Ireland Pre-Departure Final Checklist
Your comprehensive, last-minute checklist covering everything you need to pack, prepare, and arrange before departing for your studies in Ireland.
Final Preparations Before Your Irish Journey
The final days before departing for Ireland can be both exciting and overwhelming. This comprehensive checklist ensures you have everything organized, packed, and prepared for a smooth transition to your studies in Ireland. We recommend starting your preparations at least three weeks before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Timing Is Essential
Confirm Your Travel Documents
Check passport validity (at least 6 months beyond your planned stay). Ensure you have your visa or study permit, or that your application is on track.
Book Your Flight & Accommodation
Finalize your flight tickets and ensure your temporary or long-term accommodation in Ireland is secured.
Arrange Health Insurance
Purchase adequate health insurance that covers your entire stay in Ireland. Confirm it meets requirements for your visa and university.
Plan Your Finances
Set up your budget, check currency exchange rates, research Irish banking options, and notify your bank of travel plans.
Research Phone/Internet Options
Research Irish mobile phone plans and consider your options for staying connected upon arrival.
Pro Tip
Essential Documents Checklist
Having the right documents properly organized is critical for a smooth entry into Ireland. Keep these documents easily accessible in your carry-on luggage, as you'll need them during your journey and immediately upon arrival. We recommend organizing them in a travel document organizer with labeled sections.
- Passport & Visa: Original passport with student visa or entry permission for Ireland. Keep a photocopy separate from the original.
- University Acceptance Letter: Original acceptance/admission letter from your Irish institution and any correspondence.
- Accommodation Proof: Confirmation of your accommodation arrangement in Ireland (rental agreement, university housing offer, etc.).
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage valid in Ireland. Digital and physical copies.
- Financial Documents: Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor letters).
- Travel Insurance: Policy documents that cover your journey to Ireland.
- Flight Tickets: Printed boarding passes and e-ticket confirmation.
- Academic Records: Original transcripts and degree certificates in sealed envelopes if required by your institution.
- Medical Records: Vaccination records, prescription information, and doctor's notes for any medications you're carrying.
- References/Contacts: List of emergency contacts in your home country and important contacts in Ireland.
- Driver's License: International Driving Permit if you plan to drive in Ireland.
- Extra Passport Photos: 6-8 passport-sized photos may be needed for various registrations in Ireland.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Confirmation that they're activated for international use.
- Travel Guides/Maps: Offline maps or physical guides for your initial navigation.
- Create three sets of all important documents: one original set, one photocopy set for your checked baggage, and one digital set (scanned/photographed and uploaded to secure cloud storage).
- Ensure any required documents are properly authenticated (notarized, apostilled) before departure as per Irish requirements.
- Translate any documents not in English or Irish with certified translations if required.
- Share a digital copy of your document package with a trusted family member or friend who can send them to you if needed.
| Document | Original | Copies | Digital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport with Visa | ✓ | 2-3 | ✓ |
| Acceptance Letter | ✓ | 2 | ✓ |
| Accommodation Proof | ✓ | 1 | ✓ |
| Financial Documents | ✓ | 2 | ✓ |
| Health Insurance | ✓ | 1 | ✓ |
| Academic Records | ✓ | 2 | ✓ |
Complete Packing Guide
Ireland's climate is famously changeable, with mild temperatures and frequent rainfall throughout the year. Pack smart with versatile clothing and essentials that will help you adapt to your new environment while staying within airline baggage limits. Remember that many everyday items can be purchased in Ireland, so prioritize what you truly need to bring.
Everyday Clothing
- 7-10 pairs of underwear and socks
- 5-7 t-shirts/tops for layering
- 2-3 long-sleeve shirts or light sweaters
- 3-4 pairs of jeans/pants
- 2 pairs of comfortable walking shoes (waterproof if possible)
- 1-2 sets of sleepwear
- Comfortable indoor clothing for study sessions
Special Occasions
- 1 semi-formal outfit (for presentations, formal dinners, etc.)
- 1 smart casual outfit for social events
Weather Protection (Essential!)
- Waterproof raincoat or jacket (quality is important!)
- Compact umbrella
- Warm sweaters/hoodies (2-3)
- Winter coat (if arriving Aug-Oct or staying through winter)
- Hat, gloves, and scarf set
- Waterproof boots for rainy days
Accessories
- Sunglasses (yes, even in Ireland!)
- Belt
- Small daypack/bag for daily use
Luggage Strategy
Most airlines flying to Ireland allow 1-2 checked bags (23kg/50lbs each), a carry-on bag (up to 10kg/22lbs), and a personal item. Check your specific airline's policy.
- Checked Luggage: Large suitcase for clothing and non-essential items
- Carry-on: Small suitcase with essentials for first few days (in case checked luggage is delayed)
- Personal Item: Backpack or small bag with documents, valuables, and in-flight necessities
Tip: Use vacuum storage bags to compress clothing and save space. Leave room for items you'll purchase in Ireland.
Important Packing Tips
- Always check your airline's baggage weight and size restrictions.
- Distribute weight evenly between luggage pieces to avoid overweight charges.
- Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles.
- Pack a change of clothes and essential toiletries in your carry-on in case your checked luggage is delayed.
- Wear your heaviest items (coat, boots) during travel to save luggage space.
Financial Preparations
Proper financial planning ensures you'll have access to funds immediately upon arrival in Ireland. Take these steps to organize your finances and avoid monetary stress during your first days abroad. Having the right financial arrangements in place is essential for a smooth transition to your life in Ireland.
- Exchange Currency: Bring €100-200 in cash for immediate expenses upon arrival (taxis, food, etc.).
- Avoid Airport Exchanges: Exchange currency before traveling or at banks/post offices in Ireland for better rates than airport kiosks.
- Emergency Fund: Set aside an emergency fund equivalent to at least €500-1000 that you can access quickly if needed.
- Understand Exchange Rates: Familiarize yourself with the current EUR to your home currency exchange rate to avoid surprises.
- Notify Your Bank: Inform your home bank of your travel dates to Ireland to prevent automatic fraud blocks on your cards.
- Check Card Compatibility: Ensure your debit/credit cards have chip-and-PIN capability, which is standard in Ireland.
- Bank Account Setup: Research Irish banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, etc.) and their student account options for when you arrive.
- International Transfer Options: Set up international transfer methods (Wise, Revolut, etc.) for receiving money from home with lower fees.
- Fee Awareness: Understand foreign transaction fees on your cards and choose ones with minimal international fees.
Before Leaving Home
- Prepare proof of sufficient funds for immigration (bank statements, scholarship letters)
- Set up online banking and download your bank's mobile app
- Make a copy of the front and back of all your payment cards
- Record emergency contact numbers for your bank(s)
- Pay any bills due during your first month abroad
First Week in Ireland
- Open an Irish bank account (bring passport, university acceptance, proof of address)
- Set up online banking for your new Irish account
- Transfer initial living expenses to your Irish account
- Find ATMs near your accommodation that don't charge fees
- Create a monthly budget adapted to Irish living costs
Budgeting for Ireland
Ireland, particularly Dublin, has a high cost of living. Your monthly budget should account for:
- Accommodation: €500-900 (outside Dublin) or €700-1500 (Dublin)
- Food: €200-300
- Transport: €70-120
- Utilities & Internet: €100-150
- Phone: €20-40
- Books & Academic Supplies: €50-100
- Entertainment & Miscellaneous: €150-250
Costs can vary significantly by city and lifestyle. Add a 10-15% buffer for unexpected expenses.
Travel Arrangements & Final Checks
Confirm all your travel arrangements and make final preparations for a smooth journey to Ireland. These last-minute checks will help you avoid complications and ensure your arrival goes as planned. Having organized travel arrangements gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on beginning your academic journey.
- Confirm Flight Details: Verify departure times, terminal information, and check-in requirements 48 hours before departure.
- Online Check-in: Complete online check-in as soon as available (usually 24-48 hours before departure) to secure your preferred seat.
- Print or Download Boarding Passes: Have your boarding pass ready on your phone or printed as a backup.
- Check Weather and Flight Status: Monitor any potential weather disruptions or delays before heading to the airport.
- Airport Transportation: Arrange your transportation to the departure airport and confirm pick-up times.
- Airport to Accommodation Transport: Research and book your transport from Dublin Airport to your accommodation (Aircoach, Dublin Bus, taxi options).
- Accommodation Check-in: Confirm check-in time and procedure with your accommodation provider. Notify them of your arrival time.
- Campus Orientation Schedule: Download or print your university's orientation schedule and note any mandatory registration sessions.
- First-Day Navigation: Download offline maps of your accommodation area, campus, and the route between them.
- Local Emergency Contacts: Save important contacts including local emergency services (112 or 999), your accommodation, and university international office.
Flight & Travel
- Complete online check-in and save boarding pass
- Double-check flight status and travel advisories
- Confirm airport transportation arrangements
- Set multiple alarms for your departure day
- Download entertainment/books for the flight
Final Home Tasks
- Notify credit cards of travel dates
- Activate international roaming or research eSIM options
- Back up important digital documents to cloud storage
- Charge all electronic devices fully
- Weigh your luggage to ensure it meets airline restrictions
Airport Navigation Tips for Dublin
Dublin Airport has two terminals (T1 and T2). Check which terminal your flight arrives at.
- Follow signs to Immigration for non-EU/EEA passport holders. Have your documents ready.
- After collecting luggage, proceed through Customs (Green channel if you have nothing to declare).
- The main transport options from the airport are: Aircoach, Dublin Bus, and taxis.
- There are ATMs in the Arrivals hall if you need to withdraw Euros.
- If your flight is delayed and you'll be arriving late at your accommodation, contact them to make arrangements.
Restricted Items & What Not to Pack
Before finalizing your packing, be aware of items that are restricted or prohibited either by airlines or Irish customs regulations. Avoiding these items will help prevent complications, delays, and potential fines when entering Ireland. Some restrictions may vary between airlines, so always check your specific carrier's policy.
- Liquids Over 100ml in Carry-on: Pack larger liquids in checked luggage or purchase after arrival.
- Sharp Objects: Scissors (with blades longer than 6cm), razor blades outside of cartridges, knives.
- Flammable Items: Lighters, matches (beyond a small personal amount), aerosols, camping gas, gasoline.
- E-cigarettes/Vapes: Permitted in carry-on only, not in checked luggage. Liquids subject to 100ml rule.
- Power Banks/Lithium Batteries: Allowed only in carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage.
- Illegal Drugs: Strictly prohibited. Some prescription medications may be restricted (see medical section).
- Food Products: Most meat, dairy, and fresh produce are prohibited. Packaged foods may need declaration.
- Plants & Seeds: Most plants, seeds, bulbs, and agricultural products are restricted or prohibited.
- Counterfeit Goods: Items violating intellectual property rights (fake branded products).
- Weapons & Offensive Material: Any weapons, even decorative ones, are prohibited. This includes pepper spray and martial arts equipment.
- Excessive Alcohol/Tobacco: Above personal use limits (1L spirits, 200 cigarettes).
- Protected Species: Items made from endangered animals or plants (ivory, exotic leather products, etc.).
When traveling with prescription medications, follow these guidelines to avoid issues at customs:
- Keep medications in original packaging with prescription labels
- Bring a doctor's letter explaining your condition and need for medication, especially for controlled substances
- Carry only the amount needed for your trip plus a small reserve for emergencies
- For controlled medications (narcotics, strong painkillers, ADHD medications), check in advance if they're legal in Ireland
- Diabetes supplies including syringes and lancets should be accompanied by a doctor's letter
What to Purchase After Arrival
To save luggage space and avoid complications with customs or airline restrictions, consider purchasing these items in Ireland:
- Full-sized toiletries
- Household cleaning supplies
- Bed linens, pillows, towels
- Kitchen supplies
- Heavy textbooks
- Stationery and office supplies
- Umbrellas (you'll need one in Ireland!)
- Adapters (if you forget to pack)
- Winter clothing (if arriving in warmer months)
Many student housing areas in Ireland have nearby shops, supermarkets and shopping centers where you can find most essentials.
Critical Checklist Summary
Keep track of these most critical items using your preferred organization method. Consider using a checklist app, notes app, or calendar reminders to stay on top of your preparations.
Documents & Financial
- Passport and visa documents
- University acceptance letter
- Accommodation confirmation
- Health insurance documents
- €100-200 in cash for immediate expenses
Travel & Arrival
- Boarding pass & flight confirmation
- Airport transportation plans
- Essential medications
- Phone with Irish emergency contacts
- Appropriate adapters for electronics
Digital Organization Tips
Use apps like Google Keep, Microsoft To Do, or Apple Reminders to create digital checklists that sync across your devices. Take photos of important documents and store them securely in cloud storage for easy access.
Timeline Planning
Add key preparation tasks to your calendar with reminders. Work backward from your departure date to ensure all critical tasks are completed with sufficient time. Share your calendar with family members so they can help you stay on track.
Related Pre-Departure Resources
Pre-Departure Guide
Comprehensive guide for preparing your move to Ireland
Arrival Plan
Step-by-step guide for your first days in Ireland
Visa Requirements
Essential visa documentation and application process
Need Help With Your Final Preparations?
Get expert assistance with pre-departure arrangements, airport pickup, and settling in Ireland.
Get Pre-Departure Support