Experience in Alexandria, Egypt by fathia

What is it like to live in Alexandria? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Hello, my name is Fathia Gaber, working in the field of Classical Archaeology and i am teaching in the same time in faculty of Arts, Alexandria University, Egypt.

It is very difficult to describe how your native land is very amazing, but I will be neutral as I could. Live in Alexandria is very good and comfortable especially for students, because some of the faculties of Alexandria University are in one campus, in the city center.

Alexandria one of the cities which was erected on the ancient Greek and Roman style, because Alexander the great in 332 B. C, ordered to erect a city bearing his name in this cite, because it has many advantages, especially for commerce with all the cities in the Mediterranean because of its safe harbors, which still till now playing an important role in the city life.

And it was and still also the city which attract the scientists from all over the world because of its ancient and modern library.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alexandria?

Alexandria University will be a good choice for any student, because of many facilities which the university introduce to all the foreigner students, and they will also find in the campus a center to learn the Arabic language in the faculty of arts, he will find also big library or public one in every department and another bigger one for every faculty. This is in addition to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Which is facing the faculty campus, on the sea shore.

How much does it cost to live in Alexandria?

Concerning costs of life in Alexandria, you will find it not that expensive, especially with the difference in currency, between the Egyptian pounds and for instance Euro, one Euro is equal to about nine pounds.

You will find many hotels, clean and cheap, and also many restaurants with the delicious Egyptian and Alexandrian food very cheap also.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Alexandria? Is there any advice you can give?

Unfortunately, to my knowledge it is not easy to find accommodation in it, but there are many brokers who know about renting apartments for the students. But we have also special houses for the students who are studying in Alexandria and coming from very far away from countryside or other cities.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You will find all the Egyptian food very delicious, and in Alexandria especially you will find all kinds of fish meals in many good restaurants, like in Bahry or Anfuchy area, you will admire also the Alexandrian Koshary and many other meals.

What places would you recommend visiting in Alexandria?

There are many places to visit in Alexandria, historical and ancient Archaeological places, like Theater of Kom el-deca, Kom-El-Shogafa Catacomb, and other places, some old churches, modern theater and cinemas. Bibliotheca Alexandrina museum, National museum of Alexandria. This is in addition to the beautiful sea shores in summer.

Is it good to eat out in Alexandria? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are good restaurants in the city center in Ramel-Station and Bahry area, beside some of the Greek restaurants which introduce meals on the Greek way.

Is the nightlife good in Alexandria? Where is good to go?

Yes it is very good, especially in summer, on the cornice on the sea shore at night; there are also some night clubs in the city center you could go in.

What advice would you give future students headed to Alexandria?

You will find Alexandria a very good place to study, for entertainment.

Find well any place or accommodation near the city center, because the public transports are very difficult to move and very full all the time, you can walk or use Taxi.