Moving to Ireland as a student, without an agency?

1. Arrival Planning

   Before you travel, we go through your plans with you on WhatsApp and share a simple arrival checklist. We explain how to get from the airport to your accommodation, how to get your phone working, and which steps to start in your first days.

   Full details: Arrival Planning

   What we help with

   • A WhatsApp check-in before departure, so you know who we are and can ask questions.
   • Going through your flight details and arrival time with you.
   • A simple arrival checklist: what to carry in hand luggage and which documents to keep close for immigration control at the airport.

   What you provide

   • Passport and the travel and immigration documents you need, kept in hand luggage. The official website, or your agency if you have one, lists them.
   • The letter from your college or course provider, and any other letters you have been told to carry.
   • The address of the accommodation for the first nights, with proof of the booking.

   Limits and costs

   Included in our Moving on Your Own package. Flights, taxis and public transport fares are paid by you directly.

   Airport pickup. Support is one-to-one, mainly by WhatsApp and phone, and we meet in person only if it is needed.

2. Accommodation Assistance Before Arrival

   Finding somewhere to live is one of the hardest parts of moving to Ireland. We explain the typical options and help the client check listings, landlords and agreements and spot scams, all remotely. The client pays rent and deposits directly.

   Full details: Accommodation Assistance Before Arrival

   What we help with

   • Explaining the main types of accommodation and what they usually include.
   • Helping the client set a realistic budget and choose areas with good transport to their college or workplace.
   • Showing the client what to look for in a listing and which questions to ask.

   What you provide

   • A clear monthly budget, including bills.
   • The address of the college or workplace, so we can look at travel times.
   • The move-in date and how long the client plans to stay.

   Limits and costs

   Included in our Moving on Your Own package. Rent, deposits, booking fees and bills are paid by you directly to the landlord or provider.

   Rent, deposits, booking fees and bills. The client pays these directly to the landlord or provider.

3. IRP Application Assistance

   Most non-EEA students staying in Ireland for more than 90 days need to register their immigration permission and get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP), then renew it while they continue to study. We explain the official process, help you check your documents and prepare your application. We do not sell, reserve or guarantee appointments.

   Full details: IRP Application Assistance

   What we help with

   • First-time registration: what it is, when you need to do it, and how appointments are requested through the official channels.
   • IRP renewal: when you can apply, how the official online renewal works and what students usually need to show.
   • Checking your documents against the current official list before you apply.

   What you provide

   • A valid passport.
   • Your current IRP card, if you are renewing.
   • A letter from your college confirming your enrolment and the dates of your course.

   Limits and costs

   Available on its own: contact us for a price. Also included in our Moving on Your Own package. The official registration fee is paid by you directly to the official body. Check the current amount on irishimmigration.ie.

   The official registration fee, which you pay directly.

4. PPSN Application Assistance

   A PPS Number is a personal reference number used for social welfare, public services and information in Ireland, and is needed for things like working and tax. We explain the official application process, help you prepare your documents and support you through each step.

   Full details: PPSN Application Assistance

   What we help with

   • Explaining what a PPS Number is used for and when you may need one.
   • Explaining how the official application usually works, which is typically online through MyWelfare.ie.
   • Helping you gather evidence of identity, evidence of address and evidence of why you need the number.

   What you provide

   • A valid passport, as evidence of identity.
   • Evidence of address in Ireland, such as a tenancy agreement, a utility bill or an official letter showing your name and address.
   • Evidence of why you need a PPS Number, such as a job offer or a letter from an employer.

   Limits and costs

   Available on its own: contact us for a price. Also included in our Moving on Your Own package. Any official costs are set by the Department of Social Protection and paid by you directly.

   Applying on your behalf or making decisions about the application. The Department of Social Protection decides.

5. Bank Account Setup Support

   Opening a bank account is often one of the first tasks after arrival. We explain the difference between traditional banks and app-based banking options, the documents banks usually ask for and how to plan around the common proof of address problem. We do not recommend specific providers or handle money.

   Full details: Bank Account Setup Support

   What we help with

   • Explaining the main types of banking options: traditional banks with branches, and app-based or digital banking options.
   • Explaining what to compare, such as monthly fees, card fees, branch access and the cost of sending money abroad.
   • Explaining the documents banks usually ask for.

   What you provide

   • A valid passport, as identification.
   • Proof of address in Ireland, which many providers ask for.
   • An IRP card, if the client has one and the provider asks for it.

   Limits and costs

   Included in our Moving on Your Own package. Any account or card fees are set by the bank or provider and paid by you.

   Recommending or endorsing a specific bank or provider.

6. TFI Leap Card and Travel Guidance

   The TFI Leap Card is a reusable travel card that usually costs less than paying cash fares. We explain the card types, how to top up and how to plan journeys on buses, the Luas, the DART and trains, so the client can travel with confidence from the first week.

   Full details: TFI Leap Card and Travel Guidance

   What we help with

   • Explaining what the TFI Leap Card is and how it saves money compared to cash fares.
   • Explaining the card types, including discounted cards for certain groups, such as the official Student Leap Card and the TFI Young Adult Card, and who may be eligible.
   • Showing the client how to get, register and top up a card.

   What you provide

   • A smartphone with the official TFI Live app installed.
   • A payment card or cash to buy and top up a Leap Card.
   • The address of the accommodation and of the college or workplace.

   Limits and costs

   Included in our Moving on Your Own package. The card, top-ups and fares are paid by you directly.

   Fares, card costs and top-ups. The client pays these directly.

7. Local Orientation and Practical Support

   The first weeks in a new country raise lots of small questions. We help the client get to know their area, from shops and transport to doctors and community groups, and we are available on WhatsApp during the first weeks after arrival for practical questions.

   Full details: Local Orientation and Practical Support

   What we help with

   • Getting a local SIM card or eSIM and choosing a plan.
   • Finding affordable grocery shops, markets and pharmacies nearby.
   • Understanding Irish weather and what to wear through the year.

   What you provide

   • A phone that is unlocked for an Irish SIM card, or that supports eSIM.
   • The full address of the accommodation, including the Eircode (the Irish postcode).
   • A list of what the client would like nearby, such as a pharmacy or a particular food shop.

   Limits and costs

   Included in our Moving on Your Own package. Phone plans, GP visits, shopping and other personal costs are your own.

   Accompanying you to every appointment. Support is mainly by WhatsApp and phone, and we meet in person only if it is needed.

1. Get your place in writing

   Keep the letter or email from your college or course provider that confirms your place.

2. Check your entry requirements

   Look up what applies to your nationality on the Immigration Service Delivery website.

3. Start your accommodation search early

   Rooms go quickly. Never pay a deposit for a place no one has viewed or checked.

4. Share your flight details

   Once your flight is booked, send us the details so we can plan your arrival.

5. Plan your money

   Bring a bank card that works abroad and some euro in cash for your first days.

6. Get your phone ready

   Make sure your phone is unlocked for an Irish SIM card, or supports eSIM.

IRP appointments are requested by you through the official channels. We cannot promise a specific date or outcome.