Packing, Phones, & More

Packing

Northern Ireland has a generally cool and damp climate, with temperatures ranging anywhere from the 20s (F) in the winter to the 80s (°F) in summer. Generally, the weather is a bit milder, however. You’ll rarely see days below freezing, but you may well encounter a fair bit of rain! The weather is highly changeable, so you should be prepared for any weather regardless of what it looks like outside or what the weather report says. It is a good idea to pack layers and bring rain gear and waterproof shoes.

Our main tip: Pack light, Belfast is full of shops! Make sure to bring your Laptop and any Medications you may need. Beyond that, you can find just about anything you need in town!

Carry-on sizes in Europe are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-european travel I always recommend a backpack! Note that if you cannot carry your own bags, you will not be able to get to your destination.

Don’t forget US to UK adapters for electrical outlets. Adapters for the UK are available on Amazon and at Walmart (and similar stores!). If you do forget adapters- choose your own adventure! You can find them in the likes of Boots, Tesco, etc.

Tips for Purchasing your flight

Students should fly into Belfast directly wherever possible. There are two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport, and Belfast International.
We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date.
We strongly recommend purchasing tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline.
Students should purchase a flexible flight.
Research many different airlines. 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 and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

Travel Day

On the day of your flight, make sure you have the following in your carry-on* bag:

Passport

Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 moths after your planned return from Dublin

Holy Cross Affadavit Letter

This is a document provided by the office of study abroad that states you are a student in good standing at the College of the Holy Cross, and are on an official Holy Cross program! You might need to show this to the immigration officer once you are in Dublin.

Queen's University Acceptance Letter (CAS Letter)

You should print your acceptance letter from your email. This letter serves as proof that you are a "legit" Queen's Univerisy student. You might need to show this to the immigration officer once you are in Northern Ireland.

Accommodation Letter (Print from Email)
Pounds Sterling- the amount is up to you but 200GBP is a good start!

*Note that Carry-on sizes in Europe & the UK are not the same as they are in the US. Your carry-on will be useless for subsequent travel if you do not get a carry-on that fits European planes. For inter-european travel I always recommend a backpack!

Sim Cards & Phone Plans

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) in Northern Ireland. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone.

Once in Belfast, we recommend visiting a local phone shop and obtaining a local sim card. There are lots of pay-as-you-go options with unlimited data. Some supplier names to get you started:

EE: shop.ee.co.uk
O2: o2.co.uk
Giffgaff: giffgaff.com
Three: three.co.uk

Another option, which can be more expensive, is to work with your American carrier to pay for an international plan for the duration of your stay in Northern Ireland. No matter what your plan is, you need to make sure your American phone is unlocked before you leave.

Required Apps

Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in Ireland, even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet- all you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!

ISOS

You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in Dublin, you most open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Dublin.

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