Getting started as a new International Student

Connect with the International Support Team

• For answers to frequently asked questions review the International Support webpage and the International Guides on the NCI website.  
• If you cannot find the answer to your questions visit the NCI Support Hub to search for answers using keywords and searching all the articles.   If you can't find the answer to your question you can submit a request through the NCI Support Hub.
• If you would like to contact a current NCI student you can Chat with an International Peer Mentor to ask questions about life at NCI and Ireland.
• Schedule an Appointment - if you would like to speak to a member of the international office in person or on MS Teams, please submit a request in the NCI Support Hub with your full name, student number, nature of the request and your availability.   The international team will be in touch with you with an appointment.

Please note, the International Office working hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. We expect a high volume of emails over high peak seasons, such as the Pre-Arrival and Welcome Programme. Please allow 48 working hours for a response.

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Preparing to travel and before you arrive

Our Pre-Arrival Programme, commences 10-12 weeks before classes start and is designed to help you prepare and plan for a successful, safe and stress-free journey to Ireland.

Every week during the programme, we send out an information newsletter and hold a webinar covering a key topic.  You can see all the topics covered, as well as information newsletters sent on this page.

We have Pre-Arrival guides for all these topics and a Preparation Guide, which you can browse here, as well as a video-guides Youtube playlist.

If you missed any of our webinars on our Pre-Arrival Programme, you can also find the presentation slides and webinar recordings on the Unibuddy Community. 

1. Welcome to NCI & Connect with us

2. Finding Accommodation in Dublin

3. Careers Support at NCI

4.  How to prepare for your course

5. Budgeting & Banking

6. Registration form and Airport shuttle

7. Getting started as an International Student

8. Welcome Programme & Final Check In 

Getting Established in Ireland

The essential things you need to do/consider to get established in Ireland - please see links to articles on each of these below: 

• Secure your long term accommodation 
• Register with immigration
  • New Students to Ireland registering for the first time with Immigration (GNIB) 
  • New students to NCI already Resident in Ireland who have to renew their immigration permission
• Banking
• PPSN Number
• Working in Ireland
• Information on Shopping in Dublin

Some useful websites to help you get established in Ireland:

• Garda (Irish Police) - Ireland's National Police and Security Website
• Citizens Information - a really useful website to help you settle into life in Ireland
• Education in Ireland Blogs - Latest news from Student ambassadors in Ireland
• Irish Council for International Students - Find out about your rights when studying, living and working in Ireland
• Union of Students in Ireland - Promotes the interests of students studying in third level colleges and universities
• Reporting Racism in Ireland - Allows the people, communities, and organisations of Ireland to confidentially report racism nationwide
• Immigrant Council of Ireland - Know your rights as an International Student

Getting started at at NCI

All incoming International Students are automatically registered when they submit their Registration Form, have paid their fees in full and met all conditions.  

What you will need to do to get started at NCI:

The Essentials checklist Guide Reset Your Password  Upload photo for your  student card Access your student email/ student account Read the article and set the password for MyDetails Attend your Welcome Meeting  Attend the Welcome Programme Attend Orientation - Students who miss orientation can view this video. Check the Academic Calendar Check your Timetable (available one week before classes start) Attendance: See articles how do I log my attendance and on attendance frequently asked questions.   NCI Students Cards are created and issued by Student Services and distributed to students at orientation.

Find more resources below:

• Self Guided Campus and City Tour Guide
• Find info regarding Student Events and Meet Ups and follow NCI International and Students Union Instagram Pages.
• Common Phrases and Terms used in NCI - This page helps you to become familiar with some of the phrases and terms we use here in NCI.

Letter Requests

As an International student, you will need a lot of letters to help you to get established in Ireland, along with letters to register or renew your permission with immigration.    As a registered NCI student with a valid student login, you can self-generate the majority of the letters you need on NCI360.   Please see the article on how to request letters.

Health, Well-Being and Student Supports

Please see links below for support services and resources NCI offers to ensure students get any help they might need: 

Health and Wellbeing Hanover Medical Support Services Student Counselling and Wellness Service SilverCloud - Mental Wellbeing Digital Platform Careers  Support Multi-Faith Prayer Room Sensory room

Student Life, Renewing your Visa and and Academic Guides

Please see useful student life guides, links and academic articles below:

Student Life: Academic Supports Travelling outside Ireland as an international student Students Union Sustainability Guide Academic Articles: Transferring Programme Repeat Exams/Modules Repeating by attendance & Student Visa Deferrals

Graduation and 1G Visa

Please see useful student life guides, links and academic articles below: Graduates and QQI Parchments Third Level Graduate Scheme Visa NCI Graduation information Exit with Post Graduate Award