Prepare for Arrival
We are looking forward to welcoming you to campus! Before and after travelling to Ireland there are important steps that all students must complete. Start preparing for your arrival to ATU Sligo today!
Important Information
ATU Sligo campus is located in Sligo. This is in the north west of Ireland, approximately 3 hours from Dublin.
The closest International Airport to Sligo is Dublin International Airport.
Sligo is connected to Dublin by coach and rail.
All new students are required to attend Induction.
You should travel to Sligo before Induction begins.
Induction will take place from the 13th to 15th of September 2023 at 9.30am.
Teaching is expected to begin on the week commencing the 18th September 2023.
The Academic Calendar provides students with important term dates including holiday and examination periods.
The 2023/24 Academic Calendar is available here.
Please note the following key dates:
- Induction- 13th to 15th September, 2023.
- First semester commencement of classes- 18th September, 2023.
- Reading week- 30th October 2023 to November 3rd 2023.
- End of first semester teaching- 22nd December, 2023.
- Semester one examinations 3rd January to 15th January 2024.
- Second semester commencement of classes- 22nd January 2024.
- Reading week 25th March to 29th March 2024.
- End of second semester teaching- 3rd May 2024.
- Second semester examinations- 11th May to 27th May 2024.
Please be aware 2023/24 Academic Calendar may be subject to minor changes throughout the year.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Many international students will need a visa to travel to Ireland.
You can apply for a study visa up to 3 months before your date of travel to Ireland.
Learn more about visa and immigration here.
You must have accommodation booked for when you arrive to Ireland.
ATU Sligo does not have its own accommodation but there are many private accommodation options located close to campus.
Learn more about the accommodation options.
Non-EU/EEA students must have private medical insurance before travelling to Ireland.
EU/EEA students should have their EHIC card before travelling to Ireland.
Learn more about Medical Insurance
At border control, you may be asked to show important documentation relating to your visit to Ireland. You should pack these documents in your hand luggage. Learn more.
You should check the Covid-19 travel restrictions before travelling to Ireland.
These are available on the Government of Ireland website.
If you are transiting through another country, you should also check their travel guidance.
Pre-Departure Session are held virtually. They provide students with useful information about travelling to Ireland and preparing for their academic studies at ATU.
A schedule of pre-departure sessions is available online here. Offer holders will receive a link to join the information sessions by email.
At the Airport
Dublin International Airport is the closest international airport to ATU Sligo.
It is approximately 3 hours from ATU Sligo.
You will go through Border Control at Dublin International Airport.
A Border Control Officer will check your documents. They may also ask you questions about your visit.
Learn more here.
We recommend you bring the following documents in your hand luggage.
- Passport (and visa if applicable)
- Offer Letter or Learning Agreement
- Accommodation details
- Tuition Fee Receipt or Sponsorship Letter (if applicable)
- Private Medical Insurance (Non-EU students)
Further information about travel options from Dublin International Airport will be provided in Summer 2023.
Airport Collections
ATU Sligo will be offering free Airport Collections for new international students from Dublin International Airport on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of September. This will be a free service.
To book this service, you will need to complete the Booking Form.
9th, 10th, 11th and 12th September 2023 (inclusive)
Departure times on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th September will be communicated to all students on or before 31st August 2023.
It takes approximately 3 hours to travel from Dublin Airport to Sligo. We recommend that students book flights that arrive in the morning or afternoon.
You must book your airport collection in advance. If you do not book, you will not be able to use the airport collection service.
To book, Complete the booking form.
On or before 4th September you will receive an email confirming your airport transfer departure time and pick-up collection point at Dublin Airport.
Airport collections are a free service.
If you have to use an alternative travel option (see below), you will need to pay for your own tickets.
If your flight time is changed or cancelled and you are still arriving on either 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th September you will need to complete and submit another airport arrival form.
If you are arriving outside of those dates, you will need to use alternative travel options (see below).
Yes. The airport collection services will only be running from Dublin International Airport.
Yes. Students will be dropped off at their student residence address, or private rented accommodation, as specified in their arrival form.
IMPORTANT: It is your responsibility to communicate with your accommodation provider about your expected arrival dates and times. Please ensure that you will be able to check-in. ATU Sligo cannot do this on your behalf.
Yes but only if they are in a pet hold or pet cage throughout the journey.
No. The airport collection service is for reserved for new international students who are beginning their studies at ATU Sligo in September 2023.
Please see the alternative transportation options (below) for other methods of travel between Dublin Airport and Sligo.
Airport collections will only be operating on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of September. If you are travelling outside of these dates, you will need to use alternative travel options (see below).
Bus/Coach
The Bus Éireann Expressway public coach transfer service (Route 23) operates from Dublin Airport to Sligo. You can view timetables, collection points and book tickets online the Expressway website.
Train
Trains operate between Dublin Connolly Station to Sligo Train Station. Dublin Connolly Station is in Dublin city centre. You will have to travel by taxi or bus from Dublin Airport to Dublin Connolly rail station first. You can view train timetables and book tickets online on the Irish Rail website.
After arriving in Sligo, you will need to travel from the Sligo Bus or Rail Station to your accommodation by taxi or public transportation.
Airport Collection Information
After Arriving in Ireland
Please see our Info Pack 23/24 which contains key information to start your student journey as an International Student at ATU Sligo.
All new students are required to attend Induction.
Induction is an opportunity to learn about ATU Sligo, complete important tasks and meet new people.
Induction will occur on the the 13-15 September 2023 for Non-EU, Erasmus and Partner/Exchange students.
See Induction for further information
You must register as a student before you can begin your academic studies.
You will receive an email in September 2023 providing instructions on how to register.
Once you register, you will get your student number and gain access to your student email and Moodle accounts.
See Induction for further information
If you a student from a Non-EU country, you will need to register with immigration and obtain your Irish Residence Permit.
See Induction for further information
Teaching is expected to begin on 18th September 2023.
Timetables are normally released 1-2 weeks before teaching begins.
At Induction, you will get guidance about how to access your timetable and use Moodle – our digital learning platform.
See Induction for further information
Induction!
Covid-19
All students must follow all public health guidelines after you arrive in Ireland.
Detailed information is available at the Government of Ireland website.
Students who are studying in Ireland are eligible to receive a vaccine.
Learn more about Ireland’s vaccine roll out, and how to register, on the HSE Vaccine website.
After arriving in Ireland, if you feel unwell or develop symptoms you should self isolate and get tested. You should not come to campus.
Further guidance for students is available on the ATU Sligo Covid-19 page.
