First Week in Ireland: Setup Guide for Indian Students
You've landed in Dublin (or Cork, or Galway). The adventure begins—but so does the admin. Your first week sets the tone for your entire stay. Get the essentials sorted quickly, and you'll have mental space to actually enjoy being here.
Here's your day-by-day guide to getting settled.
Quick Takeaways
📌 Quick Takeaways
- Day 1: Rest, SIM card, basic groceries
- Day 2-3: Bank account, explore area
- Day 4-5: University orientation, IRP appointment booking
- Week 2+: PPS number, settle into routine
- Don't rush: Give yourself grace—jet lag is real
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Needs
At the Airport
Airport Arrival Checklist
Getting to Accommodation
From Dublin Airport:
- Dublin Bus (700/16): €3.50-7, every 15-30 mins
- Airlink Express (747): €7, to city center
- Aircoach: €8-10, various routes
- Taxi: €30-50 to city center
Pro Tip
💡 Money Tip: Dublin Bus requires exact fare (coins only) or Leap Card. If you don't have either, take Airlink or Aircoach which accept cards.
First Evening Priorities
- Get to accommodation: Rest is important
- Connect to WiFi: Contact family, you've arrived safely
- Basic groceries: Bread, milk, snacks from nearest shop
- Sleep: Jet lag is real—don't fight it
Day 2: SIM Card & Banking
Getting a SIM Card
Irish Mobile Providers
| Feature | Provider | Best Plan | Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three | All You Can Eat | €20/month | Three stores, Tesco | |
| 48 (Three network) | Unlimited | €9.99/month | Online, Three stores | |
| Vodafone | X Prepay | €20/month | Vodafone stores, supermarkets | |
| Eir | Prepay | €15-20/month | Eir stores, supermarkets |
What you need:
- Passport (for registration)
- Cash or card for first top-up
- An Irish address (your accommodation)
Banking Setup
Immediate (Day 2):
- Open Revolut if you haven't (app-based, instant)
- This handles immediate payment needs
Week 2:
- Book appointment with AIB or Bank of Ireland
- Gather documents: passport, IRP (once you have it), proof of address
Day 3-4: University & IRP Booking
University Orientation
Most universities have international student orientations:
- Register attendance online before arriving
- Collect student card: Essential for discounts, library, gym
- Campus tour: Know where your classes are
- Meet program coordinator: Important contact
- Join societies: Best way to make friends
Book IRP Appointment
Heads up
⚠️ Do This ASAP: GNIB/IRP appointments in Dublin fill up weeks in advance. Book the moment you can—within your first few days.
How to book:
- Go to: burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie
- Select "New Registration"
- Choose available slot (may need to check repeatedly)
- Note your appointment date
Outside Dublin: Contact local immigration office directly.
Day 5-7: Settling In
Explore Your Neighbourhood
Local Area Checklist
Get Your Student Leap Card
Essential for public transport discounts:
- Go to a Leap Card agent (most newsagents)
- Show student card
- Pay €10 deposit + top-up
- 30% savings on all public transport
Week 2: Official Registration
IRP Registration
Your IRP appointment is crucial. Bring:
IRP Appointment Documents
What happens:
- Present documents
- Biometrics taken
- Pay €300 fee
- IRP card posted to you (10-15 days)
Apply for PPS Number
You'll need this for work and tax purposes:
- Book appointment at local Intreo office
- Bring: passport, proof of address, university letter
- Receive PPS number same day or by post
Essential Shopping: First Week
Groceries Starter Kit
| Item | Where | Approx Cost | |------|-------|-------------| | Bread | Any supermarket | €1-2 | | Milk | Any supermarket | €1.50-2 | | Rice (basmati) | Indian store / Tesco | €3-5 | | Basic spices | Indian store | €5-10 | | Pasta | Lidl/Aldi | €0.70-1 | | Eggs | Any supermarket | €2.50-3.50 | | Fruit & veg | Lidl/Aldi best value | €10-15 |
Household Basics
| Item | Where | Approx Cost | |------|-------|-------------| | Duvet + pillow | Penneys | €25-35 | | Bedsheets | Penneys | €10-15 | | Towels (2) | Penneys | €10-15 | | Kitchen basics | Dealz/Penneys | €15-25 | | Hangers | Penneys/Dealz | €3-5 |
Total first-week shopping: €100-150
Week 1 Timeline Summary
First Week Day-by-Day
Arrive & Rest
Immigration, get to accommodation, basic groceries, sleep
SIM & Banking
Get Irish SIM, set up Revolut, explore immediate area
University
Orientation, student card, campus tour
IRP Booking
Book GNIB appointment ASAP, more orientation
Shopping
Penneys for bedding, supermarket for groceries
Explore
Get to know your area, find transport routes
Prep for Week 2
Organize documents for IRP, plan PPS application
Common First-Week Mistakes
1. Not Booking IRP Early
Dublin appointments book 4-6 weeks out. Check the website daily—slots open randomly.
2. Carrying Too Much Cash
Ireland is very card-friendly. Keep €50-100 for emergencies; use cards everywhere else.
3. Buying Too Much Stuff
Penneys and Dealz have everything. Don't panic-buy—shop as needed.
4. Isolating Yourself
Jet lag and overwhelm are real. But push yourself to attend orientation and meet people. It gets easier.
5. Not Joining WhatsApp Groups
Your university's Indian society and student groups are goldmines for tips. Join immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when I arrive in Ireland?
Day 1 priorities: Clear immigration, get to your accommodation, connect to WiFi, contact family, get basic groceries, and rest. Day 2: Get an Irish SIM card and set up Revolut/banking. Day 3-4: University orientation and book your IRP (GNIB) appointment immediately.
How do I register for IRP in Ireland?
Book an appointment at burghquayregistrationoffice.inis.gov.ie (Dublin) or contact your local immigration office (other cities). Appointments fill fast—book within your first few days. Bring passport, university letter, proof of address, fees receipt, bank statement, insurance, and €300 payment.
What is the first thing to buy in Ireland?
Essentials: Irish SIM card (Three or 48 for €10-20), basic groceries (bread, milk, rice), and Student Leap Card (€10 deposit). Within first week: Bedding from Penneys (~€35), basic kitchen items from Dealz (~€20). Don't overbuy—shops have everything you need.
How much money do I need for the first week in Ireland?
Budget €200-300 for your first week: SIM card (€20), transport (€30-50), groceries (€50-70), household items (€50-100), and contingency (€50-100). This assumes accommodation is pre-paid. The IRP fee (€300) comes in week 2-3.
Your First Week Checklist
Complete First Week Checklist
Settled In? Keep Tracking Your Status
Monitor your [IRP registration](/resources/gnib-irp-registration-ireland-guide) and visa updates.