Starting at NCI

The Welcome Programme is a combination of events designed to ensure new international students have all the information they need to help them settle into college life and get established in Ireland. The programme runs twice a year, one month before the class starts in September and January. We encourage students to join as many events as possible to meet new people and settle in.

Welcome Programme Events

We have prepared a mix of in-person and online events delivered to suit you wherever you are in Ireland or arriving shortly. There are three types of events which you can join. The first is a Welcome Meeting scheduled for everyone. The second is highly recommended and, lastly, optional to attend. Learn more about the sessions below:

Welcome Meeting

The Welcome Meeting is an in-person session where you meet with International Peer Mentors, current NCI students or recent graduates, and a small group of freshers like you. You will receive important information, a welcome pack, take a campus tour and ask questions in real-time.

Your Welcome Meeting is scheduled after you complete and send the Registration Form to International Student Support. Up to three days before the meeting, we will send your meeting's time, date and location to your personal email address.

Student Letters

  • Immigration and Welcome letter: The letters will be sent to you within 3 working days of the welcome meeting via your student email.

Highly Recommended Meetings

Optional Meetings

Optional meetings are events designed to help connect with new students and explore Dublin and Ireland. Join as many events as possible to meet new people and settle in. Optional meetings are:

  • Workshops sessions with practical tips and advice to get to grips with Ireland, for example, Accommodation Workshop, Getting Around, Wellness​, and Safety in Dublin
  • Meet-Up sessions allow you to meet with your international peer mentors and new students like you. It's a great way to break the ice and make friends, for example, Shopping in Dublin, Ice-Breakers, Irish Treats Tasting​, Board Games​
  • Excursions sessions are perfectly designed to help you discover and explore your new home, Dublin, Ireland. We will bring you on exciting adventures to tour around the city, countryside, even other counties. For example, City Tours, Howth, Dun Laoghaire, and Glendalough

Welcome Programme Schedule: January 2025

The Welcome Programme for the upcoming intake starts on 6th January 2025This year's welcome programme has been tailored to suit every student's needs. There will be a mix of in-person and some online events for students in Ireland or arriving shortly. You can't miss this opportunity.

The website will be updated with the event schedule every Friday, one week before the event starting week. Students who have confirmed their place will also receive a newsletter reminder to their personal emails on the same day.

Reminder: All students need to plan to be in Ireland for classes starting on 20th January 2025.

Students taking Selfie
Video Competition
We are running a video competition to document student experience during the Welcome Programme. Participate and Win Prizes.
Students Using Phone
Student Survey
Share your feedback on your Journey to NCI so far! The survey is confidential, and the feedback received will be used to improve our training, marketing and communications.

Follow us on Social Media

Follow our Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for updates, information and more.