Experience in Beirut, Lebanon by RITA

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

Beirut is the liaison between lebanon in the 70's and the lebanon now in all its modern aspects. The old neighborhoods of Ashrafieh,Gemmayze and Hamra areas with their urban simple architecture reflect the old times and the ancient history of modern Lebanon. On the other side the Downtown of Beirut with the renovated architecture and the grandiose of its streets and buildings represent the transition phase of lebanon after the 90's. Beirut esp hamra area is a city full of young people ,artists,intellectuals ..the city also has high brand markets,famous restaurants,multinational firms and brands especially in the DT area. Beirut is also the center of education with more than one university internationally recognized like American University of Beirut, Universite Saint Joseph de Beyrouth,both private universities and the Lebanese university ,a public one.

What is the student lifestyle like in Beirut?

Since Beirut is a small city,the meanings of transportation can be easily accessed like bus and taxi. However one can always abandon them and go for walks along the city . Students enjoy the study environments since the mentioned unis in Beirut are of a high level. Students accommodations announcements can be found on the boards at the universities since the online posting is still less common along Students. The students nightlife is quite developed in this city since the main destinations for parties like Mar Mikhael street,hamra street, Uruguay street , Gemmayze street and Badaro street are always crowded during weekdays and weekends .

How much does it cost to live in Beirut?

the living cost can vary between 600 USD and 1000 USD. The single bedrooms rentals are around 500 USD whereas the double rooms cost around 300 USD.

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

No it's not difficult but the sooner one starts looking the better options he finds since the majority of the students initiate the search staring June of each year . Dorms are numerous and can be less expensive. I advice international students to contact the university first for available accomodations and to arrive to Beirut one month ahead to book a place.

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

The Lebanese cuisine is very healthy since the menu consists often of salads and a variety of plates (mezza) made of meat ,chicken grains and dairies.however,fast Lebanese meals are cheap such as falafel,manakich,sandwiches ranging from
1 to 4 USD. My favorite dish is Kebbe which is borghol and meat.

What places would you recommend visiting in Beirut?

Downtown-Hamra-Ashrafie : areas in Beirut
Byblos-Batroun-Jounieh: costal zones with a great beach
Becharre-cedars of Lebanon-Ehden: north of Lebanon
Jeita grotto- Baalbeck-Zahle-Tyr-Sidon :highly recommended tourist sites

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

Zaatar w zet - Batchig- Pizza Margherita- Chez Fouad- Leila-

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

Skybar- Pier 7- O1Ne-Music HALL- Caprices -Indie- La boîte- Al Mandaloun- Le Maillon-
Hamra street-Uruguay street- Mar Mikhael street-Gemmayze Street-

What advice would you give future students heading to Beirut?

Be prepared for a great adventure