Setup in Ireland

[Ditch Doctor]

How much money should my wife and I bring for setup in Ireland?

[julestx]

hi Ditch...

I would figure about 750-800/mo for rent, with 1 month security (they dont ask for 1st and last typically, like they do in SXM). I think one of the utilities asks for 150 dep - I think its the electricity ("ESB"). Water is free. Gas - I didnt give them any deposit. Phone - if your rental house has ever had a phone line run through it (most have) then you just plug a phone into the jack, dial '1901' and Eircom will pick up. You tell them you've just moved in, and want this line connected. It will be on within the hour. They all bill bi-monthly, and on your next phone bill you'll be charged for your line rental and usage. No hook-up. Groceries are not cheap, per se, but you can keep your bills down by shopping at a store called Lidl, and then Tesco. Start-up groceries might cost you about 200 Euros, but you could certainly make it less if you just cut out certain things.

So about 800 Euros X2
150 Deposit for Elect. to ESB
start-up Groceries about 200 Euros more or less

But the incidentals rack up a ton. If you're taking a cab for a few days, you pay about 6-8 Euros each way to just about anywhere from the City Center of Waterford out towards the subdivisions near the hospital, etc.

If you get a letter from Dr W's secretary, you can go into the Bank across from the hospital and open an account there - and with having an account you get the Electric deposit waved.

Your white coat charge at WRH is 15 euros. Another 'incidental' fee. Your two months rent and your car are going to be the big ones.

[julestx]

If you bring a set of set of double bed sheets, you should be ok for your first little while, depending on your needs and what your new rental house has inside. Most have a basic set of dishes, glasses, mugs, micro, kettle, cutlery, cookware, furniture. Inside the mall, at the City Center in Waterford, there is a store called Dunnes. They have good prices on things for the home, upstairs. The other store name (write it down!) is Michael Guineys, in City Center. You can ask anyone to point you in the direction of these stores when you arrive. You'll find everything - Michael Guineys has most things at cheapo prices. There is also a dollar store (called the "Pound Store" here) in City Center - ask anyone and they'll point towards it. City Center is small-scale...think olde worlde village.

[grace]

If you bring a set of set of double bed sheets, you should be ok for your first little while, depending on your needs and what your new rental house has inside. Most have a basic set of dishes, glasses, mugs, micro, kettle, cutlery, cookware, furniture. Inside the mall, at the City Center in Waterford, there is a store called Dunnes. They have good prices on things for the home, upstairs. The other store name (write it down!) is Michael Guineys, in City Center. You can ask anyone to point you in the direction of these stores when you arrive. You'll find everything - Michael Guineys has most things at cheapo prices. There is also a dollar store (called the "Pound Store" here) in City Center - ask anyone and they'll point towards it. City Center is small-scale...think olde worlde village.

Argos is another place that's great. It's right there in the city center as well. Just go in and pick up a catalog!

[grace]

How much money should my wife and I bring for setup in Ireland?

I'd say if you can have $5000 (just a little over EUR4000 right now) saved up you'll be in good shape. Jules did a great job of summarizing some of the starting expenses in Ireland; here are a few extra.

Bord Gais (gas company)- 190 Euro deposit

Car- Different students have spent various amounts, but the most expensive I know of is EUR3500

Gas- Costs about $3.50-$4/gallon (depending on exchange rate of course and prices are probably higher now since the price of oil has gone up)

[Ditch Doctor]

I'd say if you can have $5000

How much to get us to mid-January, do you think. If I'm not mistaken, we won't be eligable for student loans this semester and have to do the whole tution waiver 1 semester off thing. We will have an infant starting in november.

[grace]

How much to get us to mid-January, do you think. If I'm not mistaken, we won't be eligable for student loans this semester and have to do the whole tution waiver 1 semester off thing. We will have an infant starting in november.

Why will you not be eligible for financial aid next semester? If you start in Ireland, you will have the 8+ required weeks in a semester in order to get financial aid. We received our check about a month prior to starting in Ireland, which was really nice.

[julestx]

Ditch Doctor; Even if you dont begin until October...you can work right through December here. Dr W is known to let students work through the Christmas break. Even without doing that, though, I think you make the 8 wk minimum. So why do you feel you wouldnt qualify for finaid this semester?

[Ditch Doctor]

Ditch Doctor; Even if you dont begin until October...you can work right through December here. Dr W is known to let students work through the Christmas break. Even without doing that, though, I think you make the 8 wk minimum. So why do you feel you wouldnt qualify for finaid this semester?

I don't know why, but for some reason I came up with seven weeks. Now that I go back and look at the calendar I see that I do have eight. Duh.... Either way, if Dr. Ward would let you work extra time to make the cut regardless, all the better... So, um, never mind. :oops:

[grace]

Hey, no problem. It doesn't hurt to make sure you're covered!