DIT Dublin Institute of Technology

Welcome

International Student Office

When You Arrive

Arrival Checklist

1. Have you attended the International Student Orientation Programme?
If not please visit the International Student Office at 143-149 Rathmines Road to introduce yourself and to collect your orientation pack.

2. Have you secured your accommodation?
If not please contact DIT’s Accommodations Office or DIT Students Union Offices for support. There is a section on Student Accommodation in our International Student handbook. Please read the section ‘Irish Tenancy Law’ in the handbook for information about the legal obligations between a tenant and a landlord.

3. Have you managed to set up an account with the electricity company/gas company/internet provider if you have secured your accommodation?
If you have not you will need to speak with your landlord/accommodation provider or you can speak with DITSU representatives at your DIT campus.

4. Have you applied to the International Student Office for letters you will require to register with the GNIB, open a bank account, applying for your PPS number, letter for an employer, visa renewal letter etc.?
As an international student in Ireland you will need to submit letters on your behalf from the International Student Office to verify that you are a registered student in Ireland. You apply for these letters online through the International Student Offices webcourses site, www.dit.ie/webcourses The username is information and the password is information. Please note that it can take up to three days for any requested letters to be issued to you.

5. Have you registered with the GNIB?
If not please do so as soon as possible as it is illegal to remain in the country as a non EU student on a study visa without registering. Please contact DIT’s International Student Office if you encounter difficulties registering with the GNIB. There are details in this handbook in the section entitled ‘Immigration Information’ which provides the information on the documents you will need to register.

6. Have you registered as a student at your DIT campus?
All students are obliged to register at their designated DIT campus’ Registrations Office before their classes begin. It is important that you register soon after arriving as you will need your student card to access college facilities and as a form of identification.

7. Have you managed to set up a bank account?
There is information in our handbook on how to set up a bank account in Ireland. It is important that you open up a bank account in Ireland if you are a student as you may need letters from your bank to support your application to buy a service product such as electricity or internet. If you continue to use your overseas bank account, you may encounter large bank fees on ATM transactions also. There is an Allied Irish Bank on DIT Bolton Street and Aungier Street campuses.

8. Are you planning to work part time in Ireland during your studies?
If you are then you need to be aware that you may only work for a maximum of 20 hours per week as a non EU citizen on a study visa in Ireland during term time and up to 40 hours during the holiday period if you are not committed to continuing studies at DIT such as writing a thesis. There are suggestions in our handbook about how to find a part time job. The minimum wage in Ireland is currently €8.65 although some employers may pay a higher rate per hour.

9. Have you applied for your PPS Number?
You need to apply for a PPS (Personal Public Service) Number as an employee in Ireland. You apply for this number through your local Social Welfare Office. There are Social Welfare Offices near all of the DIT Campuses. There is a section our handbook dedicated to how and where to apply in Dublin for your PPS Number.

10. Have you received the details of your Private Medical Insurance coverage from the International Student Office?
All non EU students on full time programmes at DIT who are on a study visa in Ireland are obliged to have private medical insurance cover. DIT’s International Student Office organises this cover for our students. There is information on the insurance cover in our international student handbook and all students should have received a medical insurance policy card for your wallet which contacts details of the insurance cover such as the policy number and the emergency contact details in the event that you are ill and need medical attention. It is very important that you carry this card with you at all times in the event that you have an accident and require hospitalisation. The International Student Office can provide you with information on your medical insurance cover if you do not yet have it.

Students

New International Student Orientation Programme

DIT’s International Student Office organizes a comprehensive orientation programme for all new international students in September and January of each year.

The International Office is here to help you settle into DIT and to help you access the many support services available to you both within and outside of the Institute. To help you adapt to your new country, culture and study environment, we have organised an induction day. This will be an excellent opportunity to meet the staff of DIT before your classes start and to advise you how to organise things such as registering with the immigration authorities, opening a bank account etc. The induction will be held on the date and time below and we urge all students either new to Dublin or DIT to attend.

Date: Wednesday, 26th January, 2011

Time: 10am – 1pm (Light refreshments will be available after 1 pm)

Venue: KOS Theatre Cathal Brugha

If you have any queries then please feel free to email erasmus@dit.ie

It is advisable that all new international students attend this event as it provides an invaluable opportunity to meet with other new international students and gain a perspective into student life at DIT and living in Ireland through a series of seminars and social activities.

The staff at the International Student Office looks forward to welcoming you to DIT at this event where we are available to address any questions and concerns which you may have.

Accommodation for International Students

Please visit www.dit.ie/campuslife/studentsupport/accommodation/ for all accommodation information.

DIT Student Sports, Recreation & Support Dept. organises DIT’s off-campus student accommodation with external student accommodation providers. Students can book from June onwards to ensure a place for the 2009/10 Session. It is advisable to book early as the number of places is limited considering the demand. There will be a range of different styles of modern accommodation in the bed space provision. The accommodation is fully furnished and can be viewed on the accommodation provider's website or in person by viewing the accommodation in advance of paying the deposit. Groups of students may book on block with the accommodation provider though early booking would be advisable. All the accommodation is in close proximity to the North or South side DIT campuses and close to public transport.

The selection of the accommodation and the terms of the agreement/contract are entirely a matter between the individual student and the external provider.

DIT’s Student Sports, Recreation & Support Dept. also provide an information service about accommodation in partnership with DIT’ Student Union personnel. This service provides DIT students with information on available living accommodation, both self-catering and lodgings, including details about location, number of places and costs. Please visit www.findahome.ie for further information (password pembroke). It also provides students with guidelines on how to find accommodation.