bring all prescription drugs in labeled containers.
Recommended Personal Items To Bring
(Washable clothing) Jeans/corduroys, shirts/turtlenecks (to layer), sweaters (cotton/wool, to layer), coat or jacket (for warmth), light- weight raincoat or umbrella, two pairs of shoes (comfortable for lots of walking), underwear, something to sleep in, bathrobe or cover-up/sweats, slippers, one dressy outfit, shorts/bathing suit.
Some hairdryers, travel irons, etc. may function adequately in Italy, as they are already equipped with a dual voltage converter (Amer- ican electric current is 110, while Italian is 220). In any case, you will need a plug adapter which we suggest you purchase before de- parture. The Rome Center is equipped with US electrical outlets which you will be able to plug right into, however, you may need more than one depending on the electronic gadgets you will use, therefore, bring extra adapters.
Valuables
We recommend that you do not carry around large sums of money or traveler’s checks, passports, or airline tickets. Make photocop- ies of passports to keep in your wallet; keep tickets and travelers checks in a safe place and in the hotel’s safe if you are travelling.
Remember to keep your register of traveler’s checks in a separate place.
WELL-BEING + LIFE IN ROME
Money
The amount of spending money required for a semester stay in Rome will vary from person to person depending upon extra travel plans, eating preferences, and other personal expenses.
For meals, an average planning figure of $27.00 a day can be used--which does not include any restaurant meals. (Most students occasionallyeat in restaurants where an inexpensive meal costs between 8-10 euros). Provide a backup, in case your eating habits change as you become accustomed to a new eating pattern and diet.
We recommend that you purchase at least $200.00-$400.00 worth of euros (cash) before you leave the U.S. to have on hand when you arrive in Rome for incidentals, to sustain you through an evening or weekend following your arrival. Contact your bank about ordering euros in advance (most do not keep a large supply on hand) and ask for a range of denominations including a number of small bills. You may also useyour USA debit card to withdraw money from ATM machines in Rome, however, please check with your bank on the international fees that you will incur.
In Rome currency exchange can be executed at a bank or exchange office. This is often time-consuming and banks have limited hours, so plan ahead! Exchange rates will vary slightly and there might be a small service charge. Since the value of the dollar fluctuates, you may want to exchange your money at various intervals throughout the semester.
FAQ: How do I take money to Rome, should I take, cash in euros?
It is recommended to have money in different formats, some cash in Euros for arrival (perhaps 200 euros) credit cards, and debit cards. There are many ATM machines in Rome where you can use your USA ATM card and the money comes out of the machine in Euros. Please check with your local bank to let them know you will be withdrawing money from abroad. Recently debit and credit cards with contactless methods are accepted in Rome.
Please inform your bank linked to your debit and credit cards that you will be abroad for the semester. Be aware there are maximum daily withdrawal limits from the ATM machines abroad.
FAQ: Where can I buy Euros in Miami?
You can order Euros from your bank or purchase them from currency exchange offices. Banks require advance notice for foreign currency orders.
Food
Rome’s numerous open-air markets such as the one at Campo dei Fiori sell fresh fruit and vegetables as well as some cheeses and meats.Markets are generally open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to about 1:30 p.m. Food stores or “alimentari” are a good source of dry goods, canned foods, cheeses, meats, drinks, and various specialty foods. Note that alimentari don’t usually sell fresh bread (sold in a “forno”or bakery) or fresh milk (sold in a “latteria” or daily products shop, often combined with a bar). Supermarkets such as Carrefour, Coop and PAM are well stocked and have several locations throughout the center of Rome.
For breakfast and lunch, the easiest and most economical meals can be had by either purchasing food for picnicking or at one of the many bars where we can purchase “cornetti” (croissants) and other pastries, pizza and “panini” or “tramezzini” (sandwiches). For more information regarding where to purchase food, shop and restaurant hours and addresses, please see Rome Orientation Information.
Please note that in Italian bars the customer is expected to pay the cashier before ordering and is expected to eat standing up. If you prefer to sit down, a waiter will come to take your order and you will pay when your order arrives. Food served at a table usually costs twice as much as that consumed at the bar counter.
For dinner one option is the numerous low-cost restaurants or “trattorie” to be found in Rome. Check menus for prices before taking a table. A typical full Italian dinner consists of an “antipasto”, a “primo” (first course of pasta or soup), a “secondo” (fish, chicken or meat), followed by a “contorno” (vegetable or salad) and a dessert of pastry, ice cream or fruit and cheese. (You are not obliged to eat the entire meal which can be quite an undertaking). Other possibilities for both lunch and dinner include “pizza rustica” where one can purchase all kinds of pizza by the slice (cost based on weight -per 100 grams) or roast chicken as well as a “tavola calda” where various cold and hot dishes are served cafeteria style. Tipping is not required in Italy, but if you had a very enjoyable experi- ence, you are more than welcome to tip.
Healthcare
Your university student health plan may not provide coverage for routine doctor’s visits. For routine medical visits you may contract with insurance companies that are tailored for students studying abroad,
or you may check your family’s medical benefits under their policies. Check your benefits under the Student Health plan before you depart. Additionally, The University of Miami has negotiated a plan with CISI insurance. For more information, visit this link:
https://studyabroad.miami.edu/_assets/pdf/cisi-umiami-brochure-coverage.pdf
Mail
Italian mail tends to be slow and erratic. The Vatican Post, however, is much more reliable and costs the same. (Mail can be sent but not received through the Vatican Post). Your friends and family may write to you in care of the University of Miami Rome Center, Via del Falco #1/1A, Rome, Italy 00193. All letters should be marked AIR MAIL or they will take much longer to reach you. Letters from the U.S. usuallyarrive in Rome in 10 to 20 days. Outgoing mail to the U.S. via Vatican Post takes considerably less time - arriving in the
U.S. in 5 to 10 days (while via Italian Post it arrives in 2 to 3 weeks!). Again, mark all your letters mailed from Italy VIA AEREA.
Police + Drug Laws
Be prepared for the presence of military and civil police in Italy. The increased activity of terrorist groups throughout Europe in re- cent yearshas resulted in an intensification of security measures, which can make life difficult for the traveler. Heavily armed police
will be found on guard at train stations, post offices, embassies, consulates, banks, and various government institutions. Leave them alone. Be aware that taking photographs of government buildings (including post offices) can result in your arrest.
Do not, under any circumstance, bring illegal drugs with you. Italian drug laws are very stringent. If you are arrested for importing, buying, orpossessing, selling, or using illegal drugs in Italy, there is nothing the University of Miami or the American Embassy can do for you. Do not risk implicating your fellow students or risking a stay in an Italian jail.
Telecommunications
We recommend students purchase a cellular phone, or an Italian SIM card upon arrival. You may also check with your local cell phone provider international service abroad. Cell phones and wireless cards can be purchased at any Vodafone, Centro TIM or WIND retail outlets. WhatsApp will be used almost daily as a form of communications between faculty and students.
TRAVEL + TRANSPORTATION
Transportation
Walking is by far the best way to see the city but remember that although Rome is gradually banning vehicles in certain areas, pedes- trians must always be alert when crossing streets and “piazza.”
Bus travel is fairly inexpensive. Students may purchase individual bus tickets or a monthly bus pass for unlimited rides, both of which are available at “tabacchi”, many newsstands, and bus “kiosks”.
Train travel is limited, but is also available. Depending on the destination, this may be the cheaper option compared to a cab, or the fasteroption compared to the bus. You may purchase a train ticket at the stations (The closest station to the studio is “Ottaviano”). Cabs tend to be less expensive than in most parts of the U.S.
Uber is also available, but they are considered “luxury car services” so the prices may be higher than cabs. Bicycles and scooters are available for rental by hour, day or week.
Visa and Travel Documents
You must have a valid passport for travel in Italy. If you do not have a passport, or if you have one which needs renewal, do so as soon as possible (processing time 24hours- 2 weeks). To apply for a new US passport or renew your US passport, apply on-line at www.uspassportnow.com. If you are applying for a new passport, you must have the original copy of your birth certificate (with raised embossed seal), a secondary identification (driver’s license), two 2”x 2” identical “passport” pictures, the application, and a check or moneyorder as indicated by “The US Department of State”. For renewal you would need to send the old passport, two 2”x 2” identical pictures, the application and the payment made out to The US Department of State.”
More specific instructions for the visa process will be provided in a separate document and in a separate meeting.
While living in Rome we advise you to not to carry your passport to avoid loss or theft. Make a photocopy to keep with you at all times (aswell as the name and address of your school & lodging) and leave the passport itself in a safe place. You will, however, need your passport to exchange money and to carry with you on overnight field trips, as it is required for hotel check-ins. Additionally, landlords require you to submit a photocopy of your passport upon arrival. It is recommended that you make several copies of your passport prior to arrival.
Deportment
As a final note, remember at all times that you are a visitor in someone else’s country and a representative of the University of Miami. Italian traditions and customs are different than those in the United States. We urge all of you to remember that we are guests in a host country. In churches, cloisters, and other sacred places, we are allowed to enter as a privilege, not as a right, and should show respect. Within this context we should all have a wonderful time in Rome.
There will be zero tolerance of misbehavior that jeopardizes the curriculum and/or the safety of all members of the program. Any indicationof public drunkenness, illegal drug use, vandalism of school or housing premises or any other demonstration of disrespect to the academic and civic community in Rome, will result in immediate expulsion from the program with all of the associated aca- demic and financial consequences.
