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Pre-Arrival Information

Pre-Arrival

1. Purchase Health Insurance

All students who don't hold a European Passport are required to have medical cover for registration with immigration. Policies from your home country are accepted, but you must be a named policyholder, and it should include hospitalisation. Follow this link for more information.

2. Prepare your Immigration/Travel Documents

Do you need a Visa? It’s important to be aware if you are required to obtain a visa before planning your trip. For more information, visit our immigration webpage.

3. Review your Pre-Arrival Guide

Download the Pre-Arrival Guide here, it has all the information you might need as you transition into life at University of Galway.

Orientation information is available on our Study Abroad Orientation page.

4. Book your Accommodation

Visit the Accommodation Advisory Service website for information and advice.

5. Make Travel Arrangements

Please find semester one 2025/26 term dates below and scroll down to section 9 for information and advice on getting to Galway.

Orientation	Monday, 1September 2025
Academic Orientation	Tuesday, 2 September 2025
Teaching begins	Monday, 8 September 2025
Teaching ends	Friday, 28 November 2025
Semester 2 Exams begin	Monday, 8 December 2025
Semester 2 Exams end	Friday, 19 December 2025

6. Pack your Things

Check out the list of useful items to pack for Galway. The most important thing to remember is to pack light. Make a list of things you will actually need to see you through the first few weeks in Galway and discard everything else.

7. Plan your Budget

It’s so important to prepare yourself financially for the cost of living during your time at university, small costs can quickly add up. Visit the University’s Cost of Living webpage for a sense of what to expect. There, you will also find other useful resources and links for money management and budgeting.

8. What to Expect on Arrival into Ireland

At the port of entry, immigration officers will want to ensure you meet the entry requirements as an international student.

Despite being already granted your visa (if applicable), you need the following documents in your hand luggage:

Photocopies of your passport
Plane tickets
Two copies of your acceptance letters and, where applicable, two copies of your offer letter
Copy of health insurance policy

Note: The key to having a smooth transition into Ireland is having all your paperwork in order.

The Irish Government travel guidelines may vary at the time of your departure. Please ensure you are up to date on requirements, visit irishimmigration.ie

9. Getting to Galway

Galway city is served by an extensive public transport service from Dublin, Shannon and Knock airports, including the following public transport options

From Shannon:

Bus Éireann Expressway operate an hourly service* from Shannon Airport (stop B) to Gaway city – route 51.

The journey is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. (*Note: this is not a 24 hour service, refer to the timetable for more information)

From Dublin:

Regular direct transfers from Dublin Airport operated by Bus Éireann and Citylink.
Irish Rail offers a direct transfer from Dublin City. (Note: Irish Rail does not provide a service from Dublin Airport)

From Knock:

Bus Éireann provides a direct service from Knock airport to Galway.

Campus Maps

View Google Map of Campus

10. Mobile Sim Cards

Please ensure your mobile phone is unlocked and is compatible to accept an international SIM card. Your current network provider can provide you with your unlocking code. Your phone may be unlocked already; you can check this by putting in a different SIM card to your current network to see if it works.

The main service providers in Ireland are:

See Map for store locations in Galway.

11. Life as a Student in Galway

Check out our 'Things to do in Galway' page for inspiration. On the International Student Blog, you can find out more from our students about life and learning at University of Galway.