Student Welfare
It is of great importance to us to provide you with plenty of support before and during your studies. Academic guidance as well as personal advice and help are offered to make you feel more comfortable in your new environment.
Our Student Welfare Officer is committed to answering your questions on:
· immigration
· medical and dental treatment options
· banking
· local facilities and services
· student employment
· safety and security
· local places of worship
· medical and personal insurance
· licensing laws
· personal matters and many more
Arriving in Ireland
After having arrived in the Ireland, it is likely that you will experience a number of unfamiliar situations such as immigration and customs control, onward travel to your pre-arranged accommodation or the College, registration with the GNIB or opening a bank account. The following points will provide you with some guidance when first entering the Ireland.
Problems at the airport
In case you encounter any problems at the airport (e.g. at the immigration office, with your luggage or airport pick-up service) and are unsure of how to proceed, please contact the College on 01 872 6597 during its opening hours and/or seek help from the customer information desk at the airport.
Registering with the College
Grafton requires you to register with the College no later than your course start date. However, we advise you to come to the College in advance to get to know your chosen place of study and to deal with any administrative matters such as having your level of English assessed, completing relevant forms, receiving your student ID card, etc.
Please ensure that you bring the originals of your application documents, your passport and two passport-sized photographs along with you to register.
Banking
Being in control of your finances, whilst studying in the Ireland, is a matter of top priority. Opening a student bank account can therefore be very useful.
However, if you are in the Ireland on a course for less than six months, it might be advisable to keep your money in a bank account in your home country. Most Irish banks do require students to be enrolled on a full-time course for at least 6 months.
To find out more about how to open a bank account and which bank to choose, please contact our Student Welfare Officer. You might also want to speak to your financial adviser in your home country before coming to the Ireland for alternative banking options.
Employment
Like many other students, you might want to support yourself and gain some work experience by taking on a job. Before finding employment, you should check the visa in your passport whether you are permitted to work while you are staying in the Ireland. If this is the case, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours during holidays.
Insurance
Taking out travel and medical insurance as well as covering your personal property against theft or damage whilst studying and living in the Ireland could be vital.
It is recommended that you inform yourself well in advance about what types of insurance could be useful for you as an international student.
Health Care for International Students
Registering with a doctor
It is important to register with a doctor as soon as you arrive. Don’t wait until you are ill. You can register with any doctor close to where you live. Take with you proof that you are a student and ask to be registered as a patient.