We are providing this information to help you plan ahead for your packing and shipping needs. Please do not ship anything to the College until you have received your letter of acceptance.

General NAC shipping rule- “Ship well and buy little!”

Personal effects, especially those associated with living spaces are generally more expensive in Italy than in the U.S.; this includes clothing, musical equipment, books, etc. When packing to move to Rome, remember you are moving to Rome to live and thus simplicity is important but you above all need to be able to live and pray here for a significant period of time. So don’t be shy about bringing what you are going to need, considering it is more expensive to re-buy things you already have.

We suggest the use of either trunks or boxes to ship personal effects. Since they will probably be used only twice, second-hand trunks are sufficient; however, make sure that they are sturdy. Air freight shipping boxes may also be used and sometimes cost less to ship than a trunk. Sturdy boxes (or reinforced plastic boxes) from local stores are also a great alternative.

Trunks and boxes can be greatly mishandled at times. They should be tightly packed to avoid undue movement and possible damage. Use newspaper or packing material if necessary.

Be sure that all trunks are securely locked and boxes carefully sealed. It might prove helpful to have trunks bound with wire or rope, or banded (which can be done at most local moving companies). Also note that boxes are less durable and might not keep out rain.

For those shipping a bicycle, a local bike shop should be able to dismantle, bind it with plastic strapping, and put it in a used bike box (this should cost approximately $50). Tools to reassemble bicycles are readily available at the College, and there is a bike shop nearby, which is able to tune-up any bike at a very reasonable price. Having a bicycle is an efficient way to get around Rome.

Note: Don't ship the things that you will need in the first week or two here at the college. Shipped trunks may arrive after you do, so take with you on the flight everything that is essential to your life for the first few weeks. Do not ship your passport or important documents.

In addition to reading the above checklist, we strongly recommend that you take a look at the Community Life section of the web site (www.pnac.org) so that you can get an idea of what your room will look like, and of what will be provided here and what equipment and supplies you may want to bring.

What you can get here easily, (i.e. don't bother to bring):

• mundane household items (e.g. lamps)
• sheets and bedding (unless you are partial to your personal comforter) are provided
• toiletries (unless you prefer a specific brand) - e.g. soap, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, and razors/blades
• laundry supplies are provided - a laundry bag is a good idea to bring however
• kitchen supplies (cups, hot plates, etc) are provided
• plug in alarm clocks will probably not work with the new electrical system, unless it is specifically good for 220V/50Hz
• electric hair clippers will also probably not work with the new electrical system, and can be purchased here

What is either expensive or difficult to get here: (i.e. plan to ship any of these that you will need)

• Computer media - blank CDs, floppies, etc.
• ink cartridges for printers
• hangars
• specific hobby supplies (i.e. artist supplies, musical instruments, biking gear, outdoor stuff)
• any specific item that you hold particularly dear (your father's baseball mitt, the pillow case your Mom made, your grandmother's picture
• most electronics (provided they work for 220V) CD players, computer speakers
• office/school supplies (at least a starter set of notebooks and pens)
• a good supply of undershirts, underwear, and socks. (these are expensive here)
• good sturdy shoes (multiple pairs as they may wear out quickly and are expensive)
• books (theology, spiritual reading, leisure reading, etc.) available here but expensive - the college has a good library, but if you know you will want or need a particular book than bring it.
• religious art, family pictures, and other decorations that will make your room feel like home (at least a home away from home).

If you're not sure whether to bring an item a few guidelines:

• if it is small and you would like to have it here, then ship it.
• if it will stink if left in the hot sun for a month, don't ship it.
• if you're not sure you can contact us
• remember: "ship well and buy little," you're not coming to visit you're coming to live.