Fall 2026 Pre-Departure Checklist

1.  Download the ISOS International Insurance App and register using your HC email. Member ID: 11BCAS701139

2.    Enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Program

3.    Add Assistant Director Emma Meade to your contacts: 443-468-8953

4.    Download Whatsapp and send a message to Assistant Director Emma Meade with your name

5.    Put the following items in your Carry-On bag:

a.    Holy Cross Affidavit Letter (Pick up in Smith Hall room 330)

b.     Holy Cross ISOS Insurance Letter (Pick up in Smith Hall room 330)

c.    UCD Acceptance Letter (Get this from your email/UCD portal)

6.    Ensure that you have a credit and debit card (mastercard or visa only) and that you alert your bank about your upcoming travels

7.    Make sure you have access to Holy Cross emails on your phone

8.    Ensure that your phone in ‘unlocked’ so that you can use an international sim card if you wish (it’s always good to physically go to your provider’s store and ask someone in person to ensure your phone is unlocked.

9.    Work with your doctor to bring any prescription and non-prescription medications you may need for the entire semester

10. Make sure you have some Type G adapters on hand for the electrical outlets

11. Make sure you have spoken to the Study Abroad Faculty Advisors in your major/minor/concentration(s) to ensure you have an understanding of what types of classes you can transfer back to Holy Cross for your major/minor/concentration.

12. Read through the 'Academics' section of this website to gain an understanding of the Course Approval Form and process

13. Bookmark this website and save it on your phone- you'll probably want to reference this while you're away! 

14. Make a plan for dorm 'stuff'! Your dorm is going to be pretty 'bare bones' just like an American dorm. You'll need to provide your own bedding, towels, school supplies, and decorations. Most student choose to buy these items once they're in Ireland. From Penney's (Primark) to TK Maxx (TJ Maxx to us!) to Tesco and Dunnes, there are plenty of shops that sell these items at really reasonable prices. You could bring some of this with you if you choose, but it takes up a lot of room in a suitcase, so be mindful and make a plan! 

15. Make a budget. You'll be buying your own groceries/meals in Ireland. You'll probably want to go out to bars and restaurants, travel to other locations in Ireland, or even travel furfther afield. How will you fund these personal expenses? Check out numbeo.com to get a sense of what everyday items cost in Dublin so you can start planning!