If you’re planning a summer trip to Italy to learn Italian, you’re not packing for a typical holiday.
You’re getting ready for your morning Italian lessons, lots of walking, warm days, and cool air-conditioned classrooms. You have a routine that includes Italian language courses, with enough free time to do other things, like eating out and changing plans.
At our school, we support adult students all year round, from those who have just started to those who have been learning for a long time. Every year, when it’s hot in Italy, we see the same thing happening: people pack too many “nice outfits”, don’t pack the things they really need, and bring shoes that look great but don’t last long on cobbled streets.
This guide is for adults who want to learn Italian in Italy in summer, improve their language skills and enjoy Italian culture (and yes, Italian food), without packing more than they need.
Pack like you’re a student, not a tourist!
Here’s the change that makes everything easier: pack for your regular weekday routine, not for a weekend away.
Most students quickly find a good study routine. Classes are usually held in the morning, often starting on a Monday. Afternoons are for exploring the city, studying on your own, meeting new friends, or joining the cultural trips that the school organises.
Some days, you’ll spend hours in an Italian classroom with teachers. Then, you’ll head straight out to practise speaking in cafés, shops, or on group walks. Your packing list should help you do that, not stop you.
If you’re still wondering why learning on the ground is different to learning with apps, read Why Learning Italian in Italy Beats Language Apps.
Here’s a real-life example: a student arrives in Catania with cute sandals and a plan. By day two, they’ve rubbed each other. By the third day, all the student wants to do is put plasters on and sit down, and doesn’t get the chance to practise Italian with the group.
The variables that change your packing list (answer these first)
People often start overpacking because they think they “might need it”. The solution is to decide what kind of trip you want to take.
How much are you moving?
If you’re staying in one place for two to four weeks, you can bring a slightly more comfortable setup. It’s worth spending more money on a second pair of everyday shoes and a fuller toiletry kit. If you move between locations, it uses up your energy. In that case, repeats are better than variety.
Where are you staying?
If you choose somewhere in the city centre, you’ll probably walk more each day. That’s great for exploring, but it makes the bar higher for footwear.
When you stay with a local family, they might have a different way of doing things than you’re used to. The kind of home you live in, whether it’s your own or a shared flat, affects what you need in the bathroom and for storage. Outfits that can be worn for any occasion are more important than ever.
What’s your experience of doing the laundry?
Many adults aim to do laundry every three days. Then you get travel fatigue, plans change, or the local set-up isn’t as simple as expected.
The most important thing to consider when packing for a trip is how light you can make your suitcase without feeling uncomfortable, especially when travelling in the Italian summer heat.
Here is a real-life example: it’s hot outside in Catania. In class, the air-con is too strong. Someone packed only sleeveless tops because “summer means summer”, then spends lessons cold and distracted, wishing they’d brought an extra thin coat.
If Sicily is on your shortlist, these two reads help you picture the routine: Studying Italian in Sicily and Practical tips for studying in Sicily.
Find out how our locations affect what you need to pack
At International House Team Lingue, we offer Italian courses in different locations. Think about where you’re going when you pack. Our programmes run in Verona and Como (ideal if you want a base in a quieter location with easy access to beautiful cities and day trips), and in Catania for those who want an Italian summer experience with a stronger heat factor and a more outdoor rhythm.
The course structure stays the same, with Italian language lessons and real-world speaking practice, but the day-to-day details change: evenings by the lake may require a light layer, while Catania often rewards breathable fabrics and a stricter “carry-it-all” day bag. Not sure where to go to learn a language and have some free time? We can help you choose a routine that matches your preferences before you book.
How to choose what to pack for your trip
Use this grid to decide how you want to pack your things before you choose the things you want to take. It stops people packing too much for a short holiday when they are actually going away for two weeks to study Italian.
| Trip style | Bag | Clothes | Shoes + extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| One city | Medium case | 7-9 tops, 2-3 bottoms | 2-3 pairs; umbrella |
| Moving | Backpack/light | 5-7 tops, 2 bottoms | 2 pairs; laundry kit |
| Homestay | Any | +1 modest option | 2-3 pairs; slippers |
| Shared bath | Any | Quick-dry basics | 2 pairs; flip-flops |
| Cabin only | Cabin bag | Tight capsule | Wear 1; decant liquids |
| Heat/chafe | Any | Breathable repeats | 2 pairs; blister kit |
If you’re not sure which one to choose, go for the lighter option.
And if you pack more lightly and later need an extra item, there are plenty of shops in Italy. Buying locally can be part of the journey, not a stress!
The main summer capsule wardrobe for adults (student-friendly)
The aim is to look smart in class without having to change clothes every day.
A good capsule makes it easy to repeat. You can rotate tops, keep bottoms stable, and you have one “slightly nicer” option for evenings.
For most adults, the best combination of clothes is easy: a small set of tops you really like wearing when it’s hot, with two pairs of reliable trousers. One is the everyday workhorse. The other gives you a different feel. If you like one-piece outfits, a breathable dress or jumpsuit can be a low-effort solution on hot days.
The thing that students regret not doing
Bring one light layer, something you’ll actually carry. A thin overshirt, lightweight jumper, or soft scarf in your day bag is usually enough.
Italy in summer often means sweating outdoors and feeling chilly indoors, especially in classrooms.
Real-life example: a class decides on a cathedral visit after lessons. Everyone else pulls a thin overshirt from their bag. One person is either stuck skipping or buying something at tourist prices nearby.
Here is a list of things you should not do:
Don’t pack “special occasion” outfits unless you have a special event to go to. Adults often wear the same “evening look” to every aperitivo because it works.
You should think of one smart outfit as being worth more than five outfits that you don’t like wearing.
Shoes are the most important thing to consider when planning your trip
If shoes are wrong, everything else becomes harder.
Italy is a place where you have to walk a lot, and often the ground is uneven, especially in the most beautiful cities, where there are cobbles, steps and long distances between class and dinner.
Bring two pairs of shoes you trust, and only add a third pair if there is a specific reason. Your main pair of shoes should already feel broken in and comfortable after a long day. The second pair of shoes can be for when you go out in the evening or to run errands. They should still be comfortable enough for walking, but maybe a little nicer.
A third pair is usually only needed for shared bathrooms (simple flip-flops) or for a specific activity, like longer countryside trips or sports.
A small blister kit is one of the most useful things you can pack. It doesn’t take up any space, and it stops a small problem from turning into something you can’t do every day.
Study kit that actually helps you learn faster
Most students overpack study materials and underpack the tools that make daily learning effortless.
You don’t need heavy books. You need a light setup you’ll carry every day: a small notebook you enjoy using, a pen that writes well, and a simple system for capturing the Italian language as it appears in real life.
Here’s what works well: write the new phrase, add a short example sentence, then note where you heard it (in class, at the market, during a group lunch, or on a museum visit). It keeps language learning grounded in real life.
For ready-to-use language you can practise the same day, see Essential Italian phrases: your gateway to interactive learning
Also, sort your phone before you go. Download offline maps. Make sure you have an offline dictionary option (or at least downloaded language support).
Admin and tech: the boring essentials that save your day
This makes the trip feel smooth, especially if you’re travelling alone or arriving late.
Make sure you keep important documents in two forms: as physical copies and as digital copies. Make digital copies of important documents and keep them somewhere you can easily access them, like in a cloud folder or on an external hard drive. Make sure you keep your accommodation address and school contact information safe and ready to use offline.
Having a backup plan is sensible, especially when it comes to money. You’ll need to pay with two different methods, and it’s usually best to have a small amount of cash as well. If your bank has travel settings, check them before you go.
When setting up your phone, you need to decide if you want to use roaming, SIM or eSIM. The goal is simple: data on day one for maps, school messages and quick translation support.
When you turn it on, if you need an adapter, bring one with you. Also bring your main charging cable and a backup. A small power bank is often a good idea because students use their phones a lot.
If you’re still deciding between Italian language courses in different beautiful cities, we can help you compare course formats, locations and routines so your trip (and packing plan) feels straightforward from day one.
Toiletries, health and summer comfort (without taking too much)
You can buy most toiletries in Italy, so don’t take full-size bottles unless you really need them.
Bring things that are personal, hard to replace quickly, or stressful to replace in your first few days. If you take prescriptions, keep them in hand luggage and bring what you need for the duration of your trip (plus a little extra, if you need it).
When it comes to Italian summer comfort, the key is to manage the heat. If you often get chafed, make sure you pack some prevention products. If you sweat a lot, take deodorant you like. It can be useful to have a small amount of time to wash one top during the week if your laundry plan changes.
Having a homestay and sharing living space makes everything much easier
When you stay with a local family, you don’t need to worry too much about what to do or what is expected of you. All you need to do is be easy to live with.
A small thank-you gift is nice, but make sure it’s not too heavy. Indoor slippers are a popular item in many Italian homes. A sleep mask and earplugs can also save energy if the household runs on a different rhythm.
In houses or flats where more than one person shares a bathroom, things can get tricky. A shower caddy keeps your things in one place, and flip-flops are just useful. Storage space can be limited, so a laundry bag can help keep things tidy.
A quick note for families: some schools run programmes that include children at certain times of year. The same packing logic applies (comfortable shoes, fewer outfits, and a calm admin kit), but it’s worth confirming schedules and supervision directly.
A guide to what to take with you and what to buy in Italy
To make your bag lighter, leave behind things you can easily buy locally and things you’ll feel too tired to use. Many “special occasion” outfits usually fall into the second category. Another common mistake is buying new shoes without trying them on first.
But it’s a good idea to buy everyday things like sunscreen, shampoo, laundry stuff, stationery and an umbrella in case it rains. If you realise you want a lightweight scarf or overshirt for protection from the air-con, you’ll often find better options in local shops than at home.
Pre-flight checklist (save and use)
48-72 hours before
- Confirm accommodation address and arrival instructions (saved offline)
- Download offline maps for your area
- Download offline dictionary/translation support
- Save school contact details and first-day instructions
- Check your card will work abroad; set up a backup
- Pack prescriptions in hand luggage
- Store document copies in two places
24 hours before
- Charge power bank
- Put day-one outfit aside (including shoes)
- Decant liquids if needed; keep it simple
- Make an “overnight kit” accessible for late arrival
Departure day
- Passport/ID, wallet, phone, charger, keys
- Water bottle (empty for security)
- Thin layer for flight/classroom
- One snack
- Address + check-in instructions available offline
Just to be sure:
If your bag feels heavy when you are at home, it will feel even heavier after you have been travelling, in hot weather, on stairs, and when your brain is trying to work out what the Italians are saying.
A useful final step is to explain why each item is coming. If the reason is “maybe”, it should probably stay behind.
A summer course is a great way to learn Italian while also enjoying daily life. You’ll have class in the morning and then you can go out and about in the city, learning about art, history, food and local culture in your free time.
Different cities offer different experiences. The best trips are the ones where the packing plan works with your routine, not against it.
FAQs
What should we do if the placement test goes badly?
Don’t treat day one as a final judgement. Ask how level changes work and give it a short window; many students settle after nerves and travel fatigue fade.
Do we need to bring gifts for a homestay family and what’s appropriate?
Not required, but a modest gift can be appreciated. Keep it simple, easy to carry, and not expensive; the gesture matters more than the item.
Should we bring cash, and how much is sensible?
A small amount helps for first-day basics, but don’t rely on cash only. Two payment methods plus a little cash is usually the safest option.
What’s a realistic weekly laundry routine as a student?
Choose one fixed laundry day and build your capsule around it. Hand-washing one top mid-week can be a useful backup, especially in hot weather.
How do we handle sweat marks and still look presentable in class?
Breathable fabrics help, as do darker or patterned tops if you worry about marks. A quick freshen-up and a spare tee in your day bag can save confidence on hotter days.
Can we study effectively without lugging books around?
Yes. A small notebook and a consistent capture system beats heavy books you avoid carrying. Short daily review keeps knowledge moving without turning evenings into homework marathons.
What’s the simplest way to organise receipts and admin documents?
Use one slim paper folder and one named phone folder. Keep it consistent and easy to find when you’re tired.
What’s the most common packing regret for adults on language trips?
Too many outfits and not enough “comfort clothes”: reliable shoes, a light air-con layer, and an appropriate admin setup.
What do we do if the room has no air-con and we can’t sleep?
Prioritise airflow and a cooler bedtime routine (cool shower, light sleepwear). If it becomes a real issue, speak to your accommodation — options may vary.
Are you ready to start your Italian summer course?
A well-planned Italian language course in Italy starts a long time before the first lesson. When you pack for real life (morning classes, exploring the city, cultural trips and the pace of Italian summer), you give yourself the space to relax, meet new friends and focus on your Italian language skills.
If you need help choosing the right Italian language course, city and accommodation, or if you want us to check that your packing plan matches your routine and free time, contact our team. We’ll recommend the most suitable Italian courses for your level, including absolute beginners, and help you arrive ready for an unforgettable experience, not a suitcase full of “just in case” items.