Experience in Nicosia, Cyprus by Styliana

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

Since Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus there is something for everyone to do. It combines the busy centre with the isolated villages in short distance. I would recomend it for summer or winter since you can do multiple activities indoors or travel to any beach coast withing an hour.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nicosia?

The student lifestyle has a different aspects depending on were you spend your daily time. The University of Cyprus' Campus is always full of people as you can finde everything there, CoffeShops, Library, Copy Centre etc.

How much does it cost to live in Nicosia?

Due to economical crisis the prices have dropped lower than 2 years ago. You can find a studio for under 300euros/month or a one-bedroom flat for under 400euros/month depending always on the area. Prices for flats near the campus are always lower though. For all the extra stuff plus for entertainment you might need another 400-500/month euros.

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

If you try finding accomodation on August is most likely that you will find a good one for a low price and near the University but if you are late, (mid September) is more difficult to find one near the University but you can find one a little further. Try searching the internet for possible flats near Aglatzia area where the University of Cyprus' Campus is. Also there are a lot of students ready to help you at the Student Welfare Office. Be also ready to try searching when you arrive. It's more fun and you will find something that you like for sure rather than something that looks good in pictures.

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

Cyprus is really famous for its cousine as a mediterranean island we have a lot of grade flavours but we also have international cousin, from Asian to European and Lebanese. Cypriots really know how to cook!!!

What places would you recommend visiting in Nicosia?

I would definetly recomend visiting the "Venetian Wall" of the town, walk down "Ledra Street" which is full of shops, cafes and restaurants and leeds to the division point of the town (if you pass through you arrive at the Turkish part of the town). You also have to go to "Troodos" mountain for skying but only in winter. "Kalidonia" is another great place up on the mountains with a beatiful waterfall for great mountain walks.

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

Personally i love going out for dinner in Nicosia! There are a lot of great places you should try near the centre. For Japanese suchi try "Suchi La" or "Occio Air" at the city centre with an almost everyday all you can eat menu (check websites) or the great tavern of "Zannettos" for traditional Cyprus cousine.

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

The nightlife is really good with different options of bars and clubs with different kinds of music. If you arrive at the winter try an indoor bar like "Habana" in between Ledra and Onasagorou Street. If you arrive in the summer try "The Garden" which is a night and day bar-club opposite to the Archeological Museum. Anywhere near the old town is really nice with a lot of choises for winter or summer.

What advice would you give future students heading to Nicosia?

My advise would be just don't stop visiting new places. Cyprus is a small island but with great places to visit so it would be a shame if you stayed in the capital for all of your Erasmus visit. Try Larnacas beach bars in the summer, go the the golden coasts of Ayia Napa in Famagusta, go to the mountains for a different experience of great views and maybe a picnic. Cyprus is so beautiful you will have a blast whenever you come!!!