If you’re getting ready for your Erasmus experience in Italy, congratulations! You’re about to start one of the most exciting chapters of your life, full of new friends, food, adventures and personal growth.

But before you hop on that plane, there’s one big question to tackle: what should you pack?

Whether you’re heading to Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin or any other Italian city, this guide will help you to prioritize and to know exactly what to bring (and what to leave behind) for your student apartment.

🗂️ 1. Essential Documents

First things first: make sure your important documents are in order and easy to access. Italy is known for a bit of bureaucracy, so having copies will save you time and stress.

Don’t forget:

  • Passport or national ID card
  • Erasmus acceptance letter or university enrollment proof
  • European Health Insurance Card or private health insurance
  • Rental contract (Spotahome provides the acceptance letter online!)
  • Proof of financial means: bank statements or scholarship documents
  • A few printed copies of everything just in case; yes, Italians still love paper 😉

💡 Tip: Don't send original documents, keep them for yourself; and keep digital copies on your phone or cloud storage in case you lose the originals.

🔌 2. Tech & Adapters

Italy uses Type C, F and L plugs, with a 230V voltage.

If you’re coming from outside Europe, or even from the UK, bring at least two plug adapters, one for your laptop and another for your phone charger.

Other useful tech gear:

  • Power bank for day trips or long study days
  • Extension cord (Italian outlets can be tricky)
  • Lightweight laptop or tablet for university work
  • Headphones: essential for travelling in subway or metro

🍴 3. Kitchen & Daily Essentials

If you’re renting a furnished apartment through Spotahome, your flat will likely come with basic kitchen items. But if it’s semi-furnished or unfurnished, you might need to buy or bring a few basics.

Essentials for any Erasmus kitchen:

  • Reusable water bottle and/or filter: tap water is drinkable in most cities
  • Cutlery and a few plates/cups
  • Small pot, frying pan, and spatula
  • Reusable shopping bag: supermarkets charge for plastic ones
  • A moka pot: when in Italy, coffee is serious business ☕ (important: don't wash it with soap, just water)

💡 Tip for furnished apartments: Check your listing’s photos and description carefully on Spotahome. Each property shows what’s already included, so you don’t pack things you’ll find waiting for you.

🧺 4. Bedroom & Bathroom Basics

Italian apartments vary a lot depending on the city and building. In Rome, you might find high ceilinged historical flats, while Milan could offer more modern student residences, all with vintage style elevators.

What to pack regardless:

  • Bedsheets and pillowcases, some flats don’t include them, but you could ask to your landlord if bed linen is included.
  • A light blanket or duvet: winters can get chilly indoors
  • Towels (quick-dry ones are great if you share a laundry area)
  • Laundry bag and detergent
  • Toiletries for the first week, you’ll find your favorites later in local stores

👕 5. Clothing Tips for Italy

Pack for different seasons: Italy can be surprisingly cold in winter and quite hot in summer, especially in cities like Rome or Bologna.

Bring:

  • A warm jacket (yes, even for the “sunny” south)
  • Comfortable shoes: time to earn those 10,000 steps a day!
  • Smart casual outfits for university events or aperitivos
  • Swimsuit: you’ll thank yourself when summer arrives, or to visit le terme during winter.

💡 Local tip: Italians dress stylishly even for class or going to the supermarket. It doesn’t mean fancy, but well-put-together.

📦 6. What Not to Bring

Save luggage space by skipping:

  • Too many kitchen appliances: buy second-hand locally if needed, or share the cost with your roomates.
  • Bedding for all seasons: you can find cheap options at local shops
  • Hairdryer: most flats already have one
  • Books or notebooks: wait to see what your university requires

🏡 7. Bonus: Choosing the Right Apartment

Your Erasmus year is about more than just studying, it’s about living the Italian experience. With Spotahome, you can find student apartments from verified landlords across Italy, with photos, video tours, and transparent rental conditions.

Whether you’re looking for a room in a shared flat or a modern studio in Milan, Rome or other italian city you can book 100% online, safely and easily.

👉 Start your search here: Spotahome: Find your student home in Italy

✨ Final Thoughts

Packing for Erasmus doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear list and a bit of planning, you’ll arrive in Italy ready to start your adventure: cappuccino in hand (not after lunch), papers in order, and your new home waiting for you.

Benvenuto in Italia! 🇮🇹