Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Niki

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

Nicosia is not like the most European capitals! It's smaller and it's a mixture of modern and old at the same time with influences from the British colonies to the middle east and the ottomans! The vibe of Nicosia is amazing with a lot of things going on all year round! The weather is amazing so you can enjoy a walk even in the middle of winter! Plus, the island is quite small so you can easily travel from Nicosia to any other place of the island!

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

The Erasmus community in Nicosia has become bigger and bigger! There is the European Club of the University of Cyprus organizing many activities, excursions and parties and the last month ESN Nicosia was created with extra events and the typical ESN activities and spirit such as the normal Erasmus Night in a local bar and so on!

Source

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

Living in Nicosia is not very expensive. If you rent a flat together with 1 or more people then the average rent would not get more than 300euros (that is considered to be cheap). The prices in the supermarkets are average, not expensive but not cheap either.

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

I think it's quite easy to find accommodation in Nicosia since there are not so many Erasmus students here (if you compare it with Madrid for example! ). You just have to look at the right places! Be a member of some Facebook groups such as Erasmus in Nicosia 2015/016 for example, ESN Nicosia, or other pages that students can post if they want a flatmate and things like that!

Source

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

Cypriot cuisine is just incredible! I have been in many countries, there are a lot of things I don't like about living in Cyprus, but our food is just amazing! Halloumi, the traditional cheese is so tasty it melts in your mouth! Souvlaki, gyros, souvla, seftalia, meze please try them all and you won't regret it!

What places would you recommend visiting in Nicosia?

I really enjoy walking in the old town in Nicosia! Ledras and Onasagorou streets are a must, as well as the Laiki Gitonia which is close by! There are several museums and landmarks, but I think just walking around the city and the walls worth it!

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

There are a lot of places to eat in Nicosia! If you are up for some meze (different varieties of meat served in small dishes) try out "Piatsa Gourounaki", "To anama" or "to steki tis Loxandras". All of them are close to Faneromeni Church! If you are more into Armenian food, "Avos" gives very cheap and small meals, you can find Avos in Onasagorou street!

Source

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

The place to be for an Erasmus in Nicosia is "Ithaki" which organizes the legendary Erasmus Wednesdays! Ithaki is in the city center, close to Famagusta gate! Another great place is "the Block" a bar right at the end of the ledras street! It has live bands, or famous Djs playing different music genres depending on the day!

What advice would you give future students heading to Nicosia?

Nicosia it might be small but life here is amazing for Erasmus people! I have met a lot of them, and no one regrets choosing Nicosia for their Erasmus!

Source