We now have just over four weeks until the start of the 2016 Rome Art Program!!
What to pack is one of the biggest challenges – especially when you are away for a few weeks. Before you try to squeeze your entire life into suitcase it is worth bearing (in no particular order) a few of the following things in mind.
The Weather
Rome’s weather is on the whole, pretty warm throughout the whole of June and July; Temperatures can reach as high as 88 degrees fahrenheit (around 30 Celsius). That said, sporadic rain storms are not unheard of so make sure you bring a light rain coat long with your sunhat!
It is also worth noting that most places don’t have air-conditioning.
Laundry
Our housing has washing machines (no dryers) and provides all the bed linen and towels needed for the duration of your stay, so you don’t need to bring these with you. If you are planning weekend trips to the sea then it may be worth bringing your own beach towel – after all Ostia is only a 30 minute train ride away.
Everyday Essentials
Roman pharmacies and supermarkets stock a wide variety of over-the-counter medicines, personal care products and health care essentials (such as plasters and paracetamol). Prices are reasonable and in most cases comparable to those in the UK and US.
Please note: Prescribed medication should be brought with you along with an additional Prescription form – just in case you need to use it.
Media and IT Equipment
Each of our apartments has a PC available for general use, however it is worth bringing your own laptop so you can be online whenever you want. Some students listen to music whilst they are working on location so an iPod (or similar) is a perfect addition to your luggage and cameras are a great way to record your stay, so definitely worth including too!
Make sure you bring your chargers and a couple of european plug adaptors too!
Art Materials
Finally art materials – this is an painting and drawing program after all. Most art materials can be readily purchased in one of the many art stores in Rome so don’t feel you have to take your entire kit. Paints and paper can be quite weighty and so it may be worth picking up as much as you can when you get here to save unnecessary overweight baggage fees. Bring your brushes though – there is nothing like using your own tools!
Hopefully this will help lessen the amount of unnecessary packing. If you have nay questions do get in touch and we will be happy to help you.
Main Image: Twentymindsomething via Flickr