2009 University Centre of the Westfjords: Guide for Students WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY CENTRE OF THE WESTFJORDS ......................................................................... 4 PROGRAMS OFFERED AT THE UNIVERSITY CENTRE .......................................................................................... 5 MASTER’S PROGRAM IN COASTAL AND MARINE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ 5 ACADEMIC CALENDAR .............................................................................................................................................. 5 ORIENTATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 5 ICELANDIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ........................................................................................................................... 5 HRAFNSEYRI SUMMER SCHOOL .................................................................................................................................. 6 FIELD SCHOOLS ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 MAKING YOURSELF AT HOME .......................................................................................................................... 6 ARRIVING IN ICELAND ............................................................................................................................................... 6 THE FIRST WEEK....................................................................................................................................................... 7 ACCOMMODATION .................................................................................................................................................. 7 LIVING IN ICELAND ................................................................................................................................................... 7 NARCOTICS ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS .................................................................................................................................................... 8 CHRISTMAS IN ICELAND ........................................................................................................................................... 10 WHAT TO PACK ..................................................................................................................................................... 10 REMEMBER TO PACK .............................................................................................................................................. 11 COST OF LIVING ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 HEALTH ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................... 12 EUROPEAN CITIZENS ............................................................................................................................................... 12 CITIZENS OF COUNTRIES OTHER THAN EU AND EEA ...................................................................................................... 12 SOCIAL SECURITY/MEDICAL INSURANCE ..................................................................................................................... 12 MEDICAL EXAMINATION ......................................................................................................................................... 12 EMERGENCIES ....................................................................................................................................................... 12 HEALTH CARE ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 HOSPITAL TREATMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 13 PHARMACIES AND PRESCRIPTIONS ............................................................................................................................. 13 WORK PERMIT ............................................................................................................................................... 13 INCOME TAX .................................................................................................................................................. 13 LIFE IN ÍSAFJÖRÐUR ....................................................................................................................................... 13 KEY FACTS ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY CENTRE OF THE WESTFJORDS .................................................................................... 14 MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS ..................................................................................................................................... 14 BANKS AND ACCOUNTS ........................................................................................................................................... 14 SHOPPING ............................................................................................................................................................ 15 TIPPING ............................................................................................................................................................... 15 LIQUOR STORE ...................................................................................................................................................... 15 TRAVEL ................................................................................................................................................................ 15 TELEPHONES AND INTERNET ..................................................................................................................................... 15 POST OFFICE ......................................................................................................................................................... 16 CUSTOM RULES IN ICELAND...................................................................................................................................... 16 RELIGIOUS PRACTICES ............................................................................................................................................. 16 FACILITIES AND SUPPORT ............................................................................................................................... 16 2 LIBRARY ............................................................................................................................................................... 17 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 17 THE SOCIETY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE WESTFORDS .......................................................................................... 17 MYSCHOOL .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 LEISURE TIME ................................................................................................................................................. 17 GETTING INFORMATION .......................................................................................................................................... 17 CINEMAS ............................................................................................................................................................. 17 SWIMMING .......................................................................................................................................................... 18 SPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................ 18 PUBS, CAFÉS, AND RESTAURANTS .............................................................................................................................. 18 HEALTH AND WELLNESS .......................................................................................................................................... 18 EDINBORGARHÚS ................................................................................................................................................... 18 FOR SMALL CHILDREN ............................................................................................................................................ 18 THE END OF YOUR STAY ................................................................................................................................. 19 NATIONAL REGISTRY .............................................................................................................................................. 19 ACCOMMODATION ...............................................................................................................................................