What to pack (A guide)

Some people have asked me to make a list of things I would suggest to pack for studying abroad in Italy. This list is by no means definitive, but I did try to cover a bit of everything.
It's important to neither overpack nor underpack. Most Americans I know did the former, and they struggled with their massive multiple suitcases from airport to airport, unnecessarily. I had one duffle bag carry on (I managed to fit all of my clothes in there except for the coats), a plain Jansport backpack, and one checked suitcase of a smaller size.
I would recommend you to limit yourself to one large checked suitcase, a duffle bag with strap (the strap is necessary if you don't want blisters), and a backpack. This will make travelling easier and prevent you from taking unnecessary items, which will only weigh you down. If you think it's needed, send any bulkier items you were unable to fit to your host family's address a month in advance-- they should arrive around the time you do. Ideally, there will be a large amount of space in your suitcase so that you can fit everything you purchase during your time away. If this is not possible, then you can anticipate sending a few packages home upon your return (It's cheaper than paying airline fees, and makes for easier travel).
I will be writing another blog entry sometime in the future for packing tips and tricks.

Technology:

1. Laptop | This is one of the many essential items I did not have when I was in Italy. If you don't have one and can't afford it, don't freak out. You'll survive. But having your own computer is a huge convenience. You can skype with your family, easily upload pictures and email friends, or just spend hours (guilt free) entertaining yourself online. When you use your host family's computer, you will be on their time; your host sister's homework will always trump your blog entry.
2. Digital camera | My biggest regret is bringing a battery-run camera instead of rechargeable one. Three weeks in, I replaced my American batteries with European ones (a mistake), and my camera had a bit of a seizure. It was never able to take proper photos again, so I spent the year relying on other people's cameras to get me through. 
3. iPod | This will be your savior during those long, boring hours at school. Be sure to bring the connector cord, as your host siblings may not have one. Most Italians I know have mp3s that hook up directly to the computer's USB drive, no cord necessary. Also, it may be a good idea to download as many audiobooks as possible; it will save you from packing too many books.
4. Kindle or other e-reader | Your first few months at school will be insanely boring, and even if reading is not your favorite pastime, you will likely be devouring English novels at record speed. Finding bookstores with a solid English-language selection outside of Northern cities and Rome can be a challenge though. Enter: e-books. They are an excellent option because they take up no space. I'm not a huge fan, but it's pretty obvious that having a light-weight e-reader with dozens of novels is preferable to lugging around the real things. Alternatively, you can bring 2 -6 paperbacks with you; when you're running low on novels just order them online. I'd suggest ordering from bookdepository.co.uk. They have a wide selection and ship free internationally, although it usually takes a few weeks for the books to arrive.
5. Converter/Adapter | So you can charge your computer and use a hair dryer without blowing a fuse.

Books:

1. English-Italian Dictionary | Both a small pocket dictionary and a large one will be useful.
2. 501 Italian Verbs and Italian Grammar Review | If you cannot buy any other language books before you go to Italy, buy these. They offer in-depth language explanations and charts you will find to be incredibly useful while you are learning Italian. Most likely, you will receive no actual Italian instruction at school. You may be placed in an Italian class with first years, but that is the equivalent of placing an ELL student into freshman English; it is counterproductive. Your school's English teacher will help you out, but the extent of this help does not tend to be very great. Be prepared to teach yourself Italian.
3. An Italian textbook | I use abebooks.co.uk to buy excellent, incredibly cheap text books. If you can buy a beginner or intermediate level text book before you go, you will appreciate it later. Go for the teacher editions if possible, as you'll be grading yourself. Prego! An Invitation to Italian is a common beginner-level text book that has been recommended to me in the past.
4. A guidebook to Italy | This is very nice to have, especially if you'll be going on a lot of day trips and school field trips before you know much Italian. They are packed with information on historical sites, which don't always have signs explaining important facts/background information. They also can be a great way to discover new and interesting places to go you may not have known about. The Lonely Planet guidebooks are classics, but I would also recommend Let's Go: Italy on a Budget and Rick Steve's Italy.

Clothing:

You will gradually add clothes to your wardrobe while you are living in Italy, so don't bring your whole closet. Take a variety of basics and all of your favorites.

1. 14-18 T-shirts/blouses/tops | It may sound somewhat limiting, but you don't need more than this. Really. I only took 14, which worked out fine, as I bought many more shirts over the months. Make sure you bring a few long sleeve shirts you can layer, as well as some sleeveless tops.
2. 2-5 pairs of jeans | Italians wear skinny jeans and straights. This is the style, and you will look out place if you don't conform to it. The kids in my class at school asked if I was a hippie because my jeans had a slight flair. In the end it's up to you, really, but I would recommend packing at least two pairs of straights or skinnys. I noticed that my own taste changed during the course of the year (I now love skinny jeans, and can't stand flair).
3. Shorts | You don't need many, but bring at least one pair. I know the travel books tell you that only tourists wear shorts, but this isn't exactly true. Most of the teenagers I know wear them in the summer, and in the evenings (not really to school). The shorts in Italy are not just blue or khaki, so if you have colored shorts (or jeans for that matter) definitely pack them.
4. Multiple dresses/skirts | I only brought two dresses for the year, and although my host family and I did not attend church, more were necessary. 18th birthday parties in Italy are relatively equivalent to America's Sweet 16. I was placed in the fourth year of liceo, and fifteen of my classmates had an eighteenth birthday party that year alone, not to mention friends outside of school who turned 18; these parties were usually formal wear, occasionally dressy-casual. Also, if you plan on going to a disco (most girls do, some every weekend), you'll need outfits fit for a club. I would advise bringing two nicer dresses, along with two that can be dressed up. Nothing super lengthy, just something you could wear to a nicer party, and hopefully double as an outfit for the disco.
5. Light raincoat or water soluble jacket| As an Arizonan, I was not prepared for Italy's rain; when I arrived off the plane in Milan it was raining; when I got to my host family's home it was raining; and I don't think it ever fully stopped. Sure, many areas of Italy are known for their sun, but this is no guarantee that you will not encounter downpours here and there. It's best to be prepared, especially if you'll be living in a mountain town. While you could buy these items in Italy, they are much more expensive than in the US, so if you have the room in your luggage, it's best to fit them in.
6. Heavy winter coat | Italy can get to be quite chilly, especially in the North and in the mountains. It snowed twice in Avellino while I was there (and way more in the surrounding mountain villages), and the wind was always terrible. Also, if you travel around at all during the winter months, it will become essential.
7. Sweaters | I only brought one sweater, because I couldn't conceive of needing more [I was wrong in this notion]. Bring as many as you think you'll regularly wear, assuming it will at least be brisk outside most days of winter.
8. Shoes | I brought two pairs of Converse, and two pairs of flats. I should have also brought a pair of boots and flip flops, and perhaps a pair of heels.
9. Slippers | Italians don't wear shoes in their homes, but they don't go barefoot, either. Bring a pair of slippers to save confusion when you begin living with your host family.
10. Undergarments and pajamas | Bring whatever you normally need/use. A pair of both summer and winter pajamas could come in handy, as well as sweatpants to lounge around the house in. Also, you can never have too many socks.
11. Swimsuit

Personal Hygiene and Health:

1. Travel toiletries set | Unless you use obscure brands of shampoo/conditioner/face wash, you'll be able to find your favorites and ones similar to them in Italy. Mini toothpaste and a toothbrush will hold you over until you can get the real thing. Most Italian pharmacies sell American brands along with the European ones. There's no need to stock up on any of these things for the whole year or semester.
2. Medications
3. Extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contacts
4. Feminine hygiene products | Most Italian teenage girls use pads... only. Be warned, the myth that tampons can take your virginity is alive and well. Still, all feminine hygiene products are relatively easy to come by, so don't bring a full year's supply. Enough to cover your first period in the country should do it.
   While we're on the subject, I'd recommend looking into the diva cup or luna pads. They are environmentally friendly, sustainable, health-conscious options that last many years, and are great for traveling.
5. Makeup and hair products | Take a full year's supply only if you are terribly picky about the brand you use and are worried it won't be found in Italy. Otherwise, take what you currently have, and replace it with the Italian equivalent once you run out.

Miscellaneous (More to come):

1. DVDs | Be aware that you will only be able to play these on your computer; Italian DVD players have a certain coding, preventing them from reading American ones. I packed mine in a cd carrying case.
2. Purses/bookbags | At the very least, bring a larger every day purse, and a small one (you can pack it inside of the bigger one), as well as some sort of satchel. You will want to have a few options, so don't limit yourself to just one.
3. Journals | Even if you don't journal, or plan on keeping a blog, this is an important thing to have. I'd never finished a diary before, but by the end of my stay in Italy, I had completed three. You need something private that can be taken to school. You'll appreciate having recorded not only the events in your life, but the emotions you've felt as well.
4. Photocopies of passport and other documentation
5. International calling card | You can buy more in Italy, but having one on hand so you can call your family about your safe arrival is a must.
6. Yearbook | This is nice to have, but only bring it if you have the space. All of my classmates went gaga when I showed them, and it aided me in explaining more about the various clubs and electives my school had.
7. Measuring cups | You will likely bake chocolate chip cookies and brownies during your stay, along with other American recipes. Converting measurements can be a real pain, and I don't feel like they were ever 100% accurate. Bringing measuring cups saves you the trouble, and you can leave them with your host family, along with some recipes for them to follow after you've returned home.
8. Playing cards | To quell the boredom when waiting for flights and trains, as well as break the ice and entertain new friends. Although classic American cards (carte francese) exist in Italy, they are not very common; having my own deck was invaluable to me during my stay.
9. Address book | You'll probably want to send your family members and friends postcards and packages. If nothing else, make sure you have all of their addresses recorded online before you leave. It will save you the hassle, and allow you to surprise them with their gifts/letters when you do actually send them. 
10. Posters and photos | A big part of adjusting to home life is making your room your own, and bringing posters from your old room helps you to do that. If you will be sharing a room, check with your host sibling to see if it's okay (this is just a polite formality... they are not likely to say no).

Gift Ideas for Host Family:

1. Anything from your region of the world | Postcards, a book of scenic photos, state or country flags, shirts or hats with a sport team's logo, souvenirs, a package of tortillas from the factory by your house, chocolate only sold in your country... the possibilities are kind of endless.

This list is made from the perspective of an American going to Southern Italy (specifically an Arizonan going to Avellino). What you need will differ between North and South, as well as if your city/village is mountainous or on the seaside, although this list should cover most of the essentials for all exchange students.