It is recommended to book flight tickets well in advance so that one reaches at least 15 days prior to the commencement of the course. Advance booking is best recommended when chances of getting admits to the chosen course is very good. Booking flights at the very last moment causes ticket charges to surge up multiple folds. Ireland has a mild housing crisis and therefore many universities offer on campus boarding, If the student is not able to find cheaper accommodations it is recommended that the student stay within the campus (hence the arrival 15 days prior to course commencement).
Apart from this one requires to make preliminary preparations like converting some amount of money to euros, carrying a international raming supported sim card or activating international roaming on your present cell phone service, learning about the Irish culture and weather.
Once in the country the student has to register with the GNIB (Irish police) , and the same documents except the transcripts for tests need to be submitted at the GNIB office. All non-Irish nationals, who are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, must register in person with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after arrival and after completion of registration at your third level institution. The GNIB will issue you with a residence permit/GNIB card. The fee for this card is €300 and must be paid by credit card, laser card or bank giro.
Documents and requirements for GNIB card
- Valid passport;
- Current student card;
- Evidence of financial support, e.g. current bank statement showing your name, a letter of guarantee from parent or guardian indicating availability of sufficient funds to sustain you for the duration of your stay in Ireland; or a letter from your sponsoring body confirming financial status.
- A letter from the college including your student status, start date and the duration of your course and stating that fees have been paid.
- Evidence of private health insurance.
- €300
