The University Code of Student Conduct applies at all times throughout this trip as if you were on University premises. In particular, section 9. (m) of that code prohibits "Engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct on university premises or at university-sponsored activities [such as this trip] which interferes with the activities of others, including studying, teaching, research, and university administration." Though sleep is not one of the specially mentioned activities, it is an important one on this or any trip. Needlessly disrupting sleep or study of classmates, faculty, or other guests or staff in the same hotels is a serious matter. We will have no strict curfews, but a good rule of thumb to avoid disturbing others is to be in your own room and quiet by 11pm every night, especially on nights before free days, because it is important to get up early to get the most out of the short daylight hours. In general, unnecessary shouting and rowdiness is certain to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by your classmates and teachers. In short, you are expected to have outgrown teenage behavior and to act like mature young adults.
University regulations prohibit any use of funds that pass through the University for alcohol. This regulation will be strictly observed.
Wine with meals, however, is a common European custom. The faculty of the course have no objection to your purchasing with your own money wine or beer from the restaurant where we are eating. Such consumption, however, must be in moderation, which means one, or at most two, glasses of wine at a meal. Please do not bring in anything purchased elsewhere. Do not ever drink on the street; Italians regard drinking on the street as utterly debasing.
Legally, you will be allowed to purchase hard liquor, and it is easy to find. However, its use will render you more or less useless to the course. The faculty have gone to some pains to arrange special experiences for you. Hard liquor or excessive wine or beer will dumb you down so that you cannot appreciate them. The faculty will thus feel used and abused if you go in for drinking. Alcohol also greatly increases the probability of your being a problem for others on the trip.
Students who have explored the late-night drinking establishments of Italy have found them expensive and unremarkable, except as places for getting into trouble. You need to be up and alert by seven nearly every day to get the most out of this course, so you need to be in bed by 11. You won't miss anything worthwhile by doing so.
In short, if you have any plans for bar-hopping or feel a need for alcohol beyond a glass of wine with dinner, please do not apply for this course. Spend winterterm somewhere else.