Moving to college can be overwhelming, especially if you’re coming from abroad. There are so many things to remember, so many things you might forget, and while it can be tempting to try and pack your entire bedroom you should probably stick to essential items.

This doesn’t mean you need to Marie Kondo your entire life but start with the essentials and work from there. If you don’t know where to start we’ve listed five essential and practical items you should absolutely should bring to Trinity College Dublin.

Hopefully, this will help you on your path to premium packing! And I’ll tell you right now, staying warm is the main theme!

1. Rain jacket

Ireland is very green and beautiful. And the reason it is so green is because it rains… It rains a lot! So make sure you pack essential item number 1 – a rain jacket.

Even on the sunniest days in Ireland a sudden shower might strike as the weather can be very changeable. Bonus points if the jacket is warm and snug inside because it can get quite chilly on rainy days.  

A word of caution, you might consider taking an umbrella instead of a rain jacket. It’s not a bad choice. However, unless it’s a very, very sturdy umbrella I’d exercise caution. Why? Because the wind in Ireland is insane and it might break the umbrella or pull it out of your hands.

You don’t want one of your lasting Irish memories to be chasing a broken umbrella halfway down Dame Street. So unless you get a really good umbrella, don’t bother.   

2. Winter jacket

Okay, so our list starts with two jackets but we’re trying to protect you, dear reader! Protect you from Ireland’s weather and, more pressingly, the wind.

Yes, the wind. We mentioned before that it can get pretty chilly in Ireland and we weren’t kidding. Now some of you might be coming from countries that seem colder on paper. Places where temperatures regularly reach crisp and cold minus figures.

But in Ireland, the cold is not fresh and it is not crisp. It is bitter and if you’re not prepared, a bit miserable. We think you’ll enjoy your time far more in Ireland with a nice, warm jacket.  

3. Travel adapter

There is nothing more frustrating than arriving in a new country and being unable to charge your phone/tablet/laptop because you don’t have the right adapter to plug in.

Save yourself some unnecessary stress and pack a charger for Ireland – a three-prong adapter or treat yourself to a nice fancy travel adapter.

Top Tip – Bring a second charger in case one of your new housemates forgot theirs. An easy way to make a new friend quickly!  

4. Snacks from home 

No matter how welcoming people in Trinity are (and they really will be!), you will eventually start missing home. At these times it’s easy to feel lonely and depressed and maybe second-guess your decision to come to Trinity.  Having some favourite snacks or foods from home can be a great way to cheer yourself up.  

Enjoying these foods in a new country can show you how far you’ve come and how much you’ve already achieved by being here. You can also try introducing some of these foods to your new housemates or friends. Seeing their reactions (good or bad) can be a great way to connect with others and learn something new.

If you need someone to talk to or advice about settling in, visit the Global Room.

5. Hiking boots

If you don’t go on at least one hike while in Ireland, you’re missing out. The countryside surrounding Dublin is absolutely stunning, teeming with wildlife and an abundance of natural beauty.

There are several relatively easy walks in and around Dublin, and we even have a recent blog on the best hikes around Dublin that you can read for more details).

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could go further afield to the Wicklow Mountains, Killarney, or even Donegal. But the walks around Dublin should be enough to dip your toe in the water… Oh, speaking of getting your feet wet!

6. Socks/Hat/Scarf

Okay, these are technically three things, but just think of them as a bonus.

So, you will need to bring socks to Ireland. Lots of socks! Warm socks, colourful socks, cozy socks, socks for cold nights, and thick socks for lazing about on the couch on Saturday afternoons. You may end up needing more than one pair of socks per day! On a walk through Phoenix Park, you might accidentally step in a puddle and an extra pair of socks in your backpack will be a lifesaver!

A warm hat for keeping your head snug and warm while you’re out and about on campus or wandering through the city with friends. And last, but not least, a scarf will keep the chill from your neck and reduce the chance of getting a chest cold.  

We hope you’re excited about starting at Trinity and we hope that this list of essentials is useful to you. For more tips, tricks, and insights into life at Trinity, check out more articles from the Trinity Experience blog.