Passports and Immigration Control
At the port of entry into Ireland all students must pass through passport and immigration control. To receive official permission to enter Ireland you will need the following documents:
Your valid international passport
- Entry visa (if applicable)
- Your UCC acceptance letter offering you a place on a full-time course
- Evidence, such as a bank statement or letter from sponsors stating you can meet all the costs of your stay in Ireland
- Evidence that you intend to leave Ireland at the end of your studies
Do not enter Ireland as a visitor and then attempt to change status to student.
All non-EU students will have their passports computer swiped and date stamped by the Immigration Officer. It endorses a requirement for you to register with the Immigration Office before the date stamped expires. It is usually within one month of entry. Details of how to register with Immigration are outlined under the Immigration Procedures section.
Please treat Irish Immigration Officers with the respect that their Office deserves. Behave in a polite and courteous manner at all times.
Cork Airport
Cork Airport is 6 km from the city centre. A bus leaves approximately every 45 minutes from the airport to the city centre. Weekday services commence at 06.40 and the last bus to leave the airport is at 23.15. Weekend services commence at 07.30 and the last bus leaves the airport at 21.45. The cost is €3.80 for a single fare and €6.70 for a return journey.
A taxi rank is also located at the airport. All airport taxis are metred. A taxi fare to either the city centre, Campus Accommodation or UCC costs approximately €15, depending on traffic.
Cork Airport: www.corkairport.com or Telephone: + 353 21 4313131
Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal
Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal is located 21 km from the centre of Cork City. On arrival in Ringaskiddy there is a connecting bus to the city centre which costs €5.00 single.
Cork Train Station (Kent Station)
The train station is located in Lower Glanmire Road, quite close to the city centre. A taxi rank, with metred taxis, operates at the station. There are regular services to and from Dublin, Limerick, Rosslare Harbour, Waterford and Tralee. Intermediate towns and other parts of the country are served by connecting services. You may avail of a reduced rate for travel on trains once you have an International Student Identity Card with a "travelsave" stamp.
Telephone: + 353 21 4506766 or http://www.irishrail.ie
Cork Bus Office, Parnell Place
The bus station is located close to the city centre. Expressway services operate from major towns and cities in Ireland. You may avail of a reduced rate for travel on buses once you have an International Student Identity Card with a "travelsave" stamp.
A taxi rank operates at the bus station. The bus station is a three-minute walk from the main shopping street in Cork - Patrick Street. City buses operate from outside Roches Stores in Patrick Street and Merchants Quay Shopping Centre. A number 8 or number 5 bus, which you can take from outside Roches Stores, will drop you outside UCC. These buses run approximately every 20 minutes. The cost is €1.30.
Telephone: +353 21 4508188 or http://www.buseireann.ie
Temporary Accommodation
If you do not have accommodation arranged prior to your arrival in Cork, the International Education Office will be happy to assist you in making arrangements for temporary accommodation in a bed and breakfast guesthouse or hostel. There are a number of bed and breakfast guesthouses close to campus. Prices range from €30 - €50 per night.
The hostel closest to campus is An Óige (Irish Youth Hostel Association) 1 Redclyffe, Western Rd, Cork. It is located no more than 100 metres from the International Education Office. Website: www.irelandyha.org Email: corkyh@gofree.indigo.ie
Telephone: + 353 21 4543289. Fax: +353 21 4543289.
Prices are as follows:
- Twin room: €39 - €42
- 4 bed dormitory: €18 - €19
- 6 bed dormitory: €14 - €17
A special rate of €80 per week is available in the 6 bed dormitory by prior arrangement.
Bru Hostel is located at 57 MacCurtain Street Cork, which is walking distance from both the train station and the bus station. Prices range from €16.50 to €25. All rooms are en-suite. Website: www.bruhostel.com Email: info@bruhostel.com Telephone: +353 21 455 9667.
Hostel accommodation is also available at Kinlay House, Shandon, Cork.
Prices range from €14 - €35 depending on the type of room required and the time of the year. Website: www.kinlayhouse.ie Email: kinlay.cork@usit.ie. Telephone: +353 21 4508966.