From sprawling grasslands to centuries-old fortresses, the Emerald Isle (Ireland) is rich in natural wonders, culture, food, music and customs. But that's not all. One of the most student-friendly study destinations, it is no wonder then that Ireland is one of the best places to pursue courses ranging from data science to creative arts, for an unforgettable study-abroad experience.
If Ireland is the place you want to mould a career for yourself in, it could be the best decision you have ever made. All you have to do is ensure that you plan your journey to Ireland mindfully by considering all aspects including, healthcare, accommodation, travel, entertainment etc.
Here's a handy travel guide to Ireland with some useful tips and hacks to effectively plan your study-abroad experience in this country.
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The Ultimate Travel Hacks You Need to Know to Study in Ireland
Around 35,000 international students chose to pursue their higher education in Ireland because it offers the best of both worlds - education and entertainment. So, if you have a course in mind, from Business Analytics to Computer Science, Medicine to Banking and Finance, Ireland has the best universities to meet your academic goals.
We have compiled a checklist of the most essential travel hacks and tips for a memorable trip to Ireland:
1. Health and wellness
As an Indonesian student (non-EU international student), you'd be required to purchase private health insurance which costs around €150 – €180 per annum. It is wise to ensure you get your eyes and teeth tested, and get a complete body check-up done before leaving home for a stress-free settling in. If you have a persisting medical condition, it's prudent to carry your signed certificates and prescriptions to avoid any issues after moving to Ireland.
2. Food
Moving to a new country would be exhausting during the initial days until you settle in. To make it less stressful, carry a few ready-to-eat items like cereal, biscuits, bread, microwavable food items and homemade curry pastes to make your meal prep a quick and easy affair. Also, ensure to carry homemade foods in your check-in luggage and not in your carry-on (cabin luggage) to avoid being questioned by airport security.
3. Carry Necessary Documents
Apply for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), to confirm your identity, right to study, and right to any public services in Ireland. Apart from having a handy travel guide to Ireland, do ensure you carry your other identity proofs, Visa, passport-size photographs to apply for bank accounts and other benefits like transport cards, library cards, etc.
4. Rainy weather essentials
Ireland is a country with year-round rainfall. Sunny mornings could just as easily turn into rainy evenings. So, make sure you pack rain-proof apparel like jackets, rain boots and umbrellas to avoid a rainy welcome and spending extra buying those in Ireland.
5. Utensils and Electronic Gears
Buy quality utensils and cutlery with an extended warranty period to avoid any damage during your stay abroad. In addition to spending extra for repairs, you might also have to buy them at a higher price if the damage is irreparable. Buy utensils that have multiple uses, from rice cookers to saucepans which can be used to cook, boil, heat, bake and blend, making them ideal to carry during travel.
And the same goes for electronic gear – buy products with overseas warranty services to avoid spending a hefty amount buying stuff abroad. Also, ensure to store your data in google drive or any cloud backup to avoid carrying/spending on physical hard drives.6. Travel Bags
Ensure your travel kit is in accordance with the specifications mentioned by the airlines, and that they're packing convenient, lightweight, durable and of the appropriate size for regular use.
7. Personal Belongings
Pack some personal belongings to make you feel at home in a foreign country, such as souvenirs and mementoes like photo frames, journals, or your favourite books that remind you of home. Adjusting to a new place can be a bit difficult without the things that remind you of home.
8. Mobile Connection
Ensure you activate international roaming on your SIM if you're planning to retain your old SIM card. However, on moving to Ireland, get an Irish SIM and activate a suitable connectivity plan.
9. Currency Exchange
It's prudent to have some ready cash for the initial few days until you learn to navigate the payment systems with credit/debit cards. Here's a pro tip: split the required amount into cash and prepaid cards to avoid the servicing costs and higher conversion rates applicable to debit/credit cards.If you're wondering how to get the best currency exchange deals, here are a few ways to grab the best deals:
- Compare the rates and offerings of multiple banks like Western Union, Thomas cook, Bank of Ireland, etc., in terms of currency exchange schemes, debit/credit card deals, etc., before deciding on the particular scheme.
- Explore websites like BookMyForex to find out the best deals near your city.
10. Maintain a checklist
Once you're done packing the essentials, and sorting your documents and proofs, do take a look at this checklist to ensure you have analysed every aspect for a hassle-free departure and landing in Ireland.- Packing your important travel documents in your carry–on and not your check-in bags
- List of items you will need to buy when you land
- The thumb rule of always packing light and remembering to roll and not fold your clothes while packing
- Make an itemised list of everything you packed in your suitcases
- Permissible luggage limit of your airline
- A good hooded waterproof jacket (a must in Ireland!)
- Proof of Travel Insurance
- Backpack (for classes and day–trips)
- Camera/Journal
- Prescriptions (translated)
- Identification tags with your contact information on them, attached both outside and inside your checked bags and carry–on bags
How Does AECC Help?
AECC is your ultimate study abroad consultants, keen to assist you with anything and everything involving course selection, personality assessment, student visa counseling, and more – to prepare you for the study-abroad experience you've always dreamed of.
You could be confused about the choice of course or in a dilemma to decide on the right university for you, or perhaps you are not even sure about the career choices in the destination you are planning to move to. Whatever your concerns are, we are with you to clear away your doubts and take you closer to achieving your academic objectives.
Get in touch with our expert counsellors right away to know all about studying in Ireland as an international student and start your study-abroad journey with us!