2. Make sure you have adequate medical insurance to cover accidents and illness. Be sure to apply for the international student ID card as it will provide a minimal amount of traveler's insurance. In addition, you should check with your or your parent's health insurance company to make sure that you are covered abroad.
3. Bring a "contacts" list of people in Ireland - acquaintances, friends of friends, people you'd like to meet (connections are important and you may find yourself in need or with time to spare). And, if you have any personal goals (genealogy, shows, concerts etc.) get full information about how you can pursue your interests ahead of time and take it along. Web access will be limited, so take full info on times, dates addresses and phone numbers.
4. Bring a temporary address book. Make a list of important names, addresses, and phone numbers at home. Include emergency numbers and addresses for all credit cards and documents you will be bringing. Leave your permanent address book at home (if you would lose it, there would be no way to replace that contact information).
5. Bring a small photo album with you.
6. Find out the details of your long-distance calling plan now. Will you be able to dial direct from the host country to your home? Will your calling card be accepted? You should take a calling card, and have whomever you are calling ring you back if possible.
7. Are your eyes in good condition? Take along an extra pair of glasses and contacts. Take contact fluids for the semester (you may not be able to find your brand). Items like these will be prohibitively expensive in Ireland with the current prices and the exchange rate. You won't want to replace a pair there.
8. Get a general physical before you go.
9. Wean yourself from electrical appliances if possible. If not, get all adapters and converters that you'll need.
10. Don't take anything you don't want to lose (engagement ring, important jewelry or papers).
11. Get your teeth cleaned and checked. Repair work is better, more convenient and less expensive here.
12. Take along several personal photographs (copies of your passport mug shot are fine, or wallet sized copies of your school photo). You may need these for rail passes or other official documents. You may want to take along several snapshots of yourself to give away to new friends as well.
13. Get comfortable walking shoes that are good for five miles a day. Practice walking, and break in your shoes long before we leave.
14. Try to get two good nights of sleep before leaving.