Erasmus Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Eike

Why did you choose to go to Nicosia, Cyprus?

For exoticness and for the best Graphic Design uni in Europe.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

4 months and way too little...

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

Student life in Nicosia is super chill especially if you come from culture where workaholism is a norm. For instanse, I have school 3-4 days per week, each day lectures last for 2 hours! That leaves a lot of time for partying, which are like from Wednesday to Saturady, plus other evenings at home with flatmates and food&wine. Since I was 7 years old, I've never had so easy-going semester with almost 0 stress. People really take it easy here! And it happens more that often that professor is late half an hour to exam...

Would you recommend the city and the University of Nicosia to other students?

I would recommend the city yes, although more I would recommend Limassol since there is sea and amaaazing promenade - if paradise exist then it is there. And also in Troodos mountains.
I could recommend European University Cyprus (Erasmusu got something wrong here) for student clubs and nice people, but not for great education - ofcourse I cannot talk about all the subjects, but if you want to learn IT, there are more modern places for that, look for Scandinavia and Baltics.

What is the food like?

Food is... food. Cypriots love a lot of sweet stuff, they have bakeries with pies and cakes on every second corner. Otherwise be prepared to eat a lot of pitas, fresh stuff from market and frappes! Milk is crazy expensive (1L/1,20eur), eggs as well, otherwise quite okay to do groceries (except no supermarkets near city center). Eating out depends where you go, you might pay 20€ for burger and 1€ for hallumipie (local cheese, must try). Ofcourse zivania is a go-go, on the farmers market the garlic-seller knows well who makes best Zivania, ask him.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Nicosia?

I came to Cyprus, went straight from airport to Erasmus party and met my current flatmate there who said that they have empty room. It is all about talking to people and being social.

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

Approximately 240 for housing with taxes/month (plus deposit), if you do your meals yourself then up to 50€per week for groceries and market. Partying 15€ for open-bar, average 5 for drink. Clothing is like on a small country with few shoppers - things are expensive (nothing like west-eu sales).

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

No way! Greek is so different from anything else and most of people speak english so it's fine. There are some courses, depending on uni. In some uni's you need to pay like 50eur for half-year course.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Nicosia?

Lahmajoun, on the parallel of Lidras in Old Town. Cheap armenian good food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Old Town and border and other side. Farmers market. And other citys of course.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Nicosia in the future?

Take inside winter clothes with you, no seriously, because outside is warm, but inside is ALWAYS same temperature as outside - so in november if it is 12*C outside, it is the same inside. It's freeeezing. But ofcourse also swimming gear.
Your time here is short, start enjoying it right away!
Go to Troodos and Ayia Napa, Limassol and Girne - because if there is paradise anywhere then it is here.