Finances

Credit cards are widely used in Northern Ireland. The best known are Visa, MasterCard, and to a lesser extent, American Express. Be prepared to show identification in order to use the card (this rarely happens but you should always have your ID with you anyways!)

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so they do not freeze your account and to ensure that your PIN will work while you are abroad.  

Have a 4-digit pin number for ATMs. While 6-digit pins are increasingly common in the US, you'll need a 4-digit pin in Northern Ireland! Check with your bank to make sure your card is activated for overseas use and that your PIN will work overseas.

 ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard) on them.  There are numerous ATMs in Belfast. The exchange rate for ATM withdrawals is usually the best available since it is the bank’s own bulk rate plus a 1-2 percent charge. Keep in mind that when you change cash abroad at an exchange business, they may have what appear to be low exchange rates, but they frequently also charge a commission

Most cards outside the US have a chip on the front; contact your bank to see if it’s possible to get a card with a chip. MOST PLACES IN NORTHERN IRELAND PREFER THE CHIP (the payment method where you simply tap your card rather than insert or swipe)  

It is recommended that you carry the phone number of your local bank in case you misplace your ATM card. 

All students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Tickets are an out-of-pocket expense. Please make sure your first port of entry is in the UK (Do not connect in the Republic of Ireland)

When you book your flights, we strongly recommend you purchase your tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Why? Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline. 

We also strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date. You should therefore purchase a flexible flight, researching many different airlines to see what they offer. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. 

Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing! As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to: airline tickets and transportation to / from airports, in addition to expenses resulting from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

• All students will be charged Holy Cross home tuition and the standard room charge.
  
  Students will not be charged for a meal plan at Queen's University Belfast because accommodations are "self-catering" - i.e., students shop and cook for themselves.

• All students will be billed a mandatory fee or approx. $235 per semester for GLOBAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE AND international MEDICAL/TRAVEL INSURANCE  provided by International SOS (ISOS) and Cigna Global health/Lloyd’s insurance (students are NOT charged the Health Service fee).

The reason the student is billed directly by Holy Cross for the College’s tuition and housing is because they remain enrolled at Holy Cross, ensuring academic continuity and retaining access to important on-campus resources including College advising, academic oversight, transcript and degree-planning processes, Class Dean and Chaplaincy support, health and safety support, emergency assistance, and other services associated with an approved study abroad experience. This is the primary benefit of the Home School Tuition (HST) model.

HST also helps ensure that approved coursework taken abroad contributes appropriately to the student’s Holy Cross degree, and that participation does not unnecessarily disrupt progress toward the College’s eight-semester residential requirement or timely graduation.

The Home School Tuition policy permits eligible federal and institutional financial aid to be applied to a student’s Holy Cross account (subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable aid programs). Therefore, financial aid “travels” and can be applied towards the student’s Holy Cross term bill during the Fall/Spring terms that a student studies abroad.

Students should expect some additional expenses related to studying abroad. The following list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Additionally, students should not expect to have the same amenities abroad as they have at Holy Cross. Each program has different components unique to each location: 

• FLIGHTS Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Ireland.

•  STUDENT VISA/RESIDENCY FEES 

•  AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION Students can expect to cover the cost of moving from the airport to UG 

•  LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

•  MEALS 

•  BOOKS

•  PERSONAL EXPENSES (including bedding and kitchen supplies)

•  ENTERTAINMENT

•  LAUNDRY

•  PRINTING FEES

•  PACKING EXPENSES or storage fees for personal belongings 

•  COVID-19 TESTING

Here's a helpful guide to average prices in Belfastto help you budget!