What Should I Pack When Moving to Ireland as an International Student?

Moving to Ireland is exciting, but packing for it can sometimes feel challenging. See information below to help you decide what to put in your suitcase on your way to Ireland.

Clothes

We like to think that Ireland has a moderate climate, however, we realise that the  weather may seem quite cold compared to the climate in your home country. It is also common for the weather in Ireland to change suddenly throughout the day, so it is recommended to wear layers.

• Pack layers (t-shirts, jumpers, hoodies)
• Bring a waterproof jacket 
• Include a few warm items (coat, scarf, gloves) for colder months
• Comfortable, waterproof shoes are a good idea

But don’t worry if you don’t have winter clothing, these are easy to buy once you arrive in Ireland!

Medicine

You may want to bring Vitamin D supplements, especially for winter months when sunlight is limited in Ireland.

Also, if there is any medication you want to bring with you, plan ahead:

Money

• Bring some cash in Euros with you but not too much (approximately €200 - €300). 
• It is safer to use your Credit Card (a Forex card for example) or a set up a digital bank account to have easy access to  money while travelling. 

Documents

• Always carry important documents in your hand luggage, not your suitcase. 
• Click here for more information on what documents you need to present at Immigration when you arrive in Dublin.

Luggage

• Check your airline baggage allowance before flying  
• Label your bags clearly
• If you have booked the NCI Airport Shuttle Service, you are only permitted to bring 3 pieces of luggage. See rules for NCI Airport Shuttle here.

Customs

Some items are strictly prohibited when entering Ireland, including:

• Weapons and illegal substances
• Certain food products
• Plants, animals, or restricted goods

Always check customs guidelines before travelling to avoid issues at the airport.

 Electronics & Plug Adaptors

Ireland uses Type G plugs (the same as the UK), with three rectangular pins, so your devices may not fit local sockets.

• Bring at least one universal travel adaptor
• While some modern electronics can automatically handle different voltages, you may need to check that your chargers are compatible with 220–240V voltage
• Remember to pack essential electronics like your laptop, phone, and chargers in your hand luggage

Note: You can buy adaptors in Ireland, but having one with you on arrival may make things much easier!