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Ireland

UCEAP Arrival and Orientation Information

Fall and Year Programs 2014-15

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

UCEAP orientation in Ireland

(a) Dates & Venue (b) Orientation Accommodation (c) How to get to UCEAP orientation (d) Orientation Program

Host Institution Orientation

(a) Travel to Host Institution (b) NUI Galway Orientation (c) UC Dublin Orientation (d) UC Cork Orientation (e) Trinity College Orientation

Accommodation

Arriving early? Luggage, mobile phones, money and jet lag – useful tips from previous participants Contact details for UCEAP Study Centre

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UCEAP orientation in Ireland

All students attending universities in Ireland must attend an UCEAP orientation in Dublin. Full participation in the UCEAP orientation is required for all students as it is an integral part of the student contract. Failure to attend the whole UCEAP orientation could result in dismissal from the program.

(a) UCEAP Orientation Dates & Venue

UCEAP orientation will take place in Dublin. Please find below the date, location and start time.

Your Irish Host University

UCEAP Orientation

Location

Arrive in Dublin for Orientation

by:

UCEAP Orientation accommodation

UCEAP Orientation starts:

UCEAP Orientation ends:

UC Cork

NUI Galway

UC Dublin

Dublin Saturday 30

August, 2014

Travelodge,

St Stephen’s Green

Saturday 30 August, 11.30am at the

Travelodge

Monday 1 September, 9.00am

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin Thursday 11

September, 2014

Travelodge,

St Stephen’s Green

Thursday 11 September, 11.30am

at the Travelodge

Saturday 13 September, 9.00am

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Orientation Accommodation:

UCEAP has pre-paid 2 nights at the Travelodge St Stephen’s Green for you so you are not responsible for these two nights’ accommodation. If you require any additional nights, please arrange and pay for this directly with the hotel. There are several branches of the Travelodge in Dublin so please ensure you travel to the St Stephen’s Green location.

Travelodge St Stephen’s Green Lower Mercer Street Dublin Tel: +353 147 20 800 Website: Travelodge St Stephen's Green Please search “Travelodge Lower Mercer Street, Dublin” for online map: Location

Check-in is from 2pm onwards but if your room is available, the hotel will let you check in early. Alternatively, please ask to store your luggage in the locked storeroom and meet the group in Reception at 11.30am. Check-out is by 12 noon.

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(b) How to get to UCEAP Orientation:

Getting to Ireland: Airline information: You can fly to Ireland directly from the States or via one of the larger UK airports depending on the airline. We recommend that you fly into Dublin International Airport. If you are flying into Shannon airport and want to know how to get to Dublin please contact fraser.bryden@uceapedinburgh.org.uk For flight information, you may wish to check the following airlines, although this is just an initial list: Aer Lingus: http://www.aerlingus.com/ American Airlines: http://www.americanairlines.com British Airways: www.britishairways.com Northwest Airlines: http://www.nwa.com/ Delta Air: www.delta.com Getting from the Airport to the Orientation Hotel: To get to the hotel from Dublin International airport, take the Airlink Bus to College Green (Trinity

College/Temple Bar) – Stop 12. Please see the attached bus stop brochure: Airlink Bus Information. This will cost you 6 euros for a single fare. If you are flying into a city other than Dublin, you will be able to take a Citylink http://www.citylink.ie/ or Bus Eireann http://www.buseireann.ie/ coach to Dublin City Centre. Once you get off the bus walk to the top of Grafton Street, toward St Stephen’s Green and take a right along King Street South and then next left onto Lower Mercer Street.

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You could also take a taxi directly from the airport. This costs around 30 euros but it may be worth it if you have a lot of luggage or there are a few of you to share the cost! Please note that if you get a taxi you do not need to tip the driver too much, generally 1 or 2 euros will be enough.

(c) Orientation Program Your UCEAP Orientation will start at 11.30am prompt. After a welcome meeting, you will have a short break for lunch before we head off to visit a local attraction, such as Kilmainham Gaol or the Book of Kells. We will then go for dinner in the city centre. The following day will consist of meetings on Academics and Life in Ireland, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Dublin and dinner. *Itinerary subject to change* You are advised to wear comfortable shoes as we will be doing a lot of walking and to bring a bottle of water. You will also need a small amount of money (around 14 euros) for lunches. Ireland has a rainy climate so although temperatures will be in the mid 60’s, chances are it will rain so make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking! Please note that UCEAP orientation is for UCEAP students only. Friends and family will not be able to participate in UCEAP orientation meetings or activities but there are plenty of attractions in Dublin to see whilst you are busy. You can check the Dublin tourist website for an idea of what is available.

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Host Institution Orientation

(a) Travel to host institution

Students going to Galway and Cork: UCEAP will pre-purchase a Citylink or Aircoach coach ticket for you from Dublin to Galway so you do not need to arrange this travel yourself. Your bus will leave Dublin in the morning on September 1st and the journey will last around 2.5 hours. You will be given instructions at orientation on how to get to the correct bus stop in Dublin. UCEAP students will be housed at various residences around Galway and Cork. Our advice is that upon arrival in your host city, you take a taxi to your accommodation. As both cities are fairly small, a taxi should cost you no more than 15 euro. You will be with other UC students so if you are heading in the same direction if will be cheaper to share a taxi. Students going to UC Dublin & Trinity College Dublin If you are staying in campus accommodation or in a private residence in Dublin city centre, UCEAP will give €10 towards a taxi fare to take you to your accommodation. Further information will be given at UCEAP orientation.

(b) NUI Galway Host Orientation Your NUI Galway orientation will take place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September. You must attend the mandatory sessions on course registration but there will also be other optional activities such as campus/library tours and evening events organised for you. Please keep checking the following website for details. http://www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/atnuig.html

(c) UC Dublin Host Orientation

Your UC Dublin orientation will take place from Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 September. During this time, you must attend all mandatory information sessions regarding course registration. There will also be a variety of social activities as well as campus & library tours organised for you. Please keep checking the following website for details: http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/coming-to-ireland/orientation/

(d) UC Cork Host Orientation

Your host orientation will take place from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 September. During this time, you must attend all mandatory information sessions regarding course registration. There will also be a variety of social activities as well as campus & library tours organised for you. Please keep checking the UCC website for details: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/international/visiting/orientation/

(e) Trinity College Dublin Host Orientation

Your Trinity orientation will take place from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September. During this time, you must attend all mandatory information sessions regarding course registration. There will also be a variety of social activities as well as campus & library tours organised for you. Our liaison at Trinity will email detailed arrival information shortly. You can also check the Trinity International Office website for their orientation information: http://www.tcd.ie/international/

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Host Institution Accommodation: Please refer to the 2014/15 Program Guide “Housing and Meals” tab for detailed information on host university housing as well as the host institution’s accommodation website. You can find the Program Guide in Item 1 of the pre-departure checklist: http://eap.ucop.edu/Participants/ireland/Pages/1415_irish_universities_fall.aspx

Arriving Early?

Please refer to the 2014/15 Program Guide “Housing and Meals” tab for detailed information on Temporary Accommodation in Dublin. You can find the Program Guide in Item 1 of the pre-departure checklist: http://eap.ucop.edu/Participants/ireland/Pages/1415_irish_universities_fall.aspx It may also be possible to check in to your campus accommodation early or find alternative temporary accommodation on campus. The Accommodation Office at your host institution will be able to provide you with exact details of rooms available and costs. If you have family travelling over with you or you prefer to stay in private bed & breakfast / hotel accommodation for your first few days, then you may also find hotel recommendations on your host campus Accommodation website and the local Tourist Board websites, as listed below.

Host University Accommodation Office Contact Details:

UC CORK College Road, Cork

Tel: +353 21 490 2353 Fax: +353 21 427 4483

Email: asa@ucc.ie http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/postgrad/where/temp-lodgings/

NUI GALWAY Aras Ui Chathail Building

Tel: +353 91 492 760 Contact; Agnes O’Farrell

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN: Please note that campus accommodation is not guaranteed, especially for students coming for one semester only. Trinity gives priority to first year students and international students who are staying for the full year. Detailed information on finding private accommodation in Dublin is given in your Program Guide, as above.

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Email: agnes.ofarrell@nuigalway.ie http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/accommodation_office/

http://www.nuigalway.ie/student_services/accommodation_office/temp_accommodation.html

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN Accommodation Office

West Chapel Trinity College, Dublin 2

Tel: +353 1 896 1177 Fax: +353 1 671 1127

Email: residences@tcd.ie and trinity.hall@tcd.ie http://www.tcd.ie/accommodation/Visitors/

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN UC Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 1034 Fax: +353 1 716 1154

Email: Residences@ucd.ie http://www.ucd.ie/residences/

Alternatively, you can also find hotel accommodation via the local tourist board.

Cork Tourist Board: http://www.corktourist.com/

Dublin Tourist Board: http://www.dublintourist.com/ Galway Tourist Board: http://www.galwaytourist.com/

Ireland Tourist Board: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Where-To-Stay/Accommodation-Guide

Another source you can use when searching for a hostel is the website http://www.hostelworld.com/ If you are having difficulties finding suitable accommodation, please let us know.

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Luggage, Mobile Phones, Money and Jet Lag Useful Tips from Previous Participants

LUGGAGE

Travel light!

Students routinely say how they wish they had brought HALF of what they actually did for their time abroad … Every year many students seem surprised at how far and how many times they have to move and carry their suitcases. In Ireland, you will notice a lot of stairs, uneven pavements and no elevators. You should also expect to have to lift and carry your bags quite a bit on the journey from the airport to orientation accommodation, and, in all likelihood, at your host university as well (very few host university residences have elevators). So it is worth trying to travel as lightly as possible! One solution for students who do have a lot of things they wish to bring for the year is to arrange to have the heavier items shipped directly to their host university. Please check with your host university directly if this is permitted. Students who decide to do this will have to ensure they have the correct delivery address (and in particular the postcode) for any shipment, which might mean sending it just prior to their own departure from California, or even asking someone else to send it on a short while after they’ve arrived and have their postal address confirmed. Items like bed linen, duvets or blankets take up a lot of room in your suitcase, so it is much better to purchase them here. Many Halls will have a scheme where you can buy these items. It is also worth noting that many students do tell us that they buy more clothes than they expected to while on their year abroad (bargains are available here, contrary to expectation!). So please take note and bring as little with you as you can. MOBILE PHONES Cell phones are called “mobile” phones in Ireland. “Pay-As-You-Go” is the most common plan for study abroad students as it offers flexibility and good rates. Often, UCEAP students purchase an inexpensive handset that will serve them for one term or one year and a SIM card with their chosen plan – which usually includes either free texts or free minutes, or a combination of the two. As it is a competitive industry, you should be able to find good options. Credit for your ‘pay-as-you-go’ phone can be purchased at ATM machines, shops or online and you can top up as and when you need. There are six main service providers in Ireland: www.vodafone.ie www.o2.ie www.meteor.ie www.3ireland.ie www.tescomobile.ie www.emobile.ie If you are looking to compare plans or just for an idea of costs, there are shops such as Carphone Warehouse, that stock all service plans: http://www.carphonewarehouse.ie/aspx/Homepage.aspx

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You might want to unlock your US phone, which can be done, but be aware that this can void any warranty you have on your phone. After having unlocked a smart phone, it can be the case that it is no longer possible to get software updates. If you are not sure of your US phone’s international capabilities, we suggest you speak to your provider before coming to Ireland. Some of our host institutions have given international students a free SIM card at their host orientation. If your US phone is unlocked, you can simply put in the SIM card and you are all set. MONEY Please make sure your US bank knows that you will be abroad for a while! You don’t want to try your card while here only to have the purchase rejected because your bank thinks someone outside the country has stolen your account details! Our host institutions have banks on campus or very close to campus. You can only open a bank account in Ireland once you have arrived. In order to open a bank account here, you will need a letter from your host university, proof of your new address and your passport. It can take some time to organise and have access to your new bank account so you are advised to bring enough money in traveller’s cheques or have this available via a US account to get you going. Registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB): You will need to open a bank account so that you can deposit the amount required by the GNIB. Please see Item 2 of your Pre-Departure checklist for further information: Fall Students: http://eap.ucop.edu/Participants/ireland/Pages/1415_irish_universities_fall.aspx Year Students: http://eap.ucop.edu/Participants/ireland/Pages/1415_irish_universities_year.aspx Tipping: We do not tip here in Ireland as much as you may be used to doing in California. Generally speaking, if you were to go to a formal restaurant then it is customary to leave 10% as a tip. If you are in a café and receive table service, leaving small change is acceptable but not necessary. Bar staff do not receive tips at all. In taxis, we would round up the fare to the nearest 1 euro or perhaps give 1.50 euro if for longer journeys. During UCEAP orientation, we will provide more information about banks and money matters.

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JET LAG

Before the flight: 1) Try to get plenty of rest and hydrate. 2) It can sometimes help people to start adjusting to their new time zone a few days before travelling.

Setting your watch ahead and shifting your meals can train your brain into the new timezone. While on the flight:

1) Stay away from coffee and alcohol! 2) It’s best while flying internationally to drink water, as hydration is key to fighting jet lag. 3) Make yourself comfortable, even if that means you bring a pair of pyjamas to wear for the flight. 4) Depending on the time of your flight, you might want to forgo the dinner they serve, as it will

probably be in the middle of night in Ireland. It’s okay to snack, but try to wait until breakfast is served.

5) Try to sleep on the plane! Even if you only get a few hours, this will help you upon your arrival in Ireland. It is a long journey and upon arrival you will be expected to stay alert and focus to participate in the UCEAP orientation.

After the flight:

1) Try to stay awake until evening (always aim for 8-9pm) the first day. Not only will orientation be occurring, so you will need to stay alert and focused, but this will help your body adjust to the new time more quickly.

2) Continue to drink lots of water. 3) Get sunlight. Yes, Ireland may be known for clouds, but sunlight will help those circadian rhythms get

into their new time zone! Combating a jet lag can take up to a few days. With these steps, you should be able to tackle it well.

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Contact details for UCEAP Study Centre

There is no UCEAP office in Ireland. Your closest office is in Edinburgh, Scotland. You will meet UCEAP staff during your orientation. Staff will be available to assist you throughout your time here with any academic or health-related matters. UCEAP Edinburgh Study Centre 25 Buccleuch Place Edinburgh, EH8 9LN Tel : +44 (0)131 662 8988 Emergency Cell number: (only available if dialling from inside Ireland) 1 800 812 672 Program Manager: Mrs Hilary Noyce Hilary.Noyce@uceapedinburgh.org.uk Skype: hilaryuc Program Officer: Mr Fraser Bryden Fraser.Bryden@uceapedinburgh.org.uk Skype: fraseruceap Sign up to our Facebook page to find out who else is coming to Ireland! www.facebook.com/EAPIreland www.facebook.com/EAPintheUK

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