Studying Abroad in Dublin
Replies: 4 - Last Post: Aug 19, 2012 8:51 AM Last Post By: GlobalCommuter
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Studying Abroad in Dublin
Hello all!One week from today I will be flying into Dublin to begin a semester abroad in Ireland! I've read through a great deal of the recent postings about Dublin and the surrounding areas, and there seem to be some really helpful posters in this forum. Hopefully you'll be able to share some of that wisdom with me too!
My main question involves my phone. I went to India a few months ago and even though I got an international plan for my Verizon iPhone, it ended up costing me a fortune.Definitely going to avoid that this time around. My study abroad program provides me with a phone that I can use while in Dublin, but do any of you know of an inexpensive way for me to be able to use my iPhone (mostly in case of emergency, that sort of thing). I'll primarily be using Skype, FaceTime and iMessage, but I like to have my options open.
Also, this is more of a general question, but I have a lot of three day weekends built in to my study abroad program. I won't have a car, obviously, but my parents will be visiting me for my birthday (end of October!) and will have a car then. What are some good day trips out of Dublin that I won't need a car for? And what are some must-see hits for when my parents visit? They'll be in Ireland for a week, and have booked a hotel in Dublin for the duration. I know a lot of trips like these come down to personal taste and preference; I love photography, food, history and anywhere they intersect (which, as I understand it, is just about everywhere!)
I'd also like some advice for packing. Right now I'm bringing one 24" suitcase that I'm checking and a backpack. I've got 3 pairs of jeans,a pair of corduroy pants, a few t-shirts, 3 long sleeve shirts, 2 sweaters, 3 skirts, 4 dresses, a few button up shirts, lots of socks and underwear, pajamas, a bathing suit, yoga pants, rain coat with zip out fleece lining, boots, sneakers, black flats, tights, and a few scarves. I'm really trying to pack light, because everyone says to only bring half of what you think you need. Does this sound about right for four months in Ireland? Anything I'm missing? Anything I shouldn't take?
Thank you guys so much in advance for all your help! I'll be sure to frequent this forum as I go through my travels and return the favor :]
1
As for phones, it is easy to pick up a cheap phone plus sim card....charge as you go and no contracts....i don't know how that would apply with a iphone....you have lots of clothing...no worries and stuff is cheap enough should you need to buy at places like Dunne's Stores....
Ireland is a small counrty and a trip to the far corners is not much longer than 4 hours...many shorter...1 or 2 hrs...even Galway is less than three hours away....busses are frequent and also private coaches are less expensive than regular CIE...trains are pricey....one brief conversation with fellow students will give you an overall picture of the places to see...lots of sporting events happening all season and loads of fun to attend.....swimming in the sea is a cold experience...Enjoy Ireland; live in the moment while there, and you will have a great time....
3
1. The main phone providers in Ireland are O2, Vodafone, Meteor and 3 and they all have plans where you can get a microsim with an Irish number. The basic bill pay ones are 30 day rolling contracts for approximately €20 per month or there are pay as you go options as well.2. Ireland is a small enough place that many parts of it can be seen as day/weekend trips. Even without a car you could easily see any of the main cities (Belfast, Cork, Galway) by bus or train. With your parents you could maybe go to Powerscourt or Glendalough in Wicklow for some scenic walks or since you mentioned history as an interest go to Newgrange and the Hill of Tara in Meath. If you're parents aren't intent on staying in the Dublin region the whole time you could do a short three day trip with them to the Aran Islands or Ring of Kerry (though October might not be the best time of year weather wise). Also on at the end of October is the Cork Jazz Festival and the Wexford Opera Festival. The Cliffs of Moher and Giants Causeway would make for great photographs though both are a 3/3.5hr drive from Dublin.
3. Sounds like you've plenty of clothes and as #1 said you can pick up anything else you need cheap enough in Dunnes Stores or Pennys.
You'll get a much better picture of what you'll enjoying doing once you're settled in a bit. I hope you have fun and enjoy your semester :)
4
Have the Verizon store do a "factory unlock" on your phone so that you can use the gsm radios already equipped in the phone. Then buy a pre-paid sim card in Ireland. There are YouTube videos on this as well. I just got back from Germany, and couldn't use my Verizon iPhone there without the unlocked gsm radios. If you need a further explanation pm me. Enjoy your stay!
