International Student Guide – Living in Iceland 2015

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Welcome to Reykjavik University (RU) ...... 3 BEFORE LEAVING Residence permits & health insurance ...... 3 Check your passport ...... 3 Find housing ...... 3 University Registration (MySchool) ...... 4 Packing ...... 4 ARRIVAL ...... 4 The First Day ...... 4 Important! Final steps for your residence permit: International Students (Non EU/EEA) ...... 5 EU/ EEA students: Applying for your Icelandic social security number (Kennitala) ...... 5 PRACTICAL INFORMATION ...... 6 Get a Cell phone ...... 6 Banks ...... 6 Taking the Bus ...... 6 Shopping Malls ...... 6 Shopping for Food and Groceries ...... 7 Eating out ...... 7 Night out on the Town! ...... 7 Renting in Iceland...... 7 What do you mean 4 hours of daylight!? ...... 7 National Holidays and opening hours ...... 8 HEALTHCARE IN ICELAND ...... 9 How does Icelandic Health Insurance system work and what is covered? ...... 9 Health costs in Iceland: How much can I expect to pay for healthcare in Iceland? ...... 9 Who is insured under the Icelandic health insurance? ...... 10 Information for EEA/EU citizens: ...... 10 Information for Students from other countries (Non EU/EEA) ...... 11 Purchasing health insurance outside of Iceland ...... 11 What to do if I am sick?...... 11 Pharmacies and prescriptions ...... 12 LEISURE TIME ...... 13 Gym Membership ...... 13 Going to the Pools ...... 13 Hiking and travelling in Iceland ...... 13 Culture Shock ...... 14

A word on the weather in Iceland ...... 14

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Welcome to Reykjavik University (RU)

Congratulations on your acceptance into Reykjavik University we look forward to welcoming you to our campus and working with you during your time at RU. An exciting road lies ahead of you, full of new experiences and opportunities! In this packet, you will find both necessary steps and helpful hints for surviving and thriving here in Iceland.

BEFORE LEAVING

Residence permits & health insurance

 Non EU/EEA If you are from outside of the EU/EEA, make sure you have applied for your residence VISA. You should have been sent the RU Visa Guidance Book, if you have not yet received this you can download it on our website.  EU/EEA students For EU/EEA students make sure you get your E104 and EHIC health insurance card. You can read more about health insurance in Iceland in this guide. Please ensure that you have all your documents ready to apply for the Icelandic social security number: Certificate of enrolment from Reykjavik University (Email, Harpa Lind Guðbrandsdóttir, [email protected]) Proof of support. (students must show support for a total of 491,000 ISK) a bank statement is sufficient.

Check your passport Make sure your Passport is valid for the duration of your studies in Iceland, and for six months afterwards.

Find housing Reykjavik University does not offer on-campus housing, but there are a variety of ways to find housing. People in Iceland use Facebook for almost everything, and housing is no exception. Join the “Leiga” Facebook group. The other sites to watch are “Bland.is.” and MBL. Also join the Reykjavik University housing group, this is a private group for RU international students run by our staff, we post housing options for students there regularly. Finally, please do not hesitate to contact the International Office if you are having trouble finding housing, we are here to help.

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University Registration (MySchool) Make sure your university intranet account, “MySchool” is set up correctly, you will need this to be able to access the WIFI network on campus, and to sign up for classes as well as access course information. If you need assistance with this please contact your Programme Administrator. For help with connecting to the WIFI network and using RU information service, check out the Help knowledge base or email [email protected] Finally, make sure you upload your photo to MySchool in the personal information section, so that your University access card will be ready for pick up when you arrive on campus.

Packing Once you have your paperwork in order, it is time to pack! The packing list is different for everyone, but some things to remember to bring include:

 A rain jacket  Swimsuit  Warm clothing: Expect 12C in the summer,  Digital Camera to capture northern lights and 0C in the winter. and trips to the glaciers  Warm Socks  Adaptors for your electronics. Iceland uses a  Hiking boots if you plan to go adventuring two circular prong, 220V outlet

In addition, a few things you should not bother to pack are:

 Umbrella

ARRIVAL

The First Day You’ve landed at Keflavik International Airport, you have all your bags, and you are ready to get settled in! But what next? The first step is to get to Reykjavik. There are two buses that will get you into Reykjavik: Flybus and Iceland Excursions Grey Line. Either one works fine, the only difference is where in the city they go. Flybus stops at the main bus terminal, BSI. Iceland Excursions stops at Laekjartorg, in the centre of downtown. Tickets can be purchased from desks just outside of customs when you arrive. Flybus is around 2000ISK, Icelad Excursions is about 2,400ISK.

Once you arrive in Reykjavik, if you are staying in a hotel or hostel, the bus you travelled with can take you there (make sure you tell them ahead of time). If you are going to an apartment, it is recommended you take a tax, there are always taxi’s at the bus stations, or you can use the local bus service (more on that later).

Taxi numbers: Hreyfill +354 588 5522 / BSR +354 561 0000 / Borgarbílastöðin +354 552 2440

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Important! Final steps for your residence permit: International Students (Non EU/EEA)

 Housing certificate You will need to have the housing certificate signed by your landlord and two witnesses.

 Go to the Directorate of Immigration You must go to the Directorate of Immigration, with the passport, travel documents and signed housing certificate and have you photo taken. The immigration department is open from 10:00 – 14:00 on weekdays. The address is Skógarhlíð 6 (around a 10 minute walk from the University)

 Medical Examination Some applicants must attend the medical examination, if required, within two weeks of arrival. It is strongly recommended to make an appointment before arrival. The medical examination costs between 20,000 - 30,000 ISK depending on the applicants nationality and the results are sent directly to immigration department. For an appointment please contact: The Division of Communicable Disease Control, Þönglabakki 16, 109 Reykjavik, Telephone: +354 585 1390.

 Receiving your visa The student visa will be issued once all of these steps have been fulfilled. The resident card will be sent to the applicants address in Iceland. Please ensure that your name is written on your front door. Your Kennitala (social security number) will also be sent with your visa.

Important! EU/ EEA students: Applying for your Icelandic social security number (Kennitala)

To receive an Icelandic Kennitala you must register with Þjóðskrá Íslands (registers Iceland). You must fill in the form A262 and submit this in person at Þjóðskra Íslands. They are open from 09:00-15:00 on weekdays, and are located on Borgartún 21.

You must bring the following documents with you:

 Passport  Certificate of enrolment from Reykjavik University. Email, Harpa Lind Guðbrandsdóttir, [email protected] to request yours.  Proof of support. (students must show support for a total of 491,000 ISK) a bank statement is sufficient.

Please note: all documents must not be older than two weeks old.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Get a Cell phone Everyone wants to be able to keep in touch. For that, you need to be able to have access on the go. There are three main phone companies here, each with different offers. The quality of the service is good for each carrier. Each carrier has a store in the Kringlan mall, and they all speak very good English.

 Nova: The newest phone company in Iceland. They offer a plan that is 700ISK a month and free calls and texts to other NOVA numbers, you only pay extra for the data plan you want. Many young people in Reykjavik are using Nova. www.nova.is  Siminn: Has a variety of plans, including a combination of minutes and data for 1000ISK. www.siminn.is  Vodafone: Has a variety of plans, including simple pre-paid cards, and subscriptions at varying price points. www.vodafone.is

It is important to note that almost all services in Iceland require an ID number, or “Kennitala.” However prepaid services do not.

Banks There are three major banks here, and it is recommended that you get an Icelandic bank account and a debit card. With a debit card, you can withdraw money from kiosks or ATMs, or charge directly to your account from the store. To open an account at any of the banks you will need your ID number (kennitala), passport, and two passport photos. Visa, MasterCard, and to some extent American Express are widely used and accepted.

Taking the Bus If you don´t have a bicycle, it is a good idea to learn the bus system here in Reykjavik. It is called Strætó. The website can show you the bus routes, timetables, and connections. There is an app that you can download that will allow you to buy tickets on your phone and check bus schedules. Additionally you can either bring exact change (400ISK each way) or buy a bus card.

Student travel card:

Stræto offers an annual student bus card, for around 45,000 ISK, which allows you to use the city network. To buy a bus card you must be registered to the student list for the university.

The number 5 bus serves the university. www.bus.is

Shopping Malls

Kringlan - Kringlan is the closest shopping mall to the downtown area. There is a bus that goes right by, and it is only a 20 minute walk from the school. This mall has almost everything that you need, including: all the banks, phone companies, Hagkaup, Bonus and Vinbuðin (alcohol store).

Smáralind - Smáralind is located just outside the Reykjavik area in Kópavogur. 6

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Shopping for Food and Groceries There are no shortage of grocery chains here in Iceland. The cheapest one is Bonus. They have less of a selection than others, but the lowest prices and you can find most of what you need here. Kronan is the next cheapest.

Hagkaup: Is the most expensive. It has the widest selection, and some are open 24 hours. But expect to pay up to twice what you would pay at Bonus. Other grocery stores: Kostur and 10/11

Bonus, Kronan and Hagkaup have locations around the city and Bonus and Hagkaup have stores in the Kringlan mall.

Eating out

A meal at a restaurant will cost more than a meal made at home, but there are endless restaurants in Reykjavik that serve up delicious meals, from all different types of cuisine.

Street food

Don’t miss: Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur: Unanimously considered the best hot dogs in Iceland. By far the cheapest meal you will find, you’ll pay 250ISK for one of the best hot dogs of your life. Located right across from Harpa.

Night out on the Town!

There are an endless number of bars and clubs in Reykjavik for you to explore and there is a lively nightlife scene.

A Note on Safety: Reykjavik is known as one of the safest cities in the world, and that reputation holds true. However, it is a capital city, and no city is without crime. There are scuffles on the weekend and some people discover their wallets or purses missing. As long as you use common sense, and do not walk down that dark alley by yourself at 5 in the morning, you will not have any trouble here in Reykjavik. Likewise, all illegal drugs are forbidden in Iceland, as is their use by our students.

Renting in Iceland Most landlords ask for a deposit plus one month’s rent. The deposit will be refunded when moving out. However, if any damage is done to the accommodation, the landlord is allowed to withhold the sum required to repair the damage from the deposit. It is customary that a tenancy agreement between the landlord and the person renting is completed. Some guesthouses use a standard tenancy agreement from the Ministry of Social Affairs in Iceland. Before signing a tenancy agreement it is important to read it carefully and understand its regulations

What do you mean 4 hours of daylight!? 7 Yes, the rumours are true. In the darkest hour of winter, Reykjavik only gets about 4 hours of daylight. Some

Page people will not even notice. Some people will be bothered by it. But there are ways to fight back! Icelanders have gotten pretty good at keeping the winter blues away. Some of their methods:

 Vitamin B/ D supplements  Buy and use a sunlamp  Take the Icelandic cod liver oil, Lysi, a  Exercise regularly tablespoon a day should keep the winter  Get out and enjoy the few hours of daylight blues away there are

National Holidays and opening hours

Shopping hours in Reykjavik are typically: Monday-Friday: 9:00/10:00-18:00/19:00, Saturday: 10:00-18:00 Sunday: 12:00-18:00 or closed

Some grocery stores are open until 23:00 or 24 hours

There are many holidays in Iceland, and opening hours will change during them.

 January 1, New Years Day  Ascension Day  Holy Thursday  White Sunday  Good Friday  White Monday  Easter Sunday  June 17, Independence Day  Easter Monday  First Monday in August, Bank Holiday  First day of Summer, 3rd Thursday of April  December 25, Christmas Day  May 1, Labor Day  December 26, Boxing Day

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HEALTHCARE IN ICELAND

Iceland maintains a universal healthcare system, under which all legal residents are covered by the Icelandic social insurance system. Sjukratryggingar Islands (Icelandic Health Insurance) administers the health insurance. An individual who has insurance pays less for health services. All hospital admissions are paid for by this system, as is the majority of the cost of outpatient appointments. There is a fee to see General Practitioners (GPs) and specialists, with fees for the latter considerably higher. How does Icelandic Health Insurance system work and what is covered? A fee is paid for each consultation and other services, which is fixed by regulations. The extent of patient participation in the costs of the health care services varies according to the service in question. Discount cards Afsláttarkort (discount cards) are also issued once you have spent over 33,600 ISK, 2015 (please note this price is subject to change year to year) on healthcare costs in one calendar year, which entitles you to a higher discount rate. You do not need to apply for the discount card as this is added automatically Health costs in Iceland: How much can I expect to pay for healthcare in Iceland?

Visiting a doctor in Iceland When visiting a doctor, you are advised to bring your insurance card or papers, a valid passport and your Icelandic ID number, Kennitala, if you are not yet registered under the Icelandic health insurance. The following prices are for services offered by local Health Care Clinics and the national hospital: Prices will be considerably higher if you visit a private health care clinic.

Not covered under Individual covered under Individual covered with Icelandic health Icelandic Health Icelandic health insurance insurance: Regular cost insurance with Discount card Doctors appointment at 6,800 ISK 1,200 ISK 700 ISK health care clinic during working hours (08:00 – 16:00 ) Doctors visit out of hours 10,100 ISK 3,100 ISK 1,800 ISK Emergency room visit 42,900 ISK 5,900 ISK 3,200 ISK

Hospitalization Insured persons are entitled to free hospitalization. Hospitalization is insured for as long as necessary, along with medical care, required medicines and other hospital services.

Medicine Medicine is obtained at pharmacies, Apótek. A medical prescription must be presented. Costs of medicine which are of vital necessity used regularly are covered in full. With respect to other necessary pharmaceutical costs the insured pays a specified fee, from 0-100% of the cost depending on the type of medicine. The fee for each prescription that the insured is required to pay is specified in a regulation issued by the Minister.

Dental and orthodontic treatment

General dental and orthodontic treatment for persons between 18 and 66 years of age is not covered by the insurance. However, in case of congenital defects, accidents or illness or in case of an invalidity pensioner there is

a partial reimbursement of the costs.

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Who is insured under the Icelandic health insurance? Everyone who has been legally resident in Iceland for six months automatically becomes a member of the Icelandic social insurance system, regardless of nationality. This applies unless intergovernmental treaties say otherwise. Residence generally means domicile as defined in the Act on Domicile, and length of residence is therefore based on registration in Þjóðskrá (The National Registry). Before the six month period is over it is therefore necessary to purchase private insurance if intergovernmental treaties do not apply to you.

Who does not need to purchase private health insurance?

Students from the following countries do not need to purchase private health insurance before arriving in Iceland to study.

 EEA  Nordic countries  EFTA

Information for EEA/EU citizens:

Insured citizens of EEA countries are entitled to benefits which become necessary on medical grounds during a temporary stay in Iceland. This will cover you until you are registered in the Icelandic health care insurance system. Please note that EEA nationals presenting the EHIC will be charged the same fee as persons insured in Iceland. If these documents are not presented you will be charged the full costs of the treatment until you are registered into the Icelandic health insurance system.

What should I bring with me?

 E104 form  EHIC healthcare card (this does not apply to persons from the Nordic countries.)

Submitting the E104 form Once you have received your Icelandic Identification number, Kennitala, you should send a scanned copy of your E104 and your Kennitala paper work to [email protected]

After six months of residency in Iceland you will be automatically registered into the Icelandic health insurance.

If you do not submit an E104 or have the EHIC form then you will be charged as uninsured person for services until six months has passed.

Students from other Nordic countries A confirmation of insurance in another Nordic country is sufficient. For example some kind of card which a competent institution issues in the country of insurance.

Legal residence in Iceland but unchanged insurance coverage in another EEA state If residence is transferred to Iceland during the studies and the insurance coverage continues in the EEA state of origin on the basis of the EEA regulations the student should bring the form E106/E109 for registration with Icelandic Health Insurance.

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Information for Students from other countries (Non EU/EEA)

Other persons than mentioned above, who are not insured or not covered by the EEA regulations can obtain medical assistance but must, of course, pay in full.

The applicant must buy a health insurance called medical expense insurance from an insurance company with an operating license in Iceland. The insurance must be valid for at least six months from the registration of a legal residence or until the person has gained the right to be medically insured in Iceland (further information are given by the insurance companies; www.vordur.is, www.tm.is, www.vis.is, www.sjova.is ) Health Insurance policies can be purchased from Icelandic insurance companies starting from around 12,000 ISK for the six month period and may be considerably cheaper than buying insurance in your home country. As a minimum you must purchase coverage for 2,000,000 ISK. Most insurance companies offer a maximum of 6 million coverage.

All insurance companies have an excess (An excess is a contribution you are required to pay towards a claim you make) this is usually set around 50,000 ISK, in most cases claims can be turned in all at one time, so that you only need to pay the excess once. Please ensure you check the details of this with your chosen insurance company before purchasing insurance.

You will be automatically moved into the Icelandic health insurance after 6 months. You are not required to submit an application. There is a clause in the Icelandic law that allows a person to be moved at an earlier date into the health insurance if they are suffering from a severe disease. More information about this can be requested from [email protected]

Purchasing health insurance outside of Iceland

If you choose to buy your health insurance from outside of Iceland, please ensure that the insurance you buy is listed. The minimum coverage must be for ISK 2,000,000. Health insurance must be purchased from a company that is licensed to operate in Iceland. The name of your insurance company needs to be 100% correct on the list. If you are unsure you can send an email to the Financial Supervisory Authority in Iceland, [email protected]

Please note: You will need to purchase the health insurance before submitting your student visa application.

What to do if I am sick?

In an emergency you should call 112

Health care clinics

The Primary Health Care of the Capital Area operate fifteen health clinics and four additional specialized centres in Reykjavik and vicinity. The Health Centres are open from Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00.

The health clinics are directed towards neighbourhood services and are expected to serve inhabitants of particular parts of the capital city area. Here is a link to a map showing locations and service areas. You will need to call to book a Doctor’s appointment. Beyond these hours most health care clinics offer an afterhours service that costs considerably more. However, this means you can usually see a doctor that day. At most clinics you need to call between specific hours to book an afterhours appointment, you will need to call your local clinic to find out how this works as it varies between each clinic.

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Out of hours care: Læknavaktin (out of hours clinic) Smáratorg, Kópavogur, tel. 1770 This service is intended for those seeking urgent, general medical service during “off-hours”. The shift is open on weekdays from 17:00 - 23:30, and on weekends from 08:00 – 23:30. You do not need to book an appointment, and it is also possible to seek medical advice by phone, tel. 1770.

Landspítali Háskólasjúkrahús / University Hospital Fossvogur. Tel. +354 543 1000 / Emergency Room, tel. +354 543 2000 The emergency service in Fossvogur is open 24 hours a day and is intended for general, urgent medical care in regard to accidents or severe health problems. You do not make an appointment.

In case of emergency help for psychiatric matters: Landspítali – University Hospital in Hringbraut, tel. +354 543 4050

Healthcare facilities outside of Reykjavik

Akureyri: The Akureyri Primary Health Care Centre, Hafnarstræti 99, 3rd to 6th floor, tel. +354 460 4600 The Health Care Centre is open from 08:00 - 16:00 on weekdays. For after-hours emergencies please go to the accident ward at FSA University Hospital, Eyrarlandsvegi, tel. +354 463 0800. Borgarfjörður (Bifröst/Hvanneyri): Health Care Centre Borgarnesi, Borgarbraut 65, tel. +354 437 1400. Open from 08:00 - 16:00 Ísafjörður: Ísafjörður Hospital Health Care Centre, Torfnesi, tel. +354 450 4500. Open from 08:00 - 16:00

Keflavík: Health Care Centre Suðurnesja, Skólavegi 6, Keflavik, tel. +354 422 0500. Open from 08:00 - 16:00

Pharmacies and prescriptions Pharmacies are called Apótek and they are generally open during weekdays 10 AM - 6 PM, Saturdays 10 AM - 4 PM and closed on Sundays or public holidays. Very few have extended hours. In Reykjavik, Lyfja on Lágmúli 5 (tel. 533-2300) near the Reykjavik Hilton Nordica is open until midnight.

Pain relievers, cold / flu / allergy medicines, eye drops, etc. are all sold over the counter. If you require a prescription medication, you will need to obtain a prescription from an Icelandic physician. Since pharmacies have limited locations and opening hours in the rural areas of Iceland, we recommend bringing any important medications with you from home.

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LEISURE TIME

Gym Membership Exercising is a huge part of life here in Iceland, and a good way to fight off the winter blues. World Class is by far the largest gym here, and has multiple branches around the city. There is even one here at the university! There are multiple options if you choose to sign up at world class, Check out their website for information on special student deals. If Worldclass isn’t your style, there are other gyms around town you can sign up with. Mjölnir and Crossfit Katla are two of the bigger ones. www.worldclass.is www.mjolnir.is www.crossfitkatla.is

Going to the Pools

Going to the geothermal pools is a very social activity in Iceland. You will see families playing with their children, students after school and business people after a long day all at the pools. The cost to go swimming is between 500-700ISK, you can check out the Visit Reykjavik website to find your local pool. While it is a great experience and a daily activity for many students here, Icelanders have a strict etiquette that they expect to be followed when visiting the pools.

 Take off your shoes before you enter the locker-room.  Take your towel with you to the showers. There is a towel rack to store your towel  Everyone needs to take a shower without their swimsuit on before going to the pools. This rule is enforced. This makes some people uncomfortable, but remember this is their culture and you are a guest.

Hiking and travelling in Iceland

We hope that all our students take the opportunity while in Iceland to explore this amazing country. However, we must stress that it is extremely important to stay safe during your travels, be well prepared and make sure you inform people of your plans. ICE-SAR offers all travellers in Iceland to register information about your trip needed to start search or rescue, in case something happens while you're on your trip on their website. Good preparation is the key for a successful travel. Keep the below points in mind:

 During wintertime most of the highland as well as many roads are closed. Get information about the area.  Always leave your travel plan with someone who can react if needed  Check the weather forecast. In Iceland the weather can change fast  Remember to bring the right equipment for the kind of travel you are planning  Map, compass and GPS should always be used when travel outside urban areas

Useful sites for travelling in Iceland

Weather forecast: http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/areas/

Safe Travel (information and travel plan registration) http://www.safetravel.is/

Guide to hiking trials in Iceland: https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-info/the-most-popular-hiking-trails-in-iceland

Information about weather in Iceland: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Reykjavik-weather-

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Culture Shock

One of the most common challenges international students face is dealing with “culture shock.” Culture shock is a feeling of disorientation many people feel when experiencing an entirely new way of life. Many international students find it difficult to adjust At the International Offices we are here to help you deal with culture shock and make the most of your experience abroad. Come by and see us anytime we can offer you support, a friendly ear or arrange for you to speak with one of our experienced counsellors. You should not suffer alone and you are welcome at our office.

Here are some tips that might help ease your transition:

 Simply understanding that this is a normal experience may in itself be helpful.  Maintain your confidence in yourself; follow your ambitions and continue your plans for the future  Most importantly, be prepared to open yourself to new experiences; be prepared to learn, not only in the classroom, but in your interactions with new people every day.  Keeping in touch with home is an important part of living in a different country. The internet makes it very easy to maintain regular contact also by sharing news, information and photos of your life in Iceland.  Eat a healthy and balanced diet.  Take regular exercise. As well as being good for your health it can be a way of meeting people.  Make friends with international students, whether from your own culture or from others, as they will understand what you’re feeling and, if possible, make friends with the local students so you can learn more about each other’s culture.  Be prepared to take the first step and find activities which will give you a common interest with other students.  Find someone to talk to who will listen uncritically and with understanding, rather than isolating yourself.

And finally

It is important to stress that culture shock is entirely normal, usually unavoidable and not a sign that you have made a mistake or that you won’t manage. In fact there are very positive aspects of culture shock. The experience can be a significant learning experience, making you more aware of aspects of your own culture as well as the new culture you have entered. It will give you valuable skills that will serve you in many ways now and in the future and which will be part of the benefit of an international education.

A word on the weather in Iceland

The weather in Iceland is everyones favourite topic of conversation. Iceland enjoys a cool temperate maritime climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, but the weather is known to change quickly and often. Icelanders have a saying: “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” No matter the season, you should always be prepared that the weather can change quickly and you should always have wind and water resistant outerwear as well as extra thermal layers on hand before heading out on excursions.

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