Packing

Make sure to bring these items on board the plane in your carry-on luggage:

• Masks (KN95s, N95). Bring extras as you are sure to lose some!

• Hand sanitizer

• A printed copy of the "Let's Go!" letter so that you can refer to it while traveling

• Passport

• A copy of your passport placed in a different, secure place (such as saved as a photo on your cell phone)

• A second form of ID, such as a driver’s license or student ID (also saved as a photo on your cell phone)

• Your vaccination card (be sure to have an electronic copy or photo on your cell phone, too)

• Your insurance card, which can be found on https://www.eiia.org/international-travel/

• Bookmark/download this Student Guide on your electronic devices for ongoing reference.

General Packing Tips 

• Before you leave, make copies of your passport and your flight itineraries. Write down the numbers for your passport, credit cards, identification cards, contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Leave copies with parents or others, and also keep a set with you in a safe place in case of loss or theft.

• Take only what you know you will need and pack only what you can carry.

• Carry your valuables in a money belt or neck pouch, not in your checked luggage.

• Do not bring any valuables that you would be devastated to lose. (For example, leave expensive jewelry in the U.S.)

• Leave extra space in your luggage to carry home gifts or other items you have acquired during the program.

• Read through the entire packing list.

It is possible to bring everything you need for a semester in a suitcase or a large backpack. Bring appropriate smaller luggage – daypack or small backpack – for your short stay at the orientation hostel, the Dublin field trip, and for going away during midterm break – you won’t want to be carting everything with you for a week.

Plan to bring a money belt, carry-on bag, and a checked bag.

Money Belt & Carry-On Baggage

Pack important documents such as your passport and credit cards in a neck pouch or money belt. This is the most secure way to carry these items, even if you are bringing a wallet or

purse.

The rule for carry-on luggage is to pack anything that you may need during the flight (e.g., a book, motion sickness medicine), anything that is essential if your checked luggage is delayed (e.g., prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication, basic toiletries, a change of clothes), and anything too valuable or delicate to be checked (e.g., laptop).

You should carry the items below with you in your money belt or carry-on bag. Items marked with an * must be readily available when you land:

• *Passport (Make three FULL COLOR copies of your passport face pages and your visa page– keep one with your passport.)

• *A copy of your CAS statement from Ulster University and any other emails you may receive from Ulster about your visa and CAS.

• *Essential Prescriptions (and a letter from your doctor listing prescription medications/devices and why thy are prescribed)

• Phone

• CGEE health insurance card

• Emergency medical information and blood type

• CGEE emergency contact phone numbers (and other important phone numbers and

• email addresses)

• Credit/ATM card(s)

• Cash (US and UK, if possible)

• Flight itinerary and copy of your tickets

• Laptop & proof of purchase or receipt for your laptop computer (if purchased within

• the last year)

Checked Baggage 

In addition to your clothing items, your checked baggage should also contain: duplicates of important items that are in your carry-on luggage or neck pouch/money belt: a copy of your passport and visa, an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Also pack any liquid items that do not meet the TSA guidelines for liquids for carry-on baggage in your checked baggage (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule).

Over-the-counter medications, toiletries, and cosmetics are much more expensive in Northern Ireland than the U.S. If you are carrying aspirin, cough medicine, cold capsules, etc., be sure they are in unopened containers, and carry any larger amounts of liquid in your checked luggage.

Packing List: Prescriptions & Medications         

Bring all the prescribed medication and equipment you will need for your entire program. Getting a prescription from a U.S. doctor filled in Northern Ireland may not be possible without seeing a local health care practitioner. Not all medication available in the US is available under the same name or in the same dosage abroad.

Some prescribed medication may be considered a controlled substance abroad. Prescribed medication or devices must be in marked bottles and accompanied by a letter from your physician. Devices must also be labeled. Unidentified medications or equipment may be confiscated at UK Customs. Check the Air Travel section of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for the latest information about airport screening procedures and prohibited items. Prescription medications are addressed at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special- procedures.

Consider bringing these over-the-counter (OTC) medications (in unopened containers):

• Antacids, diarrhea medicine (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)), mild laxative)

• Motion sickness medicine

• Cough drops, cough suppressant/expectorant, decongestant, saline nose spray

• Pain/fever medicine (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

• Sleep aid/mild sedative

• Vitamins

• Insect repellent

Also consider bring a first aid kit (especially if your personal travel plans include hiking or visiting remote areas). A kit could include: Antibacterial and antifungal ointments, Antiseptic wound cleaner, Aloe gel or other sunburn treatment, Anti-itch gel or cream, Eye drops, Bandages – multiple sizes, Gauze and adhesive tape, Moleskin or foam pads for blisters, Ace bandage, Cotton swabs, Tweezers, Scissors and safety pins, Digital thermometer

Packing List: Toiletries  

• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, & Floss

• Body Wash

• Deodorant

• Razor & Shaving Cream

• Tampons or Sanitary Napkins

• Hairbrush or Comb

• Nail Clippers/File

• Cosmetics

• Lip Balm, Body Lotions, & Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)

• See https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule for TSA liquids, gels, and aerosol rules

Packing List: Personal Items   

• Washcloths & 2 towels

• Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses (and, if possible, an extra pair and a copy of your prescription)

• Sunglasses

• Photos of family, friends, pets

• Small gifts (It is a nice gesture to bring a gift for your internship supervisor or other with whom you become close. Students in the past have brought gifts that represent their lives at home or at their colleges.)

• Other Items:

• Sleeping bag or sleeping sack (optional)

• Notebooks

• Stationary

• Pens & Pencils

• Small sewing kit

• Travel Alarm Clock

• Hairdryer, straightener/curling iron (It is best to buy these items in Northern Ireland)

What to wear in Northern Ireland       

As you choose what clothing to pack, keep the following in mind that you will be dressing for different settings: class; your internship; special occasions; program trips to sites out of the city; living in the dormitory; and your free time: evenings, weekends, travel on your own.

The temperature in Northern Ireland from September to December tends to

range from about 30 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with most days being in the 40s and 50s. There may be snow during the late winter and the days will be short. During fall, days may be warm, but evenings will be cool. The weather can be sunny, breezy, cloudy, or rainy. Plan to dress in layers!

What to class and your internship                                                   

Informal but neat dress is acceptable for both class and your internship.  Nice jeans/slacks, or   skirts, long-sleeve shirts and sweaters are the norm. Most internship sites only ask that you present yourself clean and put-together. Generally, sites do not require collared  shirts  or  suit pants, especially since most students walk to their internships; there are a couple of exceptions.

A nice outfit or two is expected for special occasions.

What to wear in your free time 

Bring casual clothes for you own travel, weekend/evening activities, and life in the dormitories. If  you plan to engage in sports, hiking, running, dancing, and so on, bring the clothes and shoes you will need.

Packing List: Clothing

Regular Clothes

• 1-2 nice outfits (for special dinners, presentations)

• 3-4 pairs pants and/or skirts

• Long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts (for class, internships, and everyday wear)

• 1-2 warm sweaters

• 1-2 pair comfortable pants for hanging out

• Pajamas (warm enough for chilly nights)

• Plenty of underwear

• Plenty of socks – at least one pair for outdoor activities

• (Optional) Clothes for activities you plan to engage in, such as running, sports, hiking, going out in the evening

• (Optional) Swimsuit

Outerwear

• Warm, winter coat (preferably with a waterproof/windproof shell)

• Raincoat or water-repellant light jacket

• Hat that covers your ears

• 1-2 scarves that can keep you warm

• Pair of gloves

• (Optional) Fleece jacket or another sweater

• (Optional) Small umbrella

• (Optional) Something reflective if you intend to run or walk in the evenings (days will be short in late winter)

• Footwear

• Sturdy walking shoes, preferably waterproof

• Nice shoes for special occasions

• (Optional) Shoes for athletic activities

• (Optional) Rain boots

Packing: Electronics   

The voltage in the UK is 240V, 50 AC. Most sockets in the UK are for three-pin (square) 13 amp plugs, so you will need to buy a converter and an adapter if you bring electrical or electronic items.

Chargers

Bring a charger for any electronics you bring to Northern Ireland. You likely will need an adapter/converter.

Adapter/voltage converter

Bring the appropriate adapter and voltage converter for Northern Ireland; UK/European electricity voltage is higher than in the US. If you are planning to travel to other countries in Europe, you will likely need to bring additional adapters: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/world-electricity-guide.html

Laptop computer

If you have a laptop computer, bring it with you (in some cases, the internship organization requires the student to bring their own computer). Most recent computer power cords/chargers can handle 240V, but check the power brick or manufacturer’s website to be sure. If you do not have a laptop, you will have access to the computer lab at the Ulster University. Bring a flash drive. If the computer is relatively new (or looks new) make sure you have the proof of purchase/ receipt with you when you are going through US customs on your return. If you do not have the proof of purchase, Customs may try to charge you duty on it when you return to the US.

Music

We encourage you to have some way of listening to music while on the program. Bring ear buds or headphones so you also can listen privately.

Phones

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 to be contacted by, the program director and other members of the group.

Many students bring their cell phones, but find the phone’s use is limited and the cost is very high. If you bring your phone, you may also want to buy another phone in Northern Ireland for the duration of the program. If you purchase a phone in Northern Ireland, the phone and minutes generally cost $75-$125 for the program. Considerations and options as you decide  whether to use your phone while in Northern Ireland are discussed at length in the “Communication” section of the Handbook

Pack items for your health and safety.

You may not be able to purchase and pack all of these items, and some may not be relevant to you and your travel plans. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

This list is general and may not include all the items you need. Check our Traveler Information Center for more information if you are a traveler with specific health needs, such as travelers who are pregnant, immune compromised, or traveling for a specific purpose like humanitarian aid work.

Remember to pack extras of important health supplies in case of travel delays.

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions

• Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic

• Suture/syringe kit: Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery

• Altitude sickness medicine

Medical supplies

• Glasses: Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged

• Contact lenses: Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged

• Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example): Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery

• Suture kit: Kit for use by local health care provider, requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery

• Diabetes testing supplies

• Insulin

• Inhalers

• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)

• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antacid

• Diarrhea medicine (Examples: loperamide [Imodium] or bismuth subsalicylate [Pepto-Bismol]

• Antihistamine

• Motion sickness medicine

• Cough drops

• Cough suppression/expectorant

• Decongestant

• Medicine for pain and fever (Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)

• Mild laxative

• Mild sedative or other sleep aid

• Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer or wipes: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes

• Water purification tablets: May be needed if camping or visiting remote areas

• Insect repellent: Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites

• Permethrin: Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.

• Sunscreen: (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure.

• Sunglasses and hat: Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.

• Personal safety equipment (Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets)

• Earplugs

• Latex condoms

First-aid kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream

• Antifungal ointments

• Antibacterial ointments

• Antiseptic wound cleanser

• Aloe gel: For sunburns

• Insect bite treatment: Anti-itch gel or cream

• Bandages: Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape

• Moleskin or molefoam for blisters

• Elastic/compression bandage wrap: For sprains and strains

• Disposable gloves

• Digital thermometer

• Scissors and safety pins

• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)

• Tweezers

• Eye drops

Documents

• Health insurance documents

• Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms

• Copies of all prescriptions

• Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.

• Contact card

• Carry a contact card containing the street addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of the following:

• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States

• Health care provider(s) at home

• Lodging at your destination

• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination

• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries