Pre-Arrival

Pre-Arrival Checklist

1. The Pre-Arrival guide

Prepare for your journey to the University of Galway with our comprehensive pre-arrival guide.
Get essential tips, checklists, and stories from fellow students to make your arrival smooth and memorable.

Access the Pre-Arrival Guide

Find practical information to help you prepare for your move, discover what to expect when you arrive, and access resources curated for international students:

Pre-Arrival Guide 2025

2. Before you leave home

Visa requirements 

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  

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. 

Accommodation

Once you have paid your fees and confirmed your place, we strongly encourage you to begin your search for accommodation without delay. Before you arrive, you can research locations, transport and the variety of housing types available. We suggest considering which type of housing is best suited to your individual needs.   

Options include: 

• University Student Residences  
• Self-catering Accommodation with Owner or “Digs”  
• Private Rented Accommodation 

Visit the Accommodation Advisory Service website for more information and advice. 

Cost of living  

It’s 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 webpage on Cost of Living for a sense of what to expect. There, you will also find other useful resources and links for money management and budgeting. 

Packing advice 

Ireland has a temperate climate, but our weather likes to keep you guessing. Behind the dark clouds are often bright blue skies, behind the sun is a mist of cold and a looming shower of snow. 

It is best to categorise your packing into light, heavy and rain gear. That way, you are prepared for every season! 

Checklist:  

• Durable trainers
• Waterproof boots
• Lightweight jacket with a hood
• Raincoat with a warm lining
• Easily layered clothing: 
• Short and long-sleeved tops 
• Leggings and long pants 
• Button-down shirts  
• Sweaters and cardigans 
• Socks, scarves and gloves 
• Tank tops
• Activewear
• Pyjamas
• Underwear and socks
• Swimsuit
• Adapters* 

*Three pin plugs are used in Ireland so you may require a three-pin plug adaptor, which can be bought at any electrical shop. The standard voltage in Ireland is 230V, if you are bringing electronic devices from home, ensure they will work at this voltage.

3. Arriving in Ireland

What to expect at the airport 

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. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/ 

Getting to Galway 
The two main airports we recommend are Dublin and Shannon Airports. If possible, try to organise flights into Dublin Airport as onward travel to Galway is generally more frequent. 

Dublin Airport direct to Galway by bus

Getting to Galway from Dublin Airport is relatively easy. Buses depart from Dublin Airport to Galway every hour. The journey is approximately 3 hours long and usually costs €13 - €25. 

The main service providers are:  

Citylink Bus - citylink.ie - Zone 11 

Bus Éireann - buseireann.ie  - Zone 13  

Dublin City to Galway by train  

There is a train service to Galway that departs from Heuston Train Station in Dublin City. Prices range from €17 - €25. The journey takes 2hr and 25 minutes. See here for more information - irishrail.ie 

Dublin Airport to Dublin City by bus

In case you are interested in visiting Dublin City before you travel to Galway, or are getting the train, you can take an Airlink bus which departs directly from Terminal One Airport to Dublin City every 10 -15 minutes. Tickets are approximately €10. 

Terminal 1 pick-up for both routes 782 and 784 - location 

Terminal 2 pick-up for both routes 782 & 784 -  location 

For more information, visit https://airlinkexpress.ie/ 

Shannon Airport to Galway by bus 

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

The journey is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes long and usually costs €15. Tickets can be purchased online or on board with cash. For more information and the full timetable, visit the Bus Éireann website https://www.expressway.ie/route/51/cork-to-galway-via-limerick)/2025-07-15 

*Note this service is not 24-hour; refer to the timetable for more information. 

Recommended apps for travel 

• TFI Live – timetables, route maps and live departure information for public transport services across Ireland. App Store. Play Store 
• Free Now – taxi. App Store Play Store 
• Google Maps – find your way! App Store Play Store 

4. Your first week in Galway

University registration 

All students at University of Galway must register as a student at the start of your studies.  

We encourage you to register as soon as possible to gain access to University services such as the Student ID Card, Library, Canvas, access to rooms, etc.  

For Full Degree International Students 

Information on student registration dates and instructions can be found here.  Queries should be addressed to reghelp@universityofgalway.ie

Note: You can register in person or online. 

For Visiting Students (Erasmus and Study Abroad) 

Registration instructions will be given at orientation. 

Getting your student ID 

For Full Degree International Students 

Information on how new, undergraduate or postgraduate students can collect their student cards can be found here. 

For Visiting Students (Erasmus and Study Abroad) 

Cards will be distributed at orientation. 

Opening a bank account 

There are a number of banks operating in Ireland: 

• Bank of Ireland – branch on campus
• AIB (Allied Irish Banks)
• Educational Building Society (EBS)
• Permanent TSB (PTSB)
• An Post
• Revolut 

A map of Galway bank branches can be found here.  

When opening a bank account, you will need the following documents:  

1. Passport 
2. Registration Statement with your Galway address. You can print this from your student account once registered 

Additional documentation may be required. The bank will discuss this with you. 

Note: Some privately owned ATMs, especially those located in shops, nightclubs, or kiosks, may charge fees for withdrawals. Usually, ATMs owned by the major Irish banks listed above do not charge fees, but you could face foreign transaction fees when using an ATM in Ireland with a card from another country. 

Getting a mobile SIM card 

Ireland has a number of mobile phone providers. SIM-only plans are generally the cheapest options for students.  

SIM Only is a contract that includes an allocation of minutes, texts and data which vary depending on the plan you choose. With a SIM-only contract, you receive just the SIM card and no mobile phone. 

The main service providers are:  

Vodafone  

Three Ireland 

Tesco Mobile 

Eir Mobile 

GoMO 

48 

Clear Mobile  

Lyca Mobile  

Virgin Mobile  

Offer: Vodafone have an exclusive offer for international students - get an Irish Vodafone SIM card with €5 preloaded onto it and when you top it up by €20, you will get another €20 for free! Available from Global Galway’s reception. Terms & conditions apply. 

If you want to use your phone from home, it will need to be unlocked to ensure it's compatible with an international SIM card. To check if your phone is already unlocked, simply insert another SIM card and see if the network works on your phone.  

To get your phone unlocked, you can either:  

• Bring your phone to a phone shop that will charge a service fee.  
• Contact your network and ask them to unlock it.  

Whatever option you go with, there are plenty of phone shops across Galway city that can help. See Map 

Registering with immigration

If you are from a country outside the European Union, UK, or Switzerland and have come to Ireland to study for more than 90 days, you must register with the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) in the Department of Justice. Visit this webpage for more information. 

Orientation 

For more information on Orientation dates and activities, visit our Orientation webpage.

5. Settling in

Transport in Galway 

Galway city itself is very compact and walkable, for the surrounding areas, there are two bus services: 

Bus Éireann  

City Direct 

There is also a train service serving the commuter towns of Oranmore and Athenry. Explore all Irish Rail routes here. 

Note: Although the public transport system in Galway is quite good, it can sometimes be unreliable, particularly during rush hour and bad weather. Make sure to leave extra time for your journey, just in case. 

Setting up a Leap Card 

A TFI Leap Card is a prepaid travel card that is the easiest way to pay your fare on public transport around Ireland. Leap Cards offer discounts to students on Bus Éireann, City Link, Irish Rail, Luas and Dublin Bus.  

There are two types of Leap Cards available to students of University of Galway – Student and Young Adult – depending on age. 

If you are aged 16 – 18, inclusive, or over 24, you are eligible to apply for the Student Leap Card. The application must be completed and paid for online at leapcard.ie. Students have 14 days to collect their Leap Card from the Students’ Union.  

Anyone aged between 19 – 23, inclusive, will apply for the Young Adult Leap Card. (The fares are the same for young adult as Student Leap Card). Apply online at leapcard.ie. This card will be posted directly to the applicant’s address. 

Cycling in Galway 

Some students also opt for a bicycle to get around. There are a number of bike shops around the city selling new and second-hand bicycles. Explore our map to learn more.  

An Mheitheal Rothar is a community bike shop and workshop based on the University of Galway campus, offering bikes for sale, repair services and classes. Find them on Instagram at @an.mheitheal.rothar  

Alternatively, you can rent a bike from the TFI Bikes. There are 23 stations with 195 bikes around Galway City. See bikeshare.ie for more information. 

Shopping & eating 

Affordable Food Shopping 

The four main grocery stores in Galway are Aldi, Lidl, Dunnes and Tesco. Here you will find the basic groceries you might need. These supermarkets are located across the city centre but also in most suburbs. While many supermarkets offer international ranges, you will also find specialty stores focused on international and halal groceries. You will regularly come across small, corner shops. These normally have longer opening hours but are generally more expensive than a supermarket. View our map for locations. 

Shopping for Clothes and Essentials  

For affordable clothing, rain clothes and general household items, we suggest checking out Dunnes or Penney's. In both stores, you will find almost everything you might need during your time in Galway.  

Explore our map for other stores that might be useful, including outdoor clothing, discount and second-hand stores.  

Student-Friendly Restaurants 

Galway city has a vibrant and diverse food scene, with a whole host of options to choose from. For more information on dining on a student budget, check out Student Friendly Restaurants on galwaytourism.ie or thisisgalway.ie. 

Note: If there is a student discount available, always have your student card with you; most places will insist on seeing it! 

There are also 16 cafes and restaurants on campus at University of Galway with something to suit most tastes. Find out more here.. 

Food Delivery 

There are three main food delivery services in Galway. All are relatively similar and often provide meal deals and discounts.  

deliveroo.ie 

justeat.ie  

whatsfordinner.ie 

Healthcare, counselling & emergency contacts 

The Student Health Unit provides on-campus medical, psychiatric and physiotherapy care to all registered University of Galway students. However, there are charges for certain ancillary services.  

Book an appointment online. 

Important: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please let us know by emailing healthunit@universityofgalway.ie. You need to ensure that all your medical needs can be met, as some overseas medications are not licensed for use here in Ireland. 

The Student Health Unit is located in Áras na Mac Léinn, upstairs beside the Students’ Union. Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 9:30-12:30 and 14:30-4.30 pm.  

Note: The Student Health Service does not offer a dental service. For a comparison of dentists in Galway, visit whatclinic.com  

Emergency/Out of Office Hours  

Weekends are covered by City Doc, located in Bon Secours Hospital:  

Daytime Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 8:00 am- 18:00 pm contact 091 758008  

Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 18:00 pm - Galway City GP Rota contact 087 7744430  

Note: In Ireland, if you attend A&E (Emergency Room) without a referral from a GP (doctor), you will be charged. Always visit the Student Health Unit first unless it is an emergency. 

Health Unit - Emergency Queries: + 353 91 492604  

Emergency Services - Ambulance/Fire/Gardaí: 999 or 112 

Student counselling 

There is student counselling available to all full and part-time students, undergraduate and postgraduate. If you would like to book an appointment, please email: counselling@universityofgalway.ie 

Follow this link for resources available from the student counselling services. 

Part-time work & Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) 

Many students in Ireland take on part-time work to support themselves financially or earn extra income while studying. If you’re looking for casual employment in Galway, here are some useful resources and tips to help you get started. 

Work Permissions for Students 

• EU/EEA and UK students: No work permit is required to work in Ireland. 

• Non-EEA students on a Stamp 2 student visa: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during official holiday periods. 

• Non-EEA students on a Stamp 2A: You do not have permission to work. 

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs 

For casual roles, one of the most effective ways to find work is by bringing your curriculum vitae (CV) to local shops, cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Many employers appreciate in-person applications. 

You can also explore job listings in The Galway Advertiser. Visit advertiser.ie.  

You can explore the following websites for part-time jobs in Galway: 

• Indeed.ie 
• Jobs.ie
• Jobalert.ie  

On-Campus Employment Opportunities 

• The Students' Union hires students for roles in their shops, cafés, bar, and other areas. Follow their social media and website for job updates. 

• On-campus catering companies such as Masterchefs and Sodexo regularly recruit students. You can explore Sodexo opportunities here: Sodexo Jobs. 

• Campus Accommodation Services also offers part-time roles. Visit: Campus Living Jobs. 

Major Retailers Hiring in Galway 

Many large retailers offer part-time and seasonal jobs. Most have online application portals where you can apply directly.  

Examples are Smyths Toys, Pennys (Primark), Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Aldi ,Lidl, and Supervalu,  

Retailers often hire extra temporary staff in November and December, so keep an eye out for seasonal opportunities. 

Top Tip: The Career Development Centre can also help you in your search for a part-time job and have extensive resources on how to build your CV and prepare for interviews. See here   

Know your rights, check out the Irish Council for International Students for information and advice. 

PPSN 

To work in Ireland, you will need a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). You are required to obtain a PPSN for tax purposes and any formal interaction with state agencies. 

You can apply online for a PPS number using MyWelfare if you are living in Ireland and you are at least 18 years of age. You will also need to sign up for a basic MyGovID account. 

Apply online through the Department of Social Protection website, services.mywelfare.ie 

To apply, you will need the following:  

• A copy of your passport, 
• Insert ‘Education’ as evidence of why you need a PPSN.
• Student registration statement with Galway address (including Eircode). 

Useful apps 

University of Galway – campus map, university news and resources. App Store Play Store 

Met.ie – weather updates from Ireland’s National Meteorological Service. App Store Play Store 

TFI Live – timetables, route maps and live departure information for public transport services across Ireland. App Store Play Store 

Leap Top Up – check balance and top up your TFI Leap Card. App Store Play Store 

TFI Driver Check – gives users peace of mind when travelling by taxi or hackney. App Store Play Store 

SafeZone – University of Galway’s app is designed to keep you safe and give you extra peace of mind across our campuses. App Store Play Store 

Just Eat/Deliveroo – food delivery. App Store Play Store 

Free Now – taxi. App Store Play Store 

MS Authenticator – useful for access to University platforms. App Store Play Store 

Google Maps – find your way! App Store Play Store 

UniDays – sign up for student discounts on online shops. App Store Play Store 

6. Get involved

Clubs 

There are over 45 active and vibrant sports clubs at University of Galway. Joining and participating in a sports club will provide you with lasting memories of college life. Active participation in sport keeps you healthy and gives you a great social outlet. Explore Clubs - sport.universityofgalway.ie/clubs/.  

Societies 

No matter your interests, with over 120 societies on campus you will be sure to find the right fit for you. Joining a society is great way to meet others and immerse yourself in university life. The societies organised over 3,500 fun and engaging events last year for their members. You can join Societies and so much more by logging onto your extra-curricular portal, Yourspace.  Explore Societies -  yourspace.universityofgalway.ie. 

Useful contacts

Accommodation Advisory Service  
Email: accommodation@universityofgalway.ie 

Emergency Services
Ambulance/Fire/Gardaí: 999 or 112  

Fees Enquiries  
Email: fees@universityofgalway.ie 

General Enquiries  
Email: global@universityofgalway.ie

Health Unit  
Emergency Queries: + 353 91 492604 

Incoming Erasmus  
Email: incomingerasmus@universityofgalway.ie 

International Admission Queries  
Email: internationaladmissions@universityofgalway.ie  

Registration Enquiries  
Email: reghelp@universityofgalway.ie 

Shannon College  
Sarah O’Mahony, Marketing Manager, Shannon College  
Email: sarah.omahony@universityofgalway.ie 

Study Abroad/Exchange 
Email: studyabroad@universityofgalway.ie