Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Whether you are preparing to come or have just arrived, welcome to Ireland -wishing you all the best.  

Pre-Departure Essentials  

Waterproof Jacket and Umbrella 

Must haves: A windproof & waterproof jacket, and good quality umbrella.  

Visas: UK Visa or Schengen Visa?  

If you plan to visit the UK, you’ll need a UK Visa. It’s better to apply for it in China, as you will be given a two-year visa. In Ireland it’s expensive and it only lasts 6 months. If you plan to travel around Europe, it’s smart to apply for a Schengen Visa before you leave China. It’s harder to apply after arriving in Ireland. 

Electronics: Plug Adapter  

• Ireland uses Type G plugs (same as the UK). 

• Bring at least 2-3 adapters, especially if you have multiple devices like laptops, phones, or hairdryers. 

 Medicine & Seeing a Doctor 

Most common medicines can be purchased at local pharmacies, but if you want to buy Chinese medicine it is not easy to find here. You can bring some of the medicines you often used back home. If you feel unwell, you can also visit the UL Student Health centre to see a doctor for medical advice and prescriptions. 

Thermos Flask 

Hot water isn’t common in public places. If you like drinking hot water or tea, a good thermos is a must-have. 

 Driver’s License Translation  

If you have a Chinese driver’s license and plan to drive or rent a car in Ireland, bring a translated copy or apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). 

Arrival checklist 

• Open a bank account, for example AIB or Bank of Ireland. 

• IRP: All non-EU students staying more than 90 days must register for an IRP/GNIB card. 

• Get your Student Leap card, it works on public transport like buses, trams, trains and it offers discounts at some shops.  

• Activate your student card and email.  

• Get a SIM Card and phone plan.  

• Apply for PPSN (if you plan to work part-time). 

Supermarket Guide  

• Dunnes Stores — Clothes, groceries, homeware. 

• Tesco — Large grocery chain. 

• Lidl / Aldi — Budget-friendly options. 

• Spar / Centra / Mace — Convenience stores for quick buys. 

Shopping Centres & Stores: 

• Penney’s (Primark) — Cheap clothes & home essentials. 

• Boots — Pharmacy & beauty products. 

• Crescent Shopping Centre — Large mall (Limerick example). 

• TK Maxx — Discounted branded goods. 

• Homesavers —Kitchenware and household stuff. 

 Transportation: Common bus routes 

• Dublin Coach — 300 for Dublin city and airport.  

• Éireann bus routes — 304/304a for the city centre, Crescent Shopping Centre and the hospital.  

• Train — to Dublin, Cork and Galway.  

• Don’t forget to buy a student Leap card for cheaper public transport fares. 

Train tickets are usually cheaper if you book online early. 

Useful resources  

• Shein and Temu. 

• Amazon. 

• Ryanair for cheaper flights. 

• Booking.com for hotel booking. 

• Free Now for –taxis. 

• Met for Irish weather forecast. 

• Eventbrite to find free or cheap local events and workshops. 

Studying abroad is a great adventure. There are challenges, but there are also wonderful experiences waiting for you. Keep an open mind, go for it, and enjoy every moment in Ireland! 

Let’s make this journey together – come on! 

---