Ireland Programs 2017/18 UCEAP Arrival and Orientation Information Fall & Year 2017/18
Contact details for UCEAP Study Centre TABLE OF CONTENTS Social Media Keeping Connected UCEAP orientation in Ireland (a) Dates & Venue (b) Orientation Accommodation (c) How to get to UCEAP orientation (d) Orientation Program Host Institution Orientation Arriving early and Host Institution Accommodation Luggage, cell phones, money and jet lag useful tips from previous participants 2
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 Email: Edinburgh@sc.eap.ucop.edu Emergency Cell number: (only available if dialling from inside Ireland) 1 800 812 672 Social Media Keeping Connected Be sure to connect with UCEAP Ireland via our website and our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media accounts! There you ll find great articles, student testimonials, tips and photos relating to studying abroad in Ireland and the variety of events held for UCEAP Ireland students throughout the year! Simply click on the links to find out more information. Check out our great Blogsite with stories and experiences from past UCEAP students 3
UCEAP orientation in Ireland All students attending universities in Ireland must attend a 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. All students must read the UCEAP Program Guide and Pre Departure Checklist (PDC) as well as this document. These contain essential information relating to your time abroad: Ireland Programme Guide Fall PDC scan here: Year PDC scan here: (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: (In hotel reception) UCEAP Orientation ends: NUI Galway Thursday 24 August, 2017 Thursday 24 August @ 3pm Saturday 26 August @ 9am UC Cork & UC Dublin Dublin Sunday 3 September, 2017 Jurys Inn Parnell Street Moore Street Plaza Parnell Street Dublin 1 Sunday 3 September @ 3pm Tuesday 5 September @ 9am Trinity College Dublin Wednesday 13 September, 2017 Wednesday 13 September @ 3pm Friday 15 September @ 9am 4
Orientation Accommodation: UCEAP has pre paid 2 nights at the Jurys Inn Parnell Street so you are not responsible for arranging or paying for UCEAP orientation accommodation. If you require any additional nights, please arrange and pay for this directly with the hotel. There are several branches of the Jurys Inn in Dublin so please ensure you travel to the Parnell Street location. Jurys Inn Parnell, Moore Street Plaza, Parnell Street, Dublin 1 Phone: +353 1 878 4900 Email: jurysinnparnellst@jurysinns.com Please search Jurys Inn Parnell Street 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 3pm. Check out is by 12 noon. 5
(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 fbryden@sc.eap.ucop.edu For flight information, you may wish to check the following airlines, although this is just an initial list: Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Or alternatively, you can use the flight checker websites Skyscanner and Kayak. Getting from the Airport to the Orientation Hotel: To get to the hotel from Dublin International airport, take the Airlink Bus to O Connell Street. Please see the attached bus stop brochure: Airlink Bus Information. This will cost you around 7 euros for a single fare. The bus will drop you off at the Gresham Hotel on O Connell Street. From here, it is a short walk to the hotel as indicated on the map below: 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! If you are arriving later in the evening we strongly recommend getting a taxi directly to the hotel. 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. 6
(c) UCEAP Orientation Program Your UCEAP Orientation will start at 3pm prompt in the hotel reception. After a few quick welcomes from UCEAP staff and the opportunity to meet other UC students on your program we will have a short Health and Safety presentation. We will then go for an early group dinner as you will all be tired and jet lagged! Day 2 will start with breakfast in the hotel before continuing with Academic and Cultural presentations. In the afternoon you will be given a bus ticket to explore Dublin on an open top bus (fingers crossed it s not raining). In the evening we will then go for another group dinner which will incorporate an Irish music and dancing show! Day 3 is when you make your way to your host city/accommodation. UCEAP will either give you a bus ticket to your host city or 10 for a taxi to your accommodation. You will still have breakfast in the hotel and must be checked out by 12 noon. 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 15 euros) for lunches. Ireland is prone to a lot of rain as you will become no stranger too, make sure you bring waterproof clothing! It will be very busy in Dublin so please do not wonder off when we are out as a group! 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 for them to see whilst you are busy. Check the Dublin tourist website for an idea of what is available. 7
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 or Cork respectively. You do not need to arrange this travel yourself. Your bus will leave Dublin in the morning of your UCEAP orientation end date 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 it 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. Host University Orientation You must attend the mandatory orientation sessions at your host university. These will range from meeting with advisors, registering for classes, campus tours and society fairs. These are a great way to familiarise yourself with your new university and what will be offered to you throughout your stay! You can find out all the information about your orientation at the following links (Please note these will be updated closer to arrival): UNIVERSITY DATES LINK UC CORK Wednesday 6 Friday 8 September UC DUBLIN Tuesday 5 Friday 8 September NUI GALWAY Tuesday 29 August Friday 1 September TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN Monday 18 Friday 22 September 8
Arriving Early and Host Institution Accommodation: Arriving a couple of days early to allow you to acclimatise and get over the worst of your jetlag is an option but not required. However please note: if you do arrive early, you are responsible for your accommodation arrangements. If you wish to add extra nights in advance of the orientation, please contact your orientation hotel directly. Please refer to the 2017/18 Program Guide tab for detailed information on host university housing. If you are arriving in Dublin before the start of the orientation you can also find suggested temporary accommodation here. There are also links to each host universities accommodation website below. You can find a QR Code which links to the Programme guide at the start of this document. TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN STUDENTS: 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 as long as applications are submitted before the deadline. Detailed information on finding private accommodation in Dublin is given in your Program Guide, as above. We recommend that you join the EAPIreland Facebook page to connect with other UC students coming to Dublin. It may be easier, and cheaper, to look for accommodation as a group rather than for single rooms. If you wish to contact current Trinity students and ask for their first hand experience of searching for housing in Dublin please get in touch with the Edinburgh Study Centre (fbryden@sc.eap.ucop.edu) who will be able to put you in touch. When looking through the Program Guide please pay close attention to the recommended areas to rent accommodation in Dublin. We strongly advise that you do not make any payments for accommodation before you have had a chance to view it in person. YOU CAN FIND FURTHER INFORMATION ON FINDING HOUSING AT TRINITY ON THEIR WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE 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. 9
Host University Accommodation Office Contact Details: UC CORK College Road, Cork Tel: +353 21 490 2353 Email: asa@ucc.ie NUI GALWAY Aras Ui Chathail Building, Galway Tel: +353 91 492 760 TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN Accommodation Office West Chapel Trinity College, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 896 1177 Email: residences@tcd.ie UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN UC Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 1034 Email: Residences@ucd.ie 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 10
Luggage, Cell 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 after arrival. 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. 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 so check the host university website in advance of arrival. 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 We encourage you to get an Irish SIM card while you are abroad. Most students will buy a cheap handset (no more than 30) with an Irish SIM card as it is cheaper and also if an emergency occurs we will be able to contact you easily. The other option is to unlock your US phone. Some newer models (for example the iphone 6) are now automatically unlocked. This means you can purchase an Irish SIM card (normally 10) and use your current phone. You will need to call your US cell company before arrival to unlock it and whether this can be approved. Sometimes unlocking your phone can void the warranty. We will cover mobile phones and how to buy them in more detail during your orientation. 11
MONEY Please make sure your US bank knows that you will be abroad! 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, 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. 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. Registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB): PLEASE REFER TO THE UCEAP PRE DEPARTURE CHECKLIST FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON REGISTERTING WITH IRISH IMMIGRATION It is ESSENTIAL that you attend the information sessions on registering with the GNIB at your host university. These will be scheduled during your host orientation and you may even be sent more information prior to arriving. Please read all information relating to this as it is imperative that you comply with immigration requirements. 12
JET LAG Before the flight: 1) Try to get plenty of rest and hydrate. 2) It can sometimes help to start adjusting to your 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. 13