Your first week
What to Do in Your First 7 Days in Ireland
The first week sets the foundation for everything. This guide tells you exactly what to do, in what order, and what not to skip.
Non-negotiable first steps
Three things you must do in your first 48 hours
Get a SIM card
Buy an Irish SIM card. Three, Vodafone, and Eir are the main networks. You will need a local number for booking appointments, communicating with your school, and everything else. Prepaid plans with data are available from around €15 to €20.
Book your Burgh Quay appointment
Do this on day one. All first-time IRP registrations in Ireland go to the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin since January 2025. Slots fill fast. Go to irishimmigration.ie and book as soon as you have internet access.
Confirm your accommodation address
Make sure you have a physical address confirmed in Ireland. You will need it for your IRP registration, your PPS number application, and your school records. A hostel or temporary address is acceptable for registration, but plan to have a stable address quickly.
Day by day
Your first week in Ireland
Land, settle, and start moving
- Buy a local SIM card (airport or city centre)
- Get to your accommodation and confirm your address
- Book your Burgh Quay appointment at irishimmigration.ie
- Locate the nearest supermarket and pharmacy
Administrative foundation
- Gather all documents for your IRP appointment (passport, school letter, insurance, accommodation proof, €300)
- Open a Revolut or N26 account (you can do this before your IRP card arrives)
- Find your school location and plan your commute
- Explore your neighbourhood
School starts
- Attend your school orientation or first classes
- Get your student ID from the school
- Ask your school about their attendance tracking system (85% minimum to renew your visa)
- Begin your job search if you want to work from the start
IRP appointment and next steps
- Attend your Burgh Quay appointment (bring every document, do not forget the €300)
- After approval, your IRP card will arrive by post in 5 to 10 working days
- Plan your PPS number application for as soon as your IRP card arrives
- Connect with other students at your school
Common errors
Mistakes that slow people down in their first week
Delaying the Burgh Quay booking
Every day you delay costs you days at the end. Appointment slots are limited. Some students wait a week before booking and then wait another three weeks for a slot. Book on day one.
Arriving without all documents
If you show up to Burgh Quay with an incomplete set of documents, your appointment is cancelled and you start again. Double check everything the night before.
Waiting until everything feels “ready” before looking for a job
Many students wait until all their documents are physically in hand before taking action. In reality, you can prepare your CV, identify the right areas, and understand the market from your first days. Being ready means you can start working as soon as your IRP is active.
Missing school during the first week
The 85% attendance rule applies from day one. Missing classes in the first week creates a deficit that is hard to recover. Show up even when things are difficult.
Common questions about the first week
Starting strong makes everything easier.
We prepare students for the first week before they leave their home country. Book a consultation and we will walk you through every step.