International Student

Pre-Arrival Guide

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WELCOME!

Dear Student,

Congratulations on gaining admission at the University of ! We are very excited that everything has gone well with the visa proceedings.

Now that you have completed all the Migration requirements, it is time to start planning for your trip to . It is important that you notify the Office of Admissions with your flight details (Airlines, Date and Time of your arrival) at least 48 hours prior to your arrival. Please find below some useful information that will hopefully help you to better prepare and plan for your trip.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We wish you to have a safe travel to Cyprus and we look forward to meeting you very soon!

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Personal and Living Expenses

In addition to your Tuition Fees you also need to plan about your personal and living expenses budget.

The estimated expenses for the academic year are as follows: Accommodation ------€2,000 - €3,000 Food and Personal Expenses ------€2,000 - €3,000 Books and Stationery ------€300 - €400 Please note that during your first week at the University you will have to register with the Cyprus Migration Office in order to receive your student visa. It is part of the Migration regulations to repeat the blood test and chest x-ray once you arrive in Cyprus. The cost for the blood test is approximately €35 and for the chest x-ray is approximately €25. The visa extension fee is €70. The Migration Office requires that you bring with you the minimum amount of €1,600. However, it is important to have in mind that most of your expenses will happen once you arrive in Cyprus (purchasing goods, accommodation, Tuition Fees, etc.). It is important to bring with you satisfactory amount of money to cover all of your expenses.

Opening a Bank Account Part of the Migration Office regulations for International Students is to open and maintain a bank account during their studies in Cyprus. All new International students are required to open a bank account and deposit the minimum amount of €850, during their first week in Cyprus.

In order to open a bank account you must be over 18 years old.

To open a bank account you will need to present the following documents: a) passport b) verified housing contract c) original University Confirmation letter of Registration (provided by the University after registration of courses) The nearest by the University banks are: Bank of Cyprus Laiki Bank 8A, 28th of October Ave 35, 28th of October Ave Makedonitissa, 2414 Egkomi Makedonitissa, 2414 Egkomi Tel: +357 22121330

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Accommodation We offer both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options to our students. You have the option of choosing between studio, one bedroom or two bedroom apartments located either on-campus or off-campus. Please visit the Housing Office website at http://www.housing.unic.ac.cy for more information.

The Accommodation Office assists students in finding the above conversed suitable and convenient lodges for the duration of their studies. It provides on and off campus lodging (on campus hostels, off campus hostels, off campus housing) and offer students information about lease agreements, furniture rental etc. In addition, the Accommodation Office provides roommate services and arranges student temporary accommodation at special rates.

If you are interested for on-campus or off-campus accommodation, please notify us as soon as possible. Make sure to specify which type of accommodation your are interested in (on-campus or off-campus; studio, 1,2, or 3 bedroom apartment, etc)

Temporary Accommodation In case that you will be needing a place to stay for a short period of time before arranging your permanent accommodation please notify us at least 48 hours prior to your arrival to make the necessary arrangements for you. You have the option in choosing from luxurious five star hotels to more practical and less expensive hotels near the campus area.

Please find below the three most frequently used hotels around the area: Hilton Park Hotel**** Address: Griva Digeni Avenue Nicosia, Cyprus, 1507 Tel: 00357-22695111 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nicosia.hilton.com

Asty Hotel** Address: 12 Prince Charles Street Ayios Dometios, Nicosia, 1300 P.O.Box 24502 Tel: 00357-22773030 Email: [email protected] Website: www.astyhotel.com Rates: Single - 40 Euro Double - 60 Euro

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Europa Hotel Address: 13 Alkaiou Street Egkomi P.O.Box 25730 Cy-1311, Cyprus Tel: 00357-22692692 Email: [email protected] Website: www.europahotel.com.cy Rates: Single - 88 Euro Double - 108 Euro

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Cyprus: Overview

Cyprus is a beautiful island situated in the Mediterranean Sea and is a major business and financial center for Southeast Europe and the Middle East. It is an island with rich history and tradition and exploring Cyprus is itself a rewarding experience waiting to be discovered. For more than 10,000 years Cyprus has been inhabited by a mixture of people from near and far, all of whom have shaped its culture and character. The country enjoys a vigorous economy with a high standard of living and is a member of the European Union since 2004.

With almost three million visitors coming to Cyprus each year, the island offers excellent facilities for sport, leisure and shopping, and an exciting nightlife. Blessed with natural beauty and a wonderful climate, Cyprus gives visitors and residents alike the opportunity to enjoy golden beaches, rugged coastlines, and forest-clad mountains dotted with picturesque villages. Cyprus is a safe place to live with a very low crime rate and warm, welcoming people.

The capital, Nicosia, is an ideal centre for both business and leisure and has easy access to the island’s other cities, beaches and mountain resorts. A recognized centre for global business, Nicosia is also a popular venue for many international seminars and conferences.

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Study in Cyprus Work in Cyprus Cyprus is in many ways an ideal centre in which to International students are permitted to work for study and in fact, Cyprus and the University of twenty hours per week during the semester and Nicosia have become a major international thirty eight hours during vacation periods, Students education destination. Some 20% of the five are eligible to work six months after entering the thousand students at the come country as per the Aliens & Immigration Law No. from abroad, from over sixty different countries. 184(1)/2007.

University life offers you a wealth of opportunities, CAREERS OFFICE not only academic, but also social and cultural. We want you to graduate with happy memories of your The Careers Office provides students and alumni time as a student. It is therefore, important that you with information on available jobs and internships. not only study hard but that you also enjoy your Additional assistance in writing a CV or preparing for time with us. The University of Nicosia provides a an interview is provided. During the academic year, diverse environment with a rich mix of students of the Careers Office organizes a series of workshops many nationalities from all cultural and social and seminars which aim to broaden the horizon of backgrounds. our years as a student will offer you a our students and alumni on their career options. great opportunity to make new friends and broaden Moreover, an annual Careers Exhibition takes place your horizons. during the Spring Semester.

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General Information

Money and Currency Currency The official currency that is used in Cyprus is the Euro. There are seven denominations in Euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro. They all have different color and size, the higher the denomination, the bigger the size. One euro is divided into 100 cent. There are eight euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2. Cost of Living Cyprus managed to keep its good economic condition even though other countries are struggling to survive the economic crisis that the world in now facing. There are millions of tourist who visit Cyprus each year and enjoy the beauty and leisure that the island has to offer. The locals also enjoy the goods, leisure and shopping, and generally like to have a high standard life in Cyprus. Nevertheless, the cost of living remains to be relatively lower in comparison with other European countries.

Weather Cyprus is famous for its 300 days of sun and its warm climate. During the summer temperature can reach to 40 degrees Celsius, while in the winter can drop down to 10 degrees Celsius. Generally, besides the winter months (Dec-Feb), the weather is mostly nice and sunny.

Languages and Religions Languages Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities respectively. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well spoken within the tourist industry. Religions Cyprus enjoys an exceedingly high level of freedom of worship. While the majority of Greek-Cypriots are Greek-Orthodox Christians, other denominations are represented on the island, including Armenians, Maronites and Roman Catholics. The Turkish-Cypriot community is predominantly Muslim.

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Time, Working Hours and Holidays Local Time Cyprus Time is GMT +2. Working Hours Public service working hours during the period September 1st – June 30th are 07:30 – 14:30 from Monday to Friday and on Wednesday from 15:00 – 18:00. During the period July 1st – August 31st working hours are 07:30 – 14:30 from Monday to Friday. Private sector working hours are 08:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday for the period September 15th - May 31st and 08:00 - 13:00, 16:00 - 19:00 Monday to Friday, for the period June 1st - September 14th . Shop opening times vary depending on their type and location, though shops normally open between 07:00 and 09:00. During the period November 1st - March 31st shops close at 19:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 15:00 on Wednesday, and at 19:00 on Saturday. For the period April 1st – October 31st shops close at to 20:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 15:00 on Wednesday and, at 19:30 on Saturday. During the period June 15th – August 31st there is an optional three hour afternoon break from14:00 - 17:00.

Public Holidays The days listed below are public holidays in Cyprus. All public services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on public holidays. - January 1st - New Year's Day - January 6th - Epiphany Day - March 25th - Greek National Day - April 1st - National Anniversary Day - May 1st - Labour Day - August 15th - Assumption of the Virgin Mary - October 1st - Cyprus Independence Day - October 28th - Greek National Anniversary Day - December 24th - Christmas Eve - December 25th - Christmas Day - December 26th - Boxing Day - Variable - Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter) - Variable - Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church) - Variable - Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church) - Variable - Pentecost - Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)

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CHECK LIST: Before your trip to Cyprus it is essential that you start planning ahead and make the right preparations regarding your travel and your student life in Cyprus.

University Requirements: Make sure that you have submitted to the University and made the following payments by the appropriate due date: ☐ Tuition Fees as shown on Acceptance Letter ☐ International Student Deposit (Refundable) Euro 400 ☐ Annual Insurance Fee Euro 171 ☐ University Fees (Activity, Internet, Lab, Registration Fees, etc) Euro 164 ☐ Visa Fee Euro 86 ☐ Application Fee Euro 55 ☐ Attested passport copy (valid for two years) ☐ Attested High School Diploma and Mark Sheet ☐ Attested Bank Letter ☐ Attested Police Clearance Certificate ☐ Attested Blood Test result (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B&C) ☐ Attested X-Ray report (TB) Note: Students from countries that a visa interview is NOT required please submit original documents to the Office of Admissions. For students that a visa interview IS required submit photocopies of the aforementioned documents to the Office of Admissions as you will need to present the original documents the day of your visa interview. Documents to have with you while traveling:

It is very important that you have with you (and not in your luggage), at all times, the following documents as you are going to be required to present them at the Immigration Check Point at your first port of call: ☐ Your passport (Valid for two years) ☐ University Receipts of the amount paid to the University ☐ €1,600 in Cash ☐ All documents that were certified by the visa officer at the visa interview (if applicable). For students from countries that a visa interview is NOT required, make sure to travel to Cyprus holding a copy of your entry visa that was sent to you by the Office of Admissions ☐ Certificate of Admission from the University ☐ Open ticket valid for return to home country

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Useful Tips while traveling:

☐ Wear comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes (sneakers). It is important to feel relaxed and as comfortable as possible while you are traveling.

☐ Make sure to have with you a pen and a pencil in case that you will need to write something

☐ Pain killers (traveling might some times cause a light head ache) and if any prescribed medicine

☐ Write down and have with you your housing address in Cyprus (if you know it) and the University address

☐ Write down numbers of people to call in case of an Emergency (i.e. family, police number in Cyprus, University advisor, etc.)

☐ Book or magazine to read on the plane

☐ Mp3 player

☐ Your address book with contact details of friends and family

☐ Keep a Journal

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Airport Pick-Up You can get to the University of Nicosia from the International Airport by taking a taxi, the Kapnos Airport Shuttle, the Inter-city bus or by Travel Express

• Taxi: We can reserve a taxi for you that will be expecting you at the airport on the day of your arrival. The price is approximately 50 Euro to take your from Larnaca International Airport directly to the University of Nicosia or to your hotel.

• Kapnos Airport Shuttle: The Kapnos Shuttle will pick you up from the airport and drive you to the Filoxenia hotel in Nicosia. The price for the trip is 7 Euro. From the Filoxenia hotel you will need to get a taxi to drive you either to the University or to your hotel.

A University representative will be at the airport to meet you and accompany you to Nicosia.

If you need us to assist you and arrange airport pick-up (at your own expense) on the day of your arrival, please notify us at least 48 hours prior to your arrival. In case of a change to the date and/or time of your flight please be responsible and notify us.

When to Visit the University of Nicosia

Upon your arrival to Cyprus it is important to visit the Office of Admissions during our office hours: Monday-Friday, from 8:30am - 6:00pm, to register and to be given more information about further Migration procedures, University orientation, scheduled trips, etc.

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Useful Contact Numbers

Emergency Services:

Police 119/112 Fire Service 112 Ambulance 199/112 Pharmacies (Outside Hours) 90901402 General Hospital (Nicosia) 22603000 Private Doctors 1432 Aids Advisory Bureau 22305155 Narcotics 22442960 Electricity 22202000 Water Board 22698000 Airport 77778833(Larnaca & Paphos) Tourist Information 22691100 Postal Services 22805802 Cyprus Telecommunications Services 132 Foreign Country Codes 194 Telephone Number Inquires/Information 11892 International Call (through operator) 11894 Immigration 22804400 University of Nicosia (Nicosia Campus) 22841500 University of Nicosia Library 22444772 University of Nicosia Student Affairs 22453125 University of Nicosia Admissions 22841528

CAR HIRE Astra 22558000 Avis Rent a Car 22713333 Hertz Rent a Car 22208888 Demosthenous Andreas 22349552

TAXI SERVICES Columbia 22780444 Finlandia 22666000 Millenium 22763763 Vips 22318318 Travel & Express Service Taxi 22730888

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Basics of the Greek language kalimera - good morning kalispera - good afternoon kalinihta - good night herete - hello yassas - hello or goodbye adio - goodbye Ne- Yes Ohi- No Efharisto- Thank you Efharisto para poli- Thank you very much Parakalo- Please Signo mi- Excuse me Den katalavenno- I do not understand Pos to lete … sta Aglika?- Ho do you say … in English? Milate..?- Do you speak…? Ego-I Emis- We Esi- You (singular) Esis- You (plural) Afti- They Pos se lene?- What is your name? Hero poli.- Nice to meet you. Ti kanete?- How are you Kala- Good Ashima- Bad Etsi ke etsi- So so Poso stihisi afto?- How much does this cost? Ti ine afto?- What is this? Thelo na agoraso- I would like to buy

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