pre-arrival guidebook3 1 welcome to nui galway congratulations on receiving an offer to study at nui...

International Affairs Office

for Undergraduate and Postgraduate International Students 2010/11

www.nuigalway.ie/international

Pre-Arrival Guidebook

Updated July 2010

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Welcome to NUI Galway

Congratulations on receiving an offer to study at NUI Galway. You will soon become part of a special University community in Galway. Located in the heart of Galway City, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, the University benefits from all the facilities that a modern city has to offer. Galway has a reputation as a young and student-friendly city, with students accounting for 20% of the population.

We have welcomed international students to Galway for over one hundred years. Presently, over 90 countries are represented in the University giving a truly international feel to the campus.

This practical guide, written by staff of the International Office, will give you all the information you need on important matters such as immigration, housing and registration. Its contents are based on years of experience answering questions from international students. Of course, if there’s anything you need assistance with, please don’t hesitate to call by our office.

I wish you every success with your learning and living experience in Galway.

Anna CunninghamDirector of the Office for International AffairsNational University of Ireland, Galway

Pre-Arrival Guidebook www.nuigalway.ie/international

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May 2010

This booklet is for information purposes only. Every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate at the time of publication. However, the University is not bound by any error or omission therein.

Table of Contents

About NUI Galway 3

A Unique Student Experience 4

Galway - Ireland’s Cultural Heart 5

Student Accommodation 6

Travel to Galway 8

Registration Documentation 9

Tuition Fees 9

Academic Calendar 10

Cost of Living 12

Banking 12

Healthcare and Insurance 13

Student Services 14

International Affairs Office 15

Orientation for International Students 15

Clubs & Societies 16

Student Visas 16

Registering with the Immigration Service 17

Maps 19

Useful Websites 19

Checklist 20


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About NUI GalwayEstablished in 1845, NUI Galway has a long established reputation of teaching and research excellence across a wide range of academic disciplines. Today, the University has over 16,000 students taking undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its five colleges:

•CollegeofArts,SocialSciences,andCelticStudies •CollegeofBusiness,PublicPolicyandLaw •CollegeofEngineeringandInformatics •CollegeofMedicine,NursingandHealthSciences •CollegeofScience

In recent years, the University has been extremely successful in developing a number of internationally renowned inter-disciplinary centres of excellence, in areas including Humanities and Social Sciences, Irish Studies, Film and Digital Media, Human Rights, Biomedical Science and Engineering, Informatics and Web Technology, Environmental and Marine Science.

As a result, today NUI Galway attracts leading academics from around the world, whose expertise helps ensure that our teaching and research programmes continue to respond to the ever changing needs of students, employers and the wider society.

The University places great emphasis on the quality of teaching. Our academic staff work continuously on maintaining their teaching skills and strive to make learning as stimulating as possible by integrating the very latest teaching technologies with traditional lectures and seminars.

In the area of research, the University has been extremely successful in recent years in developing high-quality and internationally renowned research centres and securing record levels of funding from government and private sources.

A Unique Student ExperienceNUI Galway’s commitment to excellence embraces both the academic and personal development of each student, covering the intellectual, physical, social and cultural domains. Here you will enjoy a student experience that you will never forget. Not only will we provide you with an excellent education, we also help you develop personal and social skills that will benefit you throughout your life. We currently have over 150 sports clubs and student societies at NUI Galway. Through clubs and societies you can meet new people, build friendships and improve your talents. Whatever your interests, NUI Galway is sure to have a club or society for you!

NUI Galway also runs ALIVE, a student volunteering programme. We have over 1,200 registered student volunteers with opportunities to work on community projects in Ireland or abroad. You will receive a certificate in recognition of your volunteering work which will also look great on your CV.

Our combination of academic, personal and social development means that a degree from NUI Galway opens up a world of opportunities for you. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers who recognise that they have the right mix of knowledge and social skills to make a real contribution in the workplace. At NUI Galway, we believe our students benefit from a truly unique experience. We are proud of our reputation as a student-centred University, with staff who are friendly and approachable, and ready to make time for you.

NUI Galway also has an excellent reputation for the provision of care and support services to international students. The International Affairs Office in particular provides a comprehensive advisory, information and support service for students and organises various social and cultural events to help new students adjust and integrate into the life of the University.

Our success in this area was demonstrated in the recent International Student Barometer™ study, in which NUI Galway received the highest recommendation score of all the participating Irish universities.

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Galway - Ireland’s Cultural HeartThe unique student experience at NUI Galway owes much to its location in the beautiful west of Ireland. The campus itself is situated on a picturesque site on the banks of the River Corrib, just a short stroll from the centre of Galway city.

Galway has a population of over 70,000 (20% college students) and is Ireland’s third largest city. Often referred to as “Ireland’s Cultural Heart”, in 2008 Galway was named the 14th best European tourist destination by the travel website, TripAdvisor.

The city is a cultural mecca of sorts, attracting thousands to the many festivals throughout the year. A few of the big attractions include The Cúirt International Festival of Literature, the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, the Galway Races and the Oyster Festival – they are famous throughout Ireland and beyond. A lively, energetic place, there is always lots to do in Galway. With its colourful medieval streets, attractive waterways, extensive shopping facilities, wealth of music sessions and other cultural and sporting events.

The unique combination of a vibrant and growing city, with a thriving university and economy, means that Galway has something to offer everyone and caters to young people like few other places can. The rugged landscape and breath-taking views of nearby Connemara are truly impressive, while the atmospheric Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher are well worth a visit.

The Irish people are famed for their hospitality. In 2008, Ireland was named the world’s friendliest country by the travel publisher Lonely Planet. The education system in Ireland is one of the best in the world according to the 2008 independent IMD World Competitiveness Report. Today, seven Irish higher education institutions are ranked in the top 500 Universities in the world. The quality of the Irish education system is widely recognised as a major contributing factor in the rapid rate of economic growth in Ireland over the last two decades, which has seen the country transform into one of the most hi-tech economies in the world.

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Student Accommodation Students have a choice of living in student residences or private rented accommodation.

Student ResidencesLinks to NUI Galway student residences can be found on the Student Accommodation website at www.nuigalway.ie/accommodation. Students should book their accommodation directly with the residences. Students booking accommodation with a student residence should ensure they specify their undergraduate or postgraduate status and request that their accommodation allocations are made accordingly. You may be asked to provide a student identity number. (Note for postgraduate students: your 8 digit student identity number is the same as your PAC reference number.)

There are now ten student residences providing self-catering housing specifically for NUI Galway students. Each student residence is managed independently of the University.

Please Note: Incoming students wishing to book a place in a Student Residence are advised to do so as early as possible. The residences operate a provisional booking system enabling students to secure a place to live in advance by paying a booking deposit. If a student does not take up a course offer at NUI Galway before an agreed date, then most of the deposit money is returned.

Information on each residence can be accessed on their respective web site or by direct contact.

Corrib Village www.corribvillage.com/student/index.htmlDúnáras www.dunaras.ieAmhra House www.galwayrent.com/amhraLisdonagh www.galwayrent.com/lisdonaghGort na Coiribe www.gortnacoiribe.comThe Student Village Menlo Park Apartments www.menloparkaptgalway.com/ Cúirt na Coirib www.cuirtnacoiribe.comAtlantis Apartments www.atlantisapartmentsgalway.comCentrepoint Apartments www.centrepointgalway.comDonegan Court www.donegancourt.com

There are also two smaller residences which provide full board accommodation:

Ros Geal University Residence www.rosgeal.netGort Ard University Residence www.gortard.com

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Private AccommodationThe Accommodation Office, which is located in Áras Uí Chathail, will be able to provide you with a list of availableprivate rented accommodation. This list can be viewed online atwww.nuigalway.ie/student_services/accommodation_office/accommodation_search.html

Another useful source of accommodation listings in Galway City is the classifieds section of the local Galway Advertiser newspaper which can be viewed at www.galwayadvertiser.ie The property website Daft is also a good source of information on rental properties www.daft.ie as is www.collegecribs.ie, www.myhome.ie, andwww.let.ie There are a number of letting agencies in the city which can provide listings of rental properties: Winters Property Management Ltd www.winterspm.com Castle Estates www.castle-estates.ie Homeseekers www.homeseekers.ie

Temporary accommodation can be arranged in one of Galway’s youth hostels or bed and breakfast establishments for a few days to allow time to find more permanent accommodation. Recommended short term accommodation can be found at www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/accommodation_office/temp_accommodation.html

Students who have not booked accommodation in a student residence are advised to arrive in Galway at least a week prior to the start of term to look for accommodation in the private rented sector.

Áras Uí Chathail

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Travel to Galway

AirportsThe two main international airports for entry into Ireland are Dublin International Airport and Shannon International Airport. Dublin International Airport (www.dublinairport.com) is approximately 3 hour’s drive from Galway City and offers flight connections to Galway.

Shannon International Airport (www.shannonairport.com) and Ireland West Airport (www.knockairport.com) are both approximately 1.5 hour’s drive from Galway.

Galway Airport is 5 miles to the east of Galway City (www.galwayairport.com).

Bus ServicesDublin City/Airport, Shannon Airport, Limerick City and Cork City are serviced by bus links to Galway City centre. Citylink (www.citylink.ie) provides a direct service from Dublin City/Airport, Limerick and Cork to Galway City centre. Timetables can be accessed online.

GoBus (www.gobus.ie) provides a direct service to and from Dublin City/Airport. Timetables can be accessed online. Bus Éireann (www.buseireann.ie) provides bus services from numerous locations in Ireland to Galway City.

TrainIrish Rail (www.irishrail.ie) provides a train service from Dublin City to Galway. Both bus stations and the train station are located in Galway City Centre just minutes from Eyre Square.

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Registration DocumentationInternational Students should refer to the Registration Office for information at www.nuigalway.ie/registration.

Tuition FeesAll International fees must be paid in full prior to registration. Information regarding tuition fees at NUI Galway can be viewed online at www.nuigalway.ie/fees. Queries regarding fees should be addressed to [email protected]. The Fees Office is located in Áras Uí Chathail. Students resident in Ireland will receive a bank giro with which to arrange fee payments at a bank. Students not resident in Ireland may pay tuition fees by international bank transfer using the following information:

Bank: Bank of Ireland, 43 Eyre Square, Galway, IrelandIBAN: IE43 BOFI 9038 1628 4541 43Bank Swift Code: BOFIIE2D Please quote your 8-digit Application or Student Number when paying by international bank transfer

Note: Federal Aid (US Citizens): NUI Galway is approved by the US government to certify financial aid under the Family Federal Educational Loan Program. US citizens arranging private or Stafford Loans to finance their education at NUI Galway are responsible for ensuring that their loan application paperwork is received prior to 1st of July for the subsequent September intake. Students are advised to contact the International Affairs Office at NUI Galway for an information pack as soon as they receive their Letter of Acceptance from NUI Galway. Please contact the International Affairs Office at [email protected] or call + 353 91 495 277. For more information please see:

International Affairs Office, NUI Galway http://www.nuigalway.ie/international/fees/federalaid.htmlFree Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ SallieMae http://www.salliemae.com/international/us_students/

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Academic Calendar 2010/11

Arrangements for First Year Undergraduate Students Exceptions apply in the case of: First Year Arts Students (Examination Dates in Semester II)

First Semester 2010/11International Students Orientation Thursday 2nd September - Friday 3rd September, 2010Main University Orientation (All First Year Students) Saturday and Sunday, 11th and 12th September, 2010Registration and Teaching will take place in the week of 13th September, 2010 in accordance with information which will be provided to students

Monday, 13th September, 2010

Teaching ends Saturday, 4th December, 2010Study Week Monday, 6th December, 2010Examinations begin Monday, 13th December, 2010Examinations end Friday, 17th December, 2010Christmas Vacation Sunday, 19th December, 2010 –

Sunday, 9th January, 2011Second SemesterTeaching begins Monday, 10th January, 2011Teaching ends for Easter and teaching is finished for the Semester

Saturday, 2nd April, 2011

Study Week Monday, 4th April, 2011Examinations Monday, 11th April – Wednesday, 20th April

and Thursday, 28th April - …….Easter vacation Thursday, 21st April – Wednesday, 27th April, 2011Examinations end Friday, 20th May, 2011

Easter Sunday in 2011 is on 24th AprilExceptions apply in the case of: First Arts (Examination Dates in Semester II)The Academic Calendar as set out above applies with the following exceptions for First Arts – Examination Dates in Semester II

Semester 2 Examinations First Arts Tuesday p.m., 12th April – Friday, 15th April Semester 1 Repeat Examinations First Arts Tuesday p.m. 10th May – Friday, 13th May, 2011 Semester 2 Repeat Examinations First Arts Tuesday p.m., 17th May – Friday, 20th May, 2011

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Outline arrangements for Students other than First Year Undergraduate and Clinical Medical StudentsFirst Semester 2010/11Teaching begins Monday, 6th September, 2010Teaching ends Saturday, 27th November, 2010Study Week Monday, 29th November, 2010Examinations begin Monday, 6th December, 2010Examinations end Friday, 17th December, 2010

Christmas Vacation Sunday, 19th December, 2010 – Sunday, 9th January, 2011Second SemesterTeaching begins Monday, 10th January, 2011Teaching ends for Easter and teaching is finished for the Semester

Saturday, 2nd April, 2011

Study Week Monday, 4th April, 2011Examinations Monday, 11th April – Wednesday, 20th April and Thursday,

28th April - …………….Easter Vacation Thursday, 21st April – Wednesday, 27th April, 2011Examinations end TBC (Check with Exams Office)

Easter Sunday in 2011 is on 24th AprilExceptions apply in the case of: Third Year Engineering and IT StudentsThe Academic Calendar as set out above applies with the following exceptions in Second Semester:

Teaching begins Monday, 10th January, 2011Teaching ends Saturday, 5th March, 2011Study Week Monday, 7th March, 2011Examinations begin Monday, 14th March, 2011PEP begins Monday, 4th April, 2011

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Cost of LivingThe following information will give you an indication of the monthly cost of living in Galway. These costs are an approximation only as monthly costs will depend on each student’s individual needs and lifestyle.

Monthly € Accommodation € 340 Food € 260 Books and other academic requisites € 60 Clothes, laundry € 60 Recreation € 180 Other € 100 Total per month € 1,000

Banking There is a Bank of Ireland located on campus (Arts Science Building). There are also branches of Allied Irish Bank (Newcastle Rd) and the Ulster Bank (Newcastle Rd) within walking distance of the NUI Galway campus. Students who need to transfer funds from overseas should do so by wire transfer, as it is the quickest most cost effective way to do so.

Documentation required to open a bank account •Passport•NUIGalwaystudentidentitycard•LetterfromNUIGalwayconfirmingstudentstatusandthestudents’homeaddressandGalwayaddress(thislettercan be acquired from International Affairs Office once student registration has been completed).

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Healthcare and Insurance

General A free General Practice (G.P.) service is available to all registered NUI, Galway students in the Student Health Unit on campus. The Student Health Unit is located in Áras na Mac Léinn. A 24 hour emergency medical telephone number is available to students outside office hours. The telephone number for the Health Unit is 091 492604.

Outside opening hours an emergency on-call doctor can be accessed on 091-492604. This cover is provided by local doctors and students will be responsible for call out fees except in the case of medical card holders, European Health Insurance Card holders or NHS students. Further information regarding the Student Health Unit services is available at www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/health_unit/

Non-European Union (EU) Students All non-EU international students are advised to ensure they have comprehensive health insurance, which includes cover in the event of hospitalisation. This policy may be obtained in their country of origin, in which case a copy of the policy in English should be obtained before travelling to Ireland. Non-EU students will be asked to show proof of comprehensive medical insurance when registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Proof of medical expenses insurance is also required for non-EU students who require a study visa to enter Ireland. Medicover is a medical expenses insurance policy available exclusively to students travelling to Ireland from overseas to undertake a course of study at an approved educational establishment. The policy provides cover for medical expenses incurred whilst in Ireland arising from any accident or any illness requiring hospitalisation to a limit of €2,500,000 during the period of insurance. Medicover does not provide cover for any pre-existing illness known to the insured person at the time of purchase.

For more information, or to purchase Medicover, please visit www.odon.ie/nuigalway

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EU Students EU students from any member state of the EU are entitled to free hospital services provided they have Form E.109 with them. The E111 and E128 forms have been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC Card was introduced on 1 June 2004. It means that you can get necessary healthcare in the public system of any EU / EEA country or Switzerland, if you become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country.

Irish Health Insurance CompaniesThe Voluntary Health Insurance Company (VHI) offers a 10% discount to NUI Galway students. The VHI website is www.vhi.ie. Other health insurance providers in Ireland are Quinn Health Care (www.quinn-healthcare.com) and Aviva (www.aviva.ie). Please note that no private plan or public treatment covers the cost of medication. You will be required to be a resident in Ireland in order to obtain a health insurance policy from an Irish provider.

Student Services Personal Support:•Accommodation(Housing)•Chaplaincy•Counselling•DisabilitySupport•HealthPromotion•HealthUnit•StudentConnectMentoringProgramme•StudySkills•StudentAssistanceFundandChildcare

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Sports Centre, NUI Galway


Career and Professional Support: •JobSearch•PostgraduateStudy&StudyAbroad•Careerandoccupationinformation•WorkExperience(PEPandGEP)

Student Facilities and Services•SportFacilities•47SportsClubs•109Societies•SportsCentre

Further information regarding these services can be accessed online at www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/

International Affairs Office The International Affairs Office also provides a range of support services specifically for international students including:

•InternationalStudentOfficer•OrientationProgrammes(SeptemberandJanuary)•Englishlanguagesupportclasses•ComprehensiveSupportandAdviceservices

Further information regarding these services can be accessed online at www.nuigalway.ie/international

Orientation for International Students Orientation sessions will he held on Thursday 2nd of September 2010 to introduce international students to the services available to them on campus. Services covered include accommodation, health, support for students with special needs, counselling services, chaplaincy, student sports clubs and societies, library, computer services, banking and volunteering.

Practical advice is offered on living in Galway City as well as personal safety advice. The orientation days are also attended by representatives of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) who advise students on immigration registration. These events also provide a valuable opportunity for international students to meet one another.

NOTE: An additional compulsory orientation programme is provided each September for all undergraduate students, including full degree international students, which provides information on specific degree programmes. For more information, please see the Student Services First Information site http://firstinfo.nuigalway.ie/

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Clubs & Societies International students are strongly advised to get involved with NUI Galway’s sports clubs and student societies as a way of integrating into campus life and providing a rich social experience. Sports clubs and societies regularly organise social events both on and off campus. Trips organised by clubs and societies are subsidised and offer a less expensive way of travelling around Ireland. Sports clubs and societies days are held each semester to facilitate membership recruitment.

* This is a select list only. More information on all of the University’s Student Societies and Sports Clubs can be found at http://www.nuigalway.ie/student-life/campus-activities/

Student VisasIt is a student’s responsibility to ensure that s/he obtains and maintains a valid passport and student visa to enter Ireland for study purposes. Some international students do not require a visa to study in Ireland. A list of countries whose citizens do not require visas to enter Ireland can be found at www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000016

Citizens from countries not appearing on this list will be required to obtain a student visa to study in Ireland. International students must be enrolled on a full-time course of study in order to obtain a study visa and comply with Irish immigration regulations.

Information regarding visa applications can be obtained on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000018

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service provide a weekly update of visa decisions on their website. Applicants may search under their visa reference number.

Please note that tuition fees should be paid in full prior to applying for a student visa. In the case of students applying for visas to the Irish Visa Offices in India and China, visas are pre-approved prior to full fees being paid. In all other cases, fees should be paid in full prior to a visa application being lodged. Please contact the International Affairs Office when you have made your fee payment to obtain written confirmation that fees are paid [email protected].

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Sports Clubs*:Archery Athletics Basketball Cricket Fencing Frisbee Gaelic GamesHockey Inline HockeyKayaking Mountaineering

Rowing (Crew)Rugby Sailing Soccer Surf Swimming & WaterpoloTennis Volleyball

Students Societies*:Art SocietyCeltic Heritage SocietyChess SocietyChoral SocietyComedy SocietyDance Society Drama SocietyFilm SocietyLiterary & Debating SocietyHuman Rights Society

International Students SocietyLaw SocietyMusic SocietyOrchestra SocietyPhotography SocietyPolitical Discussion SocietyTraditional Irish Music Society


When submitting visa applications please ensure •Youhaveavalidpassport•Youhavefullycompletedandsignedyourvisaapplicationform•Youhaveevidenceofmedicalinsurance•YouhaveevidenceoffinancestosupportyourstudyinIreland•YouhavealetterfromNUIGalwayconfirmingyouracceptancetoafulltimecourseofstudy•YouhavealetterfromtheInternationalAffairsOfficeconfirmingyourtuitionfeesarepaidinfull•YoushouldprovidefulldetailsofallvisaapplicationstoanycountryincludingIrelandandifrefusedbyanycountryinclude the letter of refusal that issued from that state.

Applicants for student visas should contact the International Affairs Office ([email protected]) with the following information once their student visa application has been submitted:

•Name•Countryoforigin•Visareferencenumber•Dateofapplication•TheIrishEmbassytowhichapplicationwasmade•Titleofcourseyouwillbepursuing

Registering with the Immigration ServiceAll non-EU/EEA nationals are subject to immigration control at the point of entry to the Irish State. You should ensure that you have your NUI Galway offer letter available to show to immigration officials to prove that you are entering the state with the intention of pursuing a course of study in Ireland. Your passport will then be stamped noting your reason for entering the states i.e. study.

If you are an E.U. or EEA citizen you do not need to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). All students from non-E.U. countries must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau within 30 days of arrival in Ireland. The GNIB office is located at

Unit 2, Liosbaun Industrial EstateTuam Road,Galway.Telephone number is 091 768002.

Upon registration students will receive an immigration certificate of registration (Registration Card). A fee of €150 will be charged in respect of the registration certificate.

For immigration registration students require:

•Passport

•Currentstudentidentitycard

•StudyAbroadstudentsshouldbringtheiroriginalletterofofferfromNUIGalway.

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•Full degree undergraduate and full degree postgraduate students will require an additional letter from the International Affairs Office confirming their course of study and the start and finish dates of the course.

•ProofofyourresidentialaddressinGalwaye.g.autilitybillwithyournameandaddressoraletterfromyourlandlord/student residence confirming your residential address. Changes of address must be notified to the GNIB.

•Evidenceoffinancialsupporte.g.originalbankstatementwhichshowsthestudents’name.Studentsmustshowtheyhave a minimum of €1000 available to them. Documentation should be originals; photocopies are not accepted. It is advisable to open a bank account in Ireland in order to demonstrate your financial status to the GNIB. Student bank accounts with Irish banks are not liable for any bank charges. Letters to open bank accounts can be obtained from the International Affairs Office. Please note that bank statements printed from online bank accounts or ATM print outs will not be accepted by the GNIB.

•Personalcredit/debitcardforpaymentofimmigrationfeeof€150.Ifastudentdoesnothaveacreditcard,he/shewill be issued with a bank giro form by the Immigration Officer to take to a bank to make the payment and will be requested to return with the completed bank giro form, confirming payment of the fee. Payment may be made at the student’s bank on campus.

•Proofofcomprehensivemedicalinsurancewhichmustincludehospitalisationcover.Youmustprovidetheoriginalpolicy document in English and the policy document should cite your name. Your policy should clearly state the precise start and finish dates of the insurance cover. You should therefore ensure that you are covered for the full length of time you are in Ireland i.e. either for the academic year or the semester as appropriate. If you have an insurance card for your policy you should bring it with you to the GNIB office.•Underimmigrationrules,allnon-EUstudentsmustnotifytheGNIBofanychangestotheirregistrationdetails(including change of address, change of course, or withdrawal from a course) whilst they are in Ireland. The GNIB must be notified within 7 days. This can be done either by post or fax (091 768003).

Only original documentation should be presented to the GNIB. Photocopied or faxed documents are not acceptable.

NB: Students entering the state through Northern Ireland are not subject to border control upon entering the Republic of Ireland. These students must present themselves to the local GNIB office within 7 days of arrival to have their passports stamped.

Non EU students with childrenFirst time students presenting for registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau from Autumn 2008 will be asked to confirm that they are neither accompanied by children nor do they intend to have their children join them later on. If they are unable to meet this requirement they will not be registered unless the placement of the child in education has been expressly approved in writing by the Department of Education and Science or the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP08000025

It is a requirement of the Garda National Immigration Bureau that non-EU students with children of school going age must enrol their children in private fee paying schools in Ireland. This requirement is stated in the Student Visa Guidelines on the website of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service at www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000018

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Students Under 18 Years of AgeAny person who wishes to pursue a course of study in Ireland must be enrolled at a private fee-paying school or college. There is one private fee paying primary school in Galway City; Grianach House School http://www.grianachhouse.org/. There is no fee paying post primary school in Galway City.

NOTE: Immigration regulations are subject to change. We will endeavour to update you on any changes. For recent updates, please see www.nuigalway.ie/international.

Re-Entry VisasPlease refer to the Irish Nationalisation & Immigration Service website for information on the application process for re-entry visas at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP07000158

For further information or queries please email [email protected]

MapsCampus maps, student residences maps and maps of Galway city are available from the International Affairs Office or can be downloaded from the University website

Interactive Campus Map http://www.nuigalway.ie/campus_map/ Campus Map (pdf)http://www.nuigalway.ie/international/documents/campus_map_2008.pdfGalway City Maphttp://www.nuigalway.ie/international/documents/galway_city_map.pdf Student Residences Maphttp://www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/accommodation_office/documents/student_residences_map_0405.pdf

Useful Websites NUI Galway International Affairs Office www.nuigalway/international

NUI Galway Students’ Union www.su.nuigalway.ie

NUI Galway Student Information Network www.sin.nuigalway.ie

NUI Galway Student Services website www.firstinfo.nuigalway.ie

Galway Advertiser (local newspaper) www.galwayadvertiser.ie

Galway Independent (local newspaper) www.galwayindependent.com

Galway County Council www.galway.ie

Galway City Council www.galwaycity.ie

Galway.net (local website) www.galway.net

Galway1.ie (local website) www.galway1.ie

Irish Government Information www.oasis.gov.ie

The Immigrant Council of Ireland www.immigrantcouncil.ie

Visa/immigration Information www.inis.gov.ie

Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment www.entemp.ie

CNBC Irish Mind TV Series www.theirishmind.com

Checklist

The following is a brief list things you need to do once you have received an offer to study at NUI Galway

1. Accept your offer

2. Pay deposit (if applicable)

3. Pay Tuition Fee balance Unless otherwise stated, all international students are required to pay the balance of their annual tuition fee before registration. See p. 9 for more information. Non-EU students from visa-required countries should contact the International Affairs Office for a letter confirming the receipt of the their tuition fee.

4. Purchase Health Insurance (if applicable)See pp. 11-12 for more information.

5. Apply for Study Visa (if applicable) If you are from a country outside the EU, you may require a visa to enter the country. Full details of countries whose citizens do not require entry visas is available at http://www.inis.gov.ie/. If you are a citizen of a country that is not on this list, you will need a valid study visa in order to study in Ireland. Visa applications can take 6-8 weeks to process so students are advised to make their application as soon as they receive an offer from NUI Galway. See http://www.inis.gov.ie/ for more information.

6. Book Accommodation (Housing) See pp. 6-7 for more information. The Accommodation Office is located in Aras Uí Chathail and can offer advice and assistance for booking accommodation in student residences and other accommodation options. For more information visit http://www.nuigalway.ie/accommodation_office/

7. Make Travel ArrangementsAll international students should arrive in Ireland in time for Orientation. For Orientation dates, please refer to the Academic Calendar (page 10) or contact the International Affairs Office at [email protected]

8. University Registration You will receive instructions on Student Registration from the International Affairs Office. See http://www.nuigalway.ie/registration/ for more information.

9. Orientation (2nd September 2010)See p. 14 for more information. All International Students are strongly advised to arrive in Galway in time for orientation in order to receive further practical advice and information regarding living and studying in Ireland.

10. Register with Gárda National Immigration BureauNon EU/EEA citizens must register with the immigration service within 30 days of their arrival in Ireland. A letter confirming student status and information about registering with the immigration service can be obtained from the International Affairs Office after registering as a student.

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International Affairs OfficeNational University of Ireland, Galway7 Distillery Road, Galway, Ireland.Phone: +353 (0)91 495277 Fax: +353(0)91 495551 E-mail: [email protected]: www.nuigalway.ie/international

pre-arrival guidebook3 1 welcome to nui galway congratulations on receiving an offer to study at nui...

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