Ireland has a growing community of international students, each drawn to the shore of the Emerald isle by good and quality Education and captivating scenery.

If you’re moving to study in Ireland, you will be joining about 35,000 international students from over 160 countries. But before you get there, there are things you need to know as an international student.

Change your currency to Euro

As an international student, the best option is to convert money locally, before your arrival. It is wise to arrive in Ireland with at least €200 in cash. In the worst scenario, your credit or debit card might not work upon your arrival in Ireland. You will need backup. The €200 in cash will tide you over for at least one day or night.

The Irish weather conditions

Ireland has an oceanic climate, cloudy and rainy, cool and damp throughout the year. Both the diurnal and the annual temperature ranges are narrow. So both the summer heat and winter frost are rare.

Be sure to pack for all seasons

An international student studying in Ireland can expect four seasons in the space of a couple of hours. This information would help to prepare you ahead while packing, make sure you carry clothes for cold days, warm days, and wet days as you would guarantee all three during your time in Ireland.

Open an Irish Bank account

As a student in Ireland, you’re entitled to open a student bank account, providing appropriate supporting documents. In order to open an account, you would need your passport/driver’s license/National identity card, proof of your Irish home address is required. Students should open a bank account as soon as possible after arrival. One of the services we rendered at LAAM global is to help prepare you for opening an Irish Bank account. This will take the hassle of choosing the right bank and queues in the bank branch.

Don’t hide your Nationality

Do not hide your Nationality. Embrace it(not offensive, of course). After all, they don’t call it and exchange it for nothing. You will likely teach your Irish friends as much as they will teach you.

The Irish people

Ireland remains among the friendliest and most welcoming countries in the world for foreign visitors.

One thing you would be guaranteed as an international student from studying in Ireland is a few new Irish friends. Don’t be shy, move out of your comfort zone, make new friends and meet new people.

Irish people are known for their friendliness, love, and converse with strangers. Probably you need anything during your stay in Ireland don’t be shy or afraid to ask, as the Irish will go beyond to help you out. The best way to experience this is to immerse yourself in it, and the ideal way to do that is to apply with us at LAAM global making your dreams of studying abroad come true is our priority.

Get yourself a student travel card

Basically, one of the best you can do as an international student is to get a student leap card. The student leap card is the national student travel discount card. Apply for the card. The card enables you to receive your student discount on fares across public transport services nationwide.

Plan your budget

The best way to cope abroad as an international student is to start planning your budget ahead of your arrival. Take note of what you need rather than what you want. “Needs” are something you must have in order to live and survive abroad during your studies, on the contrary “wants” refer to something good to have but not essential for survival. For the purpose of spending and saving money wisely, every person must know the difference between needs and wants. As an international student, your main priority should be on what you need to survive during your studies abroad.

Managing your finances well will help you enjoy your experience to the fullest. Little things like bringing your lunch with you would save a lot rather than buying lunch out can be so expensive.