Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions by our students prior to their study abroad semester in Rome. It is our hope that our answers to your questions will better prepare you for your Roman journey. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email Thanos Zyngas tjzyngas@stthomas.edu (Last updated 08/08/05)
What type of clothing shall I bring?
Do I have to bring my own bedding and towels?
What kind of toiletries shall I bring?
What if I have a prescription medication?
What is life at Bernardi like?
Is there access to Internet in my room?
Is there an iron and ironing board in the laundry room?
What is the deal with the building hours?
Can I use my electrical appliances from the United States?
What kind of bags do students use for traveling?
How much money students generally spend on travel and/or extra expenses?
Do you recommend buying a travel guide?
What's the cheapest way to call home?
What's the best way to deal with money (ATM, credit card, traveler's checks)?
What time do our classes begin?
I hear that school supplies are hard to find in Rome. What kind should I bring?
What do students use to carry books, etc. to class?
What is there to do on the weekends?
How about downloading pictures from my digital camera?
Is there a good way to store my digital photos?
Is there a church near Bernardi that has an early morning mass?
What is the best way to pack?
Do not pack more than you can easily carry. Pack light. If you bring heavy luggage you will regret it at the end of the semester. Don't weigh yourself down with items, such as a hair dryer, that can be purchased in Rome for a very cheap price. Start planning what you will pack by reading the baggage allowance guidelines of your airline online. Also, be aware that on flights between European cities (for those of you who might be planning to travel around Europe), the baggage allowance may be even less. Airlines often charge a penalty fee for overweight or excess baggage. _top
What type of clothing shall I bring?
For the cooler temperatures (i.e. mid October, November, December, January, February), you may want to bring a winter jacket (not too heavy), a few sweaters, and long sleeve shirts. For the warmer temperatures (i.e. end of September to mid October, end of March, April, May), you may want to bring t-shirts and light long sleeve shirts. Also bring jeans and one or two dressy outfits (dress/skirts for women, a suit/khaki pants for men) for special occasions throughout the semester. If you need anything else, there are many, many shops (inexpensive ones) to renew your wardrobe. Italians don't typically wear shorts, only when they go to the beach or to the gym, so if you want to bring a pair of shorts with you, you can just wear it when you go running or to the beach. Bring clothing that does not require special care in cleaning. Outfits should be casual and comfortable. As you will be walking a lot, bring comfortable walking shoes, and slippers to wear in the residence. Pack whatever type of clothing you feel most comfortable in, just be practical. Stick with basics that can be paired together to create several outfits._top
Do I have to bring my own bedding and towels?
No, unless you have a favorite pillow or sheets that you want to sleep on. Otherwise, each of you is provided with a set of linen and bath towels. We have linen exchange once a week (date TBA 7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.). We will cover the linen exchange procedure during our student life orientation upon your arrival at Bernardi.
What kind of toiletries shall I bring?
You will be able to buy anything in terms of health, hygiene and beauty products in Rome without having to worry about bringing stocks of shampoo, shaving cream and soap from home. You just might not find your favorite brands. Bring the basics you use every day in travel-sized containers. There is a grocery store around the corner of Bernardi that has everything from food items to health/hygiene products, detergent, etc. Also, prepare a medical kit with a few over-the-counter pain relievers (i.e., Advil, Tylenol, etc), cold medication, and vitamins. For contact lenses users, you may want to bring a supply of all the necessary solutions. You may also want to have an extra pair of glasses on hand._top
Do I need an umbrella?
You can buy an umbrella in Rome. When it rains all the street vendors come out with umbrellas in their hands trying to get you to buy one._top
What if I have a prescription medication?
If you need prescription medications on a regular basis you should carry a note from your doctor stating your medical condition, the purpose of the medication, dosage information, the brand and the generic name of the medication. This is especially necessary if you will be carrying insulin or you might be allergic to certain medication. Bring enough of your medication to last your entire stay abroad. Prescriptions written in the United States cannot be filled in Italy, and medications cannot be mailed from the United States._top
What is my address?
Your mailing address is:
Your name
University of St. Thomas-Bernardi Campus
Lungotevere delle Armi, 16
00195 Rome , ITALY
That's the same even if when your family sends you something via FedEx, UPS, DHL or regular post office. _top
What is my phone number?
The rooms at Bernardi do not have a direct line so if someone calls he or she will have to go through a switchboard and a staff member will connect the caller to your phone extension. Please let your family members and friends know that when they call the campus to also be aware of your phone extension, which is simply the same as your room number. If no one answers the main switchboard (particularly during evening hours) a voice mail will come up; the caller can then simply dial the extension of the person he/she is trying to reach. The phone will ring directly to the student's room. We have two phone numbers that you can give out to your family and friends: 06 3260 0548 and 06 3260 0556. If one is calling from the United States, the prefix is 011 39. Once you get notified of your room assignment, be sure to let your family and friends know your phone extension._top
What is life at Bernardi like?
Life at Bernardi is wonderful. We will cover everything in detail during our student life orientation upon your arrival in Rome._top
Is there access to Internet in my room?
Internet connection in student rooms is NOT available. However, we encourage you to bring a laptop if you have one, for academic work to use in your rooms or in other public areas in the building. Students can access the Internet in the computer lab._top
Is there an iron and ironing board in the laundry room?
Yes, there is an iron and ironing board in the laundry room._top
I will need a plug adapter to charge the battery of my digital camera. Would I need to buy a plug adapter in the United States or in Rome? Are they expensive?
It might be better to buy a plug adapter or converter or anything related to that kind from the United States. That will be one less thing to worry about while in Rome. Just be sure that it converts the power from 220 Volts (European) to 110 Volts (American) and vice-versa.
What is the deal with the building hours?
For various reasons, such as safety, security and program expectations we lock the front door of the residence at 11:30 p.m. on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and at 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday._top
What does breakfast include?
We serve continental breakfast at Bernardi. That includes cereal (i.e. plain cornflakes, Choco Krispies and All Bran Flakes), milk, orange or pineapple juice, coffee, tea, fresh bread, butter, jam, yogurt and fresh fruit)_top
Can I use my electrical appliances from the United States?
In Italy, the current is 220 volts whereas in America it is 110. The difference in electrical current is so great that if you plug your American appliance into an electrical socket in Italy, it may explode, short out, melt, or cause a fire. You should be very CAREFUL, as not all travel appliances are multi standard. Italians have at least three types of plugs and sockets, all different. If you can't find dual voltage versions of your favorite appliances (i.e. hair dryer, curling iron, electric razor, etc), you can buy transformers to convert the electricity and adapter kits for the different sockets at your local hardware store before you leave home. HOWEVER, you are better off just buying an inexpensive hair dryer, curling iron, etc in Rome. Adapters are really made for occasional, not daily use. They do not always work and the kits can be expensive and heavy to carry._top
What kind of bags do students use for traveling?
A messenger/satchel type bag with a flap over the side may deter pickpockets. I have seen all kinds of bags that students use for traveling so anything that is easy to carry on the plane and while traveling would be great._top
How much money students generally spend on travel and/or extra expenses?
Often times, students are very resourceful and they find inexpensive hostels, restaurants, etc online when they make their travel plans, so it is really up to each person's personal budget and how good the student is with budget management. I can offer a money management crash course upon a student's request._top
Are there any particular vocabulary words or types of words (i.e. food/menu words, adjectives, nouns, etc.) that would be most helpful to learn right now?
Try to learn words for food items, directions, transportation, numbers and money._top
Should I buy an Italian-English dictionary in the United States, or in Rome? Is there a specific dictionary we will need for our Italian class?
We have plenty of dictionaries in our library at Bernardi that anyone can use at any time. However, if you prefer to have your own dictionary you can certainly buy one from home or in Rome. Any dictionary would be just fine. There are a few international bookstores around the city that you can find almost any book you want. _top
Do you recommend buying a travel guide?
There are some travel books and guides in our library that former students donated to us. However, some of the guidebooks might be a bit outdated so if you want to buy a current travel guide or a user-friendly map and bring it with you, that would be fine. _top
What's the cheapest way to call home?
The cheapest way would be to purchase an international calling card either from the States or Rome. If you buy an AT&T or any other similar calling card in the United States be sure that it can be used in Rome to call home. If you buy a calling card from Rome, we recommend the 'EUROPA' card. For those students attending classes at the Angelicum, you can get a student discount on your EUROPA card._top
What's the best way to deal with money (ATM, credit card, traveler's checks)?
There is an ATM machine right around the corner of Bernardi. It might be better to use your cash card to withdraw money and pay cash when you are out and about in the city instead of paying with your credit card, especially with the euro to dollar exchange rate. For example if the currency exchange rate is €1.00= $1.30 and you buy something with your credit card that costs €15, keep in mind that when you receive your credit card statement, it will probably show $20 due to the day’s currency exchange rate. In addition, be sure you check with your bank on the amount of money you are able to withdraw from an ATM machine within 24 hours and let your bank know that you will be overseas for four months._top
What time do our classes begin?
On some days, your first class might begin as early as 8 a.m.or 8:30 a.m. and on other days late morning or early afternoon. You will receive a detailed class schedule from the dean of your college and you will have a thorough academic orientation during your first couple of weeks in Rome._top
I hear that school supplies are hard to find in Rome. What kind should I bring?
That's probably a misperception. Certainly, it is not hard to find school supplies in Rome. However, they might be a bit more expensive than if you were to buy a notebook or a couple of folders from Target or Wal-Mart. You can bring index cards from home. Those might be hard to find in Rome. You can find everything else around the city._top
What do students use to carry books, etc. to class?
Students typically carry their backpack to school. You just have to be cautious and careful about the pickpockets when you use public transportation or are in big crowds._top
What is there to do on the weekends?
There is plenty to do on the weekends. You are in Rome! The city itself is a laboratory of so much history and culture. We strongly encourage you to discover Rome; visit museums, monuments, art galleries and churches; and integrate into the local life. There are also many beautiful towns and cities around Italy that you can travel to by train._top
What if I want to travel?
Regarding travel information, we have a whole bookshelf of travel books in our computer lab area where you can get information about Rome and other places in Italy or Europe. Many students in the past have done a great deal of traveling over their Christmas or Easter break. You can find a lot of info (i.e. flight deals, traveling sites, hotels, etc) online. This will be a great experience for you to learn how to book flights, find good deals on airfares, reserve hotel, find cool places to eat and sleep, etc, on your own. We can also recommend a travel agency or travel Web sites to you._top
How about downloading pictures from my digital camera?
You will be able to download pictures from your digital camera onto the computers in our computer lab. There is one computer in our computer lab that is connected to the scanner, so that will be the computer to use._top
Is there a good way to store my digital photos?
We currently do not have a CD burner. However, you can bring the particular program to install for your pictures. We do not recommend that the students save their pictures on the hard drive because it occupies lots of space. If you bring a portable burner you could use it on any of our computers (PC) on USB ports; you will only have to bring the program to install. Many of our students in the past posted their pictures on their Web sites, too._top
Is there a church nearby Bernardi that has an early morning mass?
Rome is full of churches. There is an early morning mass at the Angelicum (for the Catholic Studies program students) that starts at 7:50 a.m. There is also an early morning mass at St. Peter's that starts at 7a.m. (you can take the tram #19 or simply walk). The closest church to our campus is Cristo Re; the Mass is in Italian. We also have a chapel in the residence that is open 24 hours a day where you can go and pray or reflect.
Keep In Mind
The Euro is worth more than the dollar and it adds up over the course of the semester, so be sure to check your bank account frequently.
The monthly metro pass costs €30.00, whether or not you are a student. The metro pass student discount is only for the Italian students._top
WHAT TO BRING _top
POSITIVE ATTITUDE - It is very important to bring your positive attitude once you are in Rome. Realize that a lot of things will be very different from how you are used to back home. Hence, it is a study abroad program-- to experience a new culture and a new way of living so make the best out of this experience. Keep in mind that things at Bernardi do not operate the same way as on the St. Paul campus, thus your collaboration and understanding are greatly appreciated. Be happy and content with what you are given to eat, to live in, and to experience.
PATIENCE - You will need a lot of patience and strength, especially during your first month while you are in Rome in order to adapt to the Roman way of life. We will be talking a lot about that during our orientation and throughout the semester.
Your paperwork for your Permesso di Sogiorno (Permit of Stay---this applies for the Catholic Studies program students) that Kathy Fell prepared for you. Also, be sure to have six passport pictures with you (white background) and three copies of your passport (only the page with your photo and student visa on it). These are separate from the paperwork and photos you have to turn in to Sister Helen (Angelicum).
A key chain where you can insert your key card in and not lose it (all rooms/bathrooms and front gate are card operated); lost key is €5.00
A coin purse/holder; you will accumulate a lot of pocket change (coins-euros) so you may want to buy a little coin holder to keep your change in it when you are out and about, besides your wallet or purse. Keep in mind, that at the grocery store and other small shops, you may be asked for the correct change so be sure to have enough pocket change with you.
Favorite movies on VHS or DVD (we don't have a DVD player in the residence, but you can watch a DVD on your laptop if you bring one).
OPTIONAL
-- Laundry bag (from TARGET)
-- A small compass (at least for the first month to easily orient yourselves and not to get lost in the city)
-- A three-ring notebook, pen/pencil supplies, even though you can buy all that from Rome
-- Discman or MP3 player, your favorite CDs, batteries
What Not to BrinG
NEGATIVE ATTITUDE - For everything holy, please do not bring any bad or negative attitude with you. Rome is not for whiners and complainers. Leave all that behind you.
Fruits or snacks of some sort from the States
There is a grocery store right around the corner of Bernardi and it has everything. No need to bring any snacks or food items from home. Maybe a jar of peanut butter if you think you will crave it over the semester. There also plenty of open markets in Rome where you can buy fresh fruit, and vegetables, as well as a couple of stores, such as Castroni and a drugstore at the train station (Termini) that has American products.
Hangers - Your room wardrobe is provided with hangers.
