Student Support Services

Temple Rome Student Life Staff 

Non-confidential support:

• Maura Zerella, Associate Director of Student Life  maura.zerella@temple.edu
• Gianni Marangio, Orientation, Student Activities and Social Media Manager gianni@temple.edu
• Raei Megerssa, Student Life Coordinator  raei.megerssa@temple.edu
• Serena Ferretti, Student Life Coordinator serena.ferretti@temple.edu 
• Josie Cucciniello, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator josietur@temple.edu
• Alumni Assistants

Confidential support:

• In-house counselor (please contact the student life team for the contact of our in-house counselor:  turcounseling@gmail.com)

Additional Resources Available:

Health and Wellness:

• Online Tuttleman Counseling Services
• 24/7 Telecounseling with Healix (see the back of your Temple Rome ID for this phone #)
• Temple University Wellness Center
• Disability Resources and Services
• Temple’s CARE Team
• Student Conduct (to make referrals) sccs@temple.edu 

Financial Support:

• Student Emergency Aid Fund
• Temple University FAST Fund
• Cherry Pantry
  • Donations to the Cherry Pantry

Important Phone Numbers

After contacting the appropriate first-responder services (police, ambulance, etc.) in case of emergency, please also inform Temple Rome staff of your situation by calling:

• Temple University Rome: (+39) 06 320 2808 (during school hours)
• Temple Rome Emergency Number: see the back of your Temple Rome ID for this phone #, active 24/7 for emergencies
• Healix: see the back of your Temple Rome ID for this phone #, which is active 24/7

General Safety Tips

Generally speaking, there is less violent crime in Italy than in the United States. However, petty crime like pick-pocketing is common in Rome. Use the following tips to keep yourself and your valuables safe throughout your study abroad experience:

• Always carry a working cell phone, so you can be contacted in case of emergency.
• Always carry your Temple Rome student ID card, which has emergency contact information listed on the back.
• Do not travel alone, especially at night. Be wary of empty train cars.
• As a pedestrian, be aware of vehicles that may speed and run red lights. Always be alert when crossing the street, even when you have the right of way in a crosswalk.
• Drink responsibly. Alcohol abuse is the cause of most serious accidents. Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.
• Go out in pairs or groups, and never leave a fellow student alone in a bar. Keep an eye out for each other!
• Keep your money and documents in two different places.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport with you (separate from your passport).
• Always take your phone with you so the University can reach you while you are away.

Avoiding Theft

• Be extra vigilant in crowded tourist areas.
• Carry only what you need (cash, credit cards, identity documents).
• Don’t keep valuables in back pockets.
• Hold bags in front of you on public transportation and in crowded places.
• Thieves can sometimes snatch purses and cameras from moving vehicles, so make sure to keep your valuables away from traffic while walking.
• Use a security pouch for sensitive documents, including your passport, permesso di soggiorno, etc.
• Be especially aware of your belongings in moments of sudden distraction (a stranger approaches asking for the time or directions, etc.), as pickpockets often work in pairs.

U.S. Embassy in Rome

The U.S. Embassy in Rome provides a variety of services for American citizens living/traveling/studying abroad, and is located at the following address:

Via Vittorio Veneto 121
00187 Roma RM

The U.S. Department of State may issue public announcements concerning potential terrorist threats to Americans overseas. We will post these announcements, along with instructions from the university, on our list serv and the private Temple Rome Facebook page.

We encourage all students to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) by clicking the button below:

Once enrolled, you will receive updated travel alerts and warnings from the U.S. Embassy in Rome, as well as the nearest diplomatic mission while you are traveling. STEP also helps family and friends contact you in case of emergency.

More travel safety information from the U.S. Department of State can be found at travel.state.gov. 

Lost Passports

If you lose your passport, you can apply for a renewal or an Emergency Travel Document at the U.S. Embassy.  Healix is available to help if you lose travel documents, contact them at the phone # listed on your Temple Rome ID.

For more information on how to replace your lost or stolen passport, please visit the US Embassy’s website directly by clicking the button below:

In emergency situations, outside of normal service hours and on weekends and holidays, please call (+39) 06 46741 and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.

Lost Valuables

If you are a victim of a crime or a theft, you will need to file a police report (denuncia) at any Carabinieri or Polizia station. The report will list all of your stolen items, and can be used for filing insurance claims or replacing passports and traveler’s checks.  It is your personal responsibility to file a police report.  You should bring your passport and/or any other identification you possess with you when you file your report.

If you lose your credit card, report it immediately to your bank or credit provider.

Assistance from U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy:

• By Phone: +39 06-4674-1
• USCitizensRome@state.gov
• https://it.usembassy.gov/
• State Department – Consular Affairs
• By Phone: +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
• Italy Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Stay connected with the State Department via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html