Erasmus in Nicosia

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Nicosia

Why do your Erasmus in Nicosia? The capital of the island is a destination where you will be able to discover two cultures in the same city: the Turkish north and the Greek south. It has virgin beaches and beautiful natural, archaeological and cultural enclaves, especially in the historic centre, and with different possibilities for leisure and entertainment. In Erasmus Play we explain all the secrets you should know if you plan to do your Erasmus in Nicosia.

Cost of living in Nicosia, Cyprus

The cost of living in Nicosia is quite affordable for students. If you add the rent and living expenses and possible leisure activities, the approximate monthly budget is €600-650, although it varies considerably depending on your lifestyle and the type of accommodation you choose.

Most of the apartments available in the city correspond to shared accommodation with other students. The average price of these rooms in shared flats is €450 per month, although it can range from €250 and go up to €500 per month, depending on the characteristics, location and whether they include expenses.

To the monthly budget, you must add the possible transport expenses. Of course, do not worry, because you are going to benefit from the 50 % discount on all transportation for being a student. Take the opportunity to tour and explore every corner of the island!

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Nicosia

The capital is an active city by day and night, so you can go out with your friends to restaurants, bars or nightclubs any day of the week. One of the places where Erasmus students usually meet is Ithaki Venue.

In Cyprus, there is a wide variety of plans and activities to do during the day. You should keep in mind that in summer temperatures rise quite a bit. In that season you will be able to enjoy its wonderful beaches, taste its gastronomy in restaurants overlooking the sea, visit the coasts and dive while exploring marine nature. On the contrary, if your Erasmus takes place during winter, you will be able to practise sports such as skiing on Mount Olympus, which has up to six slopes.

Culture and gastronomy in Nicosia, Cyprus

Nicosia is the last capital to be divided by a Green Line that separates the Turkish north from the Greek south. There are various points in the city where this material separation can be observed with barbed wire, concrete walls, metal doors or piles of barrels and sandbags. In the Greek Cypriot Part, Some visits that you must do are the entire Old City, which has the Panagia Faneromeni Church and the Archangel Michael Trypiotis Orthodox Church, and its most commercial area, Ledras Street. And in the Turkish Cypriot part, the Arasta Street Bazaar, the Büyük Han, the Saint Sophia Cathedral (Selimiye Mosque) and Saint Catherine's Church (Haydarpasha Mosque).

Cypriot gastronomy takes your ingredients and flavours from Greek and Turkish food. A typical dinner begins with appetisers, sauces and salads, then the main courses and ends with a dessert and the traditional strong coffee that is prepared on the island. Some of the dishes that you cannot stop trying are:

• Meze: traditional choice of hot and cold appetisers.

• Kebab: pieces of meat that are cooked on skewers seasoned with olive oil, oregano and lemon.

• Louvi: black-eyed beans.

• Souvlaki: Chunks of meat served on top of pita bread with a pickled salad, hummus, and tzatziki.

• Halloumi: hard cheese, slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

• Kleftiko: baked lamb marinated in a mixture of lemon juice and cinnamon.

• Kolokasi: autochthonous root vegetable similar to the sweet potato.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Nicosia

Doing Erasmus in Nicosia will allow you to discover the combination of Turkish and Greek culture. Get to know the traditional customs of this culture, gastronomy and festivals as you practise and improve your English, Greek or Turkish and mingle with locals or international students. In the capital, you will be able to explore the island to the fullest and even travel to nearby countries, such as Turkey.

Cheap student accommodation in Nicosia

You need accommodation in Nicosia and you don't know how to get it? In our search engine, you can compare for free and find the best flats, rooms and apartments for students in Nicosia. Make your reservation at Erasmus Play!

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Nicosia