So, you’re going to Italy for your Erasmus exchange? Awesome! Get ready for unforgettable moments, amazing food, new friends, and a whole lot of personal growth.

Before you take off, you need to figure out what to bring. This guide will help you pack smart for your student apartment, no matter if you're off to Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, or any other cool Italian spot. We'll break down what's essential and what you can leave at home.

1. Papers, Please! (Essential Documents)

First up: documents. Keep them organized and easy to get to. Italy can be a bit bureaucratic, so having copies of everything is a lifesaver.

Make sure you have:

  • Your passport or national ID card.
  • Your Erasmus acceptance letter or proof you're enrolled in the university.
  • Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or private health insurance info.
  • Your rental contract (if you booked through Spotahome, you can get your acceptance letter online).
  • Proof of your funds: bank statements or scholarship details.
  • A few printed copies of everything. Italians still use paper a lot!

Pro Tip:

Keep the originals safe and make digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage. That way, if you lose the originals, you'll always have backups.

2. Tech and Gadgets

Italy uses Type C, F, and L plugs, and the voltage is 230V.

If you're coming from outside Europe, or from the UK, grab at least two plug adapters. You’ll need one for your laptop and one for your phone charger.

Other handy tech items:

  • A power bank for day trips or long days at the library.
  • An extension cord (Italian outlets can be in weird spots).
  • A light laptop or tablet for schoolwork.
  • Headphones, a must for the subway or train.

3. Kitchen Basics and Everyday Stuff

If you're renting a furnished apartment through a site like Spotahome, it probably has basic kitchen stuff. But if it's not fully equipped, you might need a few things.

Here's a list of kitchen basics :

  • A reusable water bottle or a water filter (you can drink tap water in most cities).
  • Cutlery, plates, and cups.
  • A small pot, frying pan, and spatula.
  • A reusable shopping bag (supermarkets charge for plastic ones).
  • A moka pot—when in Italy, coffee is serious business! (Don't wash it with soap, just water).

A Tip for Furnished Apartments:

Check the photos and description of your listing carefully. Spotahome and similar sites usually show exactly what’s included, so you don’t waste space on things that are already there.

4. Bedroom & Bathroom Basics

Italian apartments are all different. In Rome, you might find apartments in old buildings with high ceilings. Milan might have modern student housing with vintage elevators.

Regardless of where you're going, pack these:

  • Bedsheets and pillowcases. Some apartments don’t have them, but you can always ask your landlord if they’re included.
  • A light blanket or duvet. It can get cold indoors in the winter.
  • Towels (quick-dry ones are great if you’re sharing a laundry room).
  • A laundry bag and detergent.
  • Toiletries for your first week. You can buy your favorites in local stores later.

5. What to Wear in Italy: Clothing Tips

Pack clothes for all types of weather. Italy can be surprisingly cold in winter and very hot in summer, especially in places like Rome or Bologna.

Bring:

  • A warm coat (yes, even if you’re going to the sunny south).
  • Comfy shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Nice casual outfits for school events or going out for aperitivo.
  • A swimsuit. You’ll want one when summer comes, or if you want to check out the thermal baths in winter.

Local Tip: Italians tend to dress well, even for class or a trip to the supermarket. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should look put-together.

6. Leave These Things at Home

Save space by leaving these behind:

  • Too many kitchen appliances. If you need something, buy it secondhand or share the cost with your roommates.
  • Tons of bedding. You can find cheap options at local stores.
  • A hairdryer. Most apartments should have one.
  • Books or notebooks. Wait to see what your professors want you to have.

7. Finding the Perfect Apartment

Your Erasmus year is about learning and seeing Italy. With Spotahome, you can find apartments from landlords across Italy, with property photos, video tours, and clear rental agreements..

Whether you’re looking for a room in a shared apartment or a modern studio in Milan or Rome, you can book it all online, safely and easily.

Final Thoughts

Packing for Erasmus doesn’t have to be a pain. With a good packing list and some planning, you'll get to Italy ready for anything: papers in order, that first cappuccino in hand (but not after lunch!), and your new home waiting for you.

Benvenuto in Italia! 🇮🇹

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! 🇮🇹