You got your place in Maynooth University? Congratulations! You’ve already started your journey on studying in Ireland and, believe or not, the pre-arrival information seeking phase can be the most hectic and stressful one. 

In this blog, I’ll explore the key information any prospective international student should know before arriving in the Emerald Isle.Picture: Student Ambassador Katheryn Aymerich in front of Maynooth University’s Library

First, you need to register with the university online after receiving your acceptance email from the Student Records Office. Once you get to campus, you’ll need to finish the registration process in-person.

Finding accommodation

Have you secured accommodation yet? If not, here are some tips to consider. 

Image: Courtyard apartments. In-campus accommodation in Maynooth University

There are both in-campus and off-campus accommodation available. Living in-campus is competitive and it is advised to look for off-campus accommodation. However, if you’re interested in living in the student residences, you should check this website and click on the correct categories, as applications vary depending on whether you’re a postgrad or undergrad and whether you are an EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA student.

Regarding finding off-campus accommodation, ‘house hunting’ is difficult, especially when abroad. Registered students have access to Maynooth Student Pad, a free search engine offered by the university. To gain access, you need to know what criteria is needed to set up an account, which depends on your student category (ERASMUS, full-degree international, etc). See more here.

While you’re waiting for access, or whether you just want to take a look at prices, you can use external engines such as www.daft.ie or www.rent.ie. 

Off-campus accommodation can be divided in two types: house sharing and owner-occupied. Living with a family (owner occupied house) is the cheapest option and suitable for those living alone for the first time. However, you should know your rights as you don’t get the same as a normal tenant, and you landlord is not legally obliged to give you a tenancy agreement. See the Maynooth Students’ Union tips on this! Also, remember to look out for landlords who offer 5-days accommodation only! As shockingly as it sounds, it is common that a 5-day basis is offered since those who live in the island go home for the weekend. 

Transport in Ireland

Image: a LEAP card

Having a leap card will help you get up to 50% off public transport in Ireland. The type of leap card depends on your age. If you’re over 26 years old, you can get the student leap card. Otherwise, you’ll need the young adult leap card, or child leap card if you’re still 18. You can check this information in the leap card website or by asking the Maynooth Student’s Union.

Medical Insurance

If you’re from the EU/EEA, you should bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. 

Non-EU/EEA students are obliged by Irish Immigration law to purchase private medical insurance. Maynooth University has a dedicated group scheme for non-EU/EEA with VHI Healthcare. This scheme is available to students enrolled on an academic course of one year or more. It offers a discounted rate and immediate cover for all new and pre-existing conditions.

A family doctor, or physician, is commonly referred to as a GP in Ireland. The University’s Student Health Centre offers a free GP and nurse available during term time.

Working in Ireland

Are you planning to work in Ireland? There are a few things you should know beforehand:

Image: Revenue Commissioners

You will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number. This helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information in Ireland.

Whether it is a seasonal job, a part-time job or working within the university for a student role, you need to get used to the Irish tax system before starting a new paid role. You need to register your first job with Revenue. Your student status won’t automatically give you tax reductions; you’re expected to be familiar with the terminology and tax rates. Getting use to the system in advance will help you avoid any unjustified charges while you’re working in seasonal jobs such as a Student Ambassador role, like it happened to me.

Final advice

Having a budget will help you organise your expenses. You can check out the Student Budgeting Advice Service’ living expenses guide for an example budget.

For more detailed information about what to do before arriving in Ireland, visit the International Office’ key information guide here.

If you have any questions about what your next step should be, don’t hesitate to contact us Student Ambassadors here and, if we don’t know the answer, we will connect you to someone who does!

Good luck with all your future endeavours!