Housing

You will live in student accommodation at the Ulster University Magee campus in Londonderry/Derry. Throughout your stay in student accommodation you can expect to share a room with another CGEE student from the U.S., a shared bathroom, common room, and kitchen facilities (some private rooms may be available, depending on group size, but are not guaranteed). You will have access to a washer/dryer or launderette. All University accommodations have Internet access.

Food

When living in student accommodation you will cook your own meals. CGEE provides you with a £600 food stipend that Nigel will disburse in manageable amounts. The stipend is meant to cover the cost of groceries, not eating out. Northern Ireland is generally more expensive than the United States. Food prices will depend on where you do your shopping. Larger shops and supermarkets are usually cheaper.

Kitchen equipment

Kitchen equipment will be provided while living in student accommodation.

Cooking and recipes

You may not think about how much you like that delicious cookie recipe until you spend a few months across the ocean from it. Cooking with others may be a new experience, but it can be a very positive one that connects you more deeply with your flat mates and fellow program participants. Bring some favorite recipes and maybe key ingredients to share with people. Be prepared to adjust recipes to measure ingredients in litres or by weight.

Use the following site for making conversions: https://www.xe.com/en-gb/currencyconverter/ 

Eating out on campus

Eating on campus costs between £5.50 for a light meal, such as a sandwich, and £7.50 for a hot meal.

Bedding

Bedding (including pillow, sheet, and quilt) will be provided at student accommodations, but you may want your own sheets. You will have the opportunity to purchase these items upon your arrival.

Towels

We recommend that you purchase towels when you get to Northern Ireland, especially if you are running low on space.

Medical Care

During the initial orientation in Northern Ireland, you will be directed as to how to access medical services should these be required.

Cell phones

You are required to have a cell phone during your program. Ask your mobile phone service provider if you can continue using your US-based plan in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Ask about domestic (in UK) and international service. Be sure to ask about additional charges or fees for calls, text messages, and data when using international service. These can be quite steep and add up quickly. Be sure to ask about the cost of both making and receiving calls and text messages.

Some providers have reasonably priced international calling plans that are separate from their US plans. You may also find cell phone carriers other than your primary carrier with good deals for international calling. Your phone may be compatible with a UK service provider,  which include Orange, O2, T- Mobile, and Vodafone.

Searching the Internet for travelers’ experiences with your provider when they were abroad or their experiences with other international calling/texting options may be helpful. You will need to use your judgment.

During the first week in Derry/Londonderry, you will have an opportunity to get a mobile phone. Because students are in different locations during the internship portion of the program, you are required to have a mobile phone that allows you to contact, and be contacted by, the program director and other members of the group. Because phones can be lost or damaged, the program director will encourage you to buy the cheapest handset and plan possible. You also are encouraged to consider purchasing phones as a group; if everyone in the group gets the same plan, texting among the group will be significantly cheaper or even free. Cell phones and minutes during the program generally cost $75 - $125.

International calls

Because international calls can be expensive, and people tend to use Skype, we suggest you consider a plan that allows you to receive international calls easily rather than a plan that allows you to make them cheaply. Most students find that a quick call home can be quickly followed by a longer return call from home. Some reference, some mobile phone providers in Northern Ireland are:

http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/

https://www.o2.co.uk/shop

Texting Apps

Apps like WhatsApp allow for free international texting and calling over wifi. These services only work if both parties have the app. If you want to try either of these services, look into them before you leave and make sure that the people you would like to text also have the app. Again, confirm that these services are, indeed, free.

Computers

Youn are required to bring with you a laptop computer. Having access to a personal computer/laptop has become a necessity in terms of completing assignments and can be a requirement for participation in several internships. I will provide most assigned readings in an electronic format on a USB stick (Note: if your laptop does not have a USB port bring a USB adaptor with you).

NOTE: Beware of remaining too connected to the US. If you aren’t careful, you will find yourself glued to a computer every evening. Email, Facebook, and Skype can burn up hours, and they can have the effect of putting you in limbo – not quite in Northern Ireland, but also not at home. Of course, there will be people back home with whom you want to correspond frequently, but it is best not to let the computer become your primary hub of activity when you have free time. Communicate with people at home, but remember to live in Northern Ireland.