Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Mina

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

There are a lot of problems for living in Nicosia, like the transportation and getting along with the locals, both are difficult as transportation is the worst thing in Nicosia and locals they don't socialise with other nationalities but they are nice people. So i don't recommend it alone maybe with Best friend or partner could be better for a summer semester and only 1 semester abroad.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

It's a very close community of Erasmus students, we all live in the same area close to each others, there is nothing to do for Erasmus except partying and only partying in the winter and in summer it's gets better cause we can go to other cities to spend a day on the beach. But there is not much variety to do except party and eat because of transportation issues.

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

between 500 to 800 € for students depending on the consumption.

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

It's very easy to find accommodation but you need to find the best place close to the buses for the transportation purposes because it's the limiting factor for students in Nicosia, there are houses could be rent for cheap prices but there is no transportation close to it and needs a car or motorcycle.

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

Very good food but not much variety, I mostly eat Giros (shewarma) and Souvlaki, those are the most 2 popular meals here out of 4-5 meals and good taste.

What places would you recommend visiting in Nicosia?

Nicosia has nowhere special to visit, only it's easy to visit the Turkish side which they call it here (Occupied area) cause it's so close but you need your passport with you, maybe EU citizens don't. It's good to see other people and other culture.

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

There are good fast food places and cheap prices, most Erasmus people eat from Bake n Take (pizza for 3 euros) and some places they have food buffets like Zorpas & Pandoras they are everywhere here and the universities they have pretty good food there to eat. Also in the old town (lidras street) most popular area here there are many restaurants and stuff over there but same food anyway, nothing so special.

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

Yes it's the only thing they have in Nicosia non stop parties, There are a lot of Erasmus events here, Wednesdays are always open bars and Fridays there are free entrance to many clubs for Erasmus students, because usually the clubs here are not much girls in the clubs (Club teez & Club zoo) and Erasmus groups have girls!

What advice would you give future students heading to Nicosia?

If your into to swimming and beach try to come here in September semester and only 1 semester is more than enough because you'll get very bored of partying here cause there nothing else than beaches in summer and parties in winter, and if you wanna party there are many cities better than Cyprus to party there and you still have other things to do beside partying.

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