Palash Academy

🇮🇪 Pre-Departure Guide

Ireland — Know before you fly

Everything Indian students need to prepare for Ireland: arrival, first week, culture, emergency contacts, and packing.

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Departure Checklist

Print or save this before you pack

1Valid passport (6+ months validity)
2Irish student visa (if required — Indian nationals need Type D visa)
3University acceptance letter
4Proof of funds (€7,000+ or scholarship letter)
5Accommodation in Ireland confirmed
6Private health insurance
7Onward / return ticket
8Prescription medicines
9IRP registration documents ready
10Digital copies of all documents

Arrival Essentials

At the Airport (GNIB)

  • Immigration officer stamps your passport with permission to land
  • You will receive a Stamp 2 (student permission)
  • Carry your letter of acceptance, bank statements, and accommodation details
  • Register with GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) within 90 days

IRP Registration (Irish Residence Permit)

  • Register online at inisonline.jahs.ie (Dublin) or local Garda station (outside Dublin)
  • Pay €300 registration fee (one-time per entry)
  • Bring passport, acceptance letter, bank statement, proof of accommodation
  • IRP is your legal permission to remain in Ireland as a student

What to Carry

  • Acceptance letter and proof of enrollment
  • Bank statements showing €7,000+ (or scholarship evidence)
  • Accommodation confirmation in Ireland
  • Health insurance (private or university plan)
  • Return ticket or proof of onward travel

First Week Checklist

HIGH

Register for IRP at GNIB/Garda station

Within 90 days. Bring passport, acceptance letter, bank statement, and accommodation proof.

HIGH

Enroll at university and get student ID

Collect student card, laptop loan (if available), library access.

HIGH

Open an Irish bank account

Bank of Ireland, AIB, Revolut, N26 — student accounts available. Revolut is easiest for instant setup.

HIGH

Get an Irish SIM

Three Ireland, Vodafone, Eir, Tesco Mobile — from €10–15/month. Buy with passport.

MEDIUM

Apply for PPS Number (if working)

Personal Public Service Number — apply at Intreo Centre. Needed for any employment.

MEDIUM

Register with a GP

Find a GP near your accommodation. Private consultation is €50–70. Some universities have campus clinics.

MEDIUM

Get Leap Card for transport

Student Leap Card for buses and LUAS (Dublin tram). Buy at Leap.ie or newsagents.

HIGH

Attend international student welcome

Meet the international office team, get campus tour, connect with other students.

Cultural Briefing

Do's

  • • Embrace pub culture — it's the centre of Irish social life (non-alcoholic drinks available too)
  • • Say "grand" when something is fine — you'll hear it constantly
  • • Engage in banter — the Irish love wit, sarcasm, and friendly teasing
  • • Be ready to talk about GAA (Gaelic sports) — it's serious business
  • • Tip 10–15% at restaurants if service is not included

Don'ts

  • • Don't confuse the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland (UK) — very sensitive
  • • Don't dismiss Irish history or politics lightly
  • • Don't be overly formal — Ireland is very casual
  • • Don't expect pubs to be just about drinking — they're community spaces
  • • Avoid sensitive topics: the Troubles, Brexit impact on the border, unless invited to discuss

Pro Tips

  • ★ Aldi and Lidl are the most affordable supermarkets
  • ★ Dublin Bus and Luas apps are essential — plan routes in advance
  • ★ Student Leap Card saves 50%+ on public transport
  • ★ Daft.ie and Rent.ie for accommodation search
  • ★ Irish weather: carry a waterproof jacket everywhere — it can rain any time of year

Weather & Packing Guide

Year-round (variable!)

5–20°C

All year

  • Waterproof jacket (essential — non-negotiable)
  • Multiple warm layers
  • Waterproof boots
  • Scarf and gloves
  • A couple of light summer items for the rare sunny spell

Summer (Jun–Aug)

12–22°C

Jun–Aug

  • Light to medium clothes
  • Waterproof jacket (still needed)
  • Sunscreen for rare sunny days

Winter (Nov–Feb)

3–10°C

Nov–Feb

  • Heavy coat
  • Thermal innerwear
  • Winter boots
  • Gloves, scarf, and hat

Local Resources for Indian Students

Indian Grocery Stores

  • Indian Spice Centre (Dublin)
  • Asia Market (multiple Dublin locations)
  • Eastern European & Asian stores nationwide

Places of Worship

  • Dublin Hindu Temple
  • Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (Dublin)
  • Sikh Gurdwara (Dublin)

Indian Restaurants

  • Rasam (Dublin)
  • Indian Brasserie (Dublin)
  • Local curry houses in Cork, Galway, Limerick

Student Communities

  • Indian Society at each university
  • ISIE (Indian Students in Ireland)
  • Facebook: Indians in Ireland / Indians in Dublin