Erasmus Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Lenka

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Why did you choose to go to Nicosia, Cyprus?

I chose Cyprus for weather conditions, sea and English speaking population. My university offered only university in Nicosia, so I stayed there, but still I really enjoyed it, even if the city is not situated next to the sea. The transportation to cities is easy and doesn't take so much time.

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

I've recieved from my homecountry university all together around 1600 euros, which covered my housing expenses. I needed to bring my own money.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

There are few clubs, I attended only two or three which I really liked. ESN and also universities are organizing trips and activities. There was all the time something happening. Every Wednesday there was a party organized specially for erasmus students, in a club called Ithaki. I liked a club named Teez as well. There are many other of them. If you are not into parties, still you can go to the city centre to meet your friends, have couple of drinks or you can throw a house party. There is also a cinema. One in the city and one in a shopping centre where you can go by bus or a taxi.

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

I would recommend the city. I liked it a lot. I attended the EUC, not University of Nicosia, so I cannot recommend it.

What is the food like?

Food is delicious! Souvlaki, haloumi pie which I adored!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Nicosia?

I was helped by finding my accomodation by one guy. But it didn't cost anything. For flat I paid around 250 euros plus other expenses. The flat was very basic. Depends on you how much do you prefer to spend. If you wanna live alone or not, etc.

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

Actually I wasn't calculating my expenses monthly. But for 4 and a half months it costed me all together around 3000 euros. But I think I was spending more than was neccessary. Again it depends on how much you want to spend.

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

In EUC (european university of cyprus) there was a course of greek language but I didn't attend it. For me it wasn't needed to speak Greek. I could only use English, it was enough.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Nicosia from your city?

From Slovakia it is not. Good flights are from Prague-my friends travelled from there but I dont know by which flight company. I travelled from Budapest by company Wizzair, which was the easiest and I think the most economical way. I landed in airport in Larnaka, that is quite close to Nicosia. In Cyprus there are two airports, the second one is in the city Paphos.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Nicosia?

Club Teez- R'n'B and hiphop music.

Some people went to clubD- they play techno and so on there.

Pop music and hits are played in Ithaki every wednesday- erasmus party. There is also club Zoo, but I haven't been there.

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

I used to go to Armenian fast food restaurant in city centre. Cheap and good food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Close to city centre there are things to see. We went there by bike. It was very nice. There is a wall dividing cypriot and turkish side, interesting as well.

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

Get a bike. I didn't get one, but it was a good thing to have for cheap and fast transportation. Don't be afraid.

If you need help or have other questions write me [email protected].