Chapter 8: Communication

E-Mail

NUIGalway has a computer labs available for your use, and many of the apartment complexes have internet hookups. As at most universities, you will probably find that there is high demand for the lab computers, so bring your laptop, if you have one.

If you don't have or want to bring a laptop, there's a good option: internet cafes. Shop around for the best rates; they are generally reasonable. While you're traveling, you can email from just about anywhere in Europe; internet cafes are common. They're also a great place to meet fellow-travelers. Just be careful; pickpockets like internet cafes, too.

Phones

Many apartments come equipped with a regular phone (check each apartment's website for full information). Most students are used to cell phones, however. These are easily obtainable in Galway. Check with the International Student Office upon arrival for any recommendations. Before leaving you the U.S., you may want to check with your current cell phone company to investigate international plans; your current phone may be adaptable for international use. 

You can also purchase pre-paid phone cards when you arrive in Ireland. These can be used from pay phones, and are a great way to call home when you get to Ireland, and assure family and friends that you've arrived safely. Available in convenience stores everywhere, in varying denominations. IMPORTANT: Do not purchase pre-paid phone cards in the United States; they will not work abroad.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Be sure that your family and friends have the number of your apartment management in case they need to contact you in a true emergency. The number for the International Student Office at NUIGalway is 011-353-91-495-277 (from the U.S.)

Please keep in mind that Ireland is five hours ahead of the U.S., and the school is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

In Galway, you will be given an emergency phone number which you can use 24 hours per day to contact a member of our staff. This number is to be used in genuine emergencies only.

Receiving Mail and Packages

When you give people your mailing address in Galway, use your apartment address. 

Advise your friends and family that when mail requires speedy delivery, we advise using FedEx or DHL. We do not recommend UPS. Be aware that items sent to you by Federal Express or DHL may be subject to very high import duties, particularly if they are insured for high sums. If parents want to send items this way, they should consider that students might end up paying more in duty than the item is worth. The contents of the package should be stated as USED (not new) and FOR PERSONAL USE. Gold, medicine, (including vitamins) cigarettes and cash cannot be sent. Also, if the insurance declaration is too high, there are extra duties to pay once the package gets to Galway (this applies to regular airmail, too.)

Large Packages

We don't advise that you send large packages to or from Ireland. Shipping costs and import duties are very high, often higher than the value of the items shipped. However, if you are willing to follow all the packing rules and endure a long wait, you might want to ship items home via surface mail. This is the slow method, and quite a bit cheaper.

Please do not ship items to the school prior to your arrival. The school cannot provide storage for packages. Pack light and bring everything with you when you arrive.

If you think you will be bringing home more than you came with, pack some extra collapsible bags. Make sure they close completely or have a lock that will prevent it from being opened too easily. Unfortunately, theft of items from luggage by airport personnel is not uncommon. If friends and family come to visit, you could also ask them to take home with them some of your purchases or items that you do not need.

Another reason to pack light is that you will be charged by your airline for overweight bags.

Sending Mail from Ireland

Ireland's mail system is quite good and regular mail reaches the U.S. within a week to ten days. To send regular letters home, make sure the address is clearly PRINTED on the envelope and completely sealed. Make sure to indicate UNITED STATES and AIRMAIL on the front and back of the envelope.