Discover North Cyprus
Life in North Cyprus is well known for embracing different cultures and students and you are a big part of that. You probably already know Girne, North Cyprus is a thriving town where you’ll be able to enjoy lots of different interests and activities, Other towns and cities within Cyprus offer lots of activities too. This part of the guide has information about what it’s like to live in North Cyprus.
Moving overseas can be a scary event, however, once you arrive in North Cyprus you will feel like you are at home away from home. Discover how life turns into living and happiness in North Cyprus while the golden lights of Sun are rolling down over the horizon of Mediterranean and the mystical atmosphere of night tardily falling over everywhere like a purple blanket.
Girne stands on the sea front full of dreams and history, full with locals and tourists. Girne is a town full of excitement and things to do and see. Girne has two harbours the main one where you can travel by ferry to Turkey or in the town centre you can go on a day boat trip around the local areas and spend the day relaxing in the sun. The local boat trips cater to all people no matter their needs or wants, there are fishing boat trips, snorkelling boat trips, party boats, relaxing trips all offered throughout the day and in the evenings.
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The island of Cyprus has attracted states and civilizations throughout history who wanted to dominate the Mediterranean and trade in the Mediterranean due to its special location in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Due to this feature, the island had been called by many names throughout history until it was given its current name. In Egypt and Hittite periods, Cyprus was named as Alaşya (Alasya, Alashia) or Asi, and as Hetim (Hettim) in the period of Phoenicians.
The capital city of the TRNC is Lefkoşa (Nicosia).
The other districts are Gazimağusa, Girne, Güzelyurt, Yeni İskele and Lefke. The climate is typically Mediterranean with hot/dry summers and warmed rainy winters. The average highest annual temperature is 25.6°C. The average lowest annual temperature is 13.9°C. The most important factor in the formation of the natural wealth of Cyprus is undoubtedly the Mediterranean climate. A rich Mediterranean flora can be seen by the influence of the Mediterranean climate.
The beaches of the TRNC host the endangered caretta caretta and chelonian mydas turtles in the Mediterranean during certain months of the year.
North Cyprus provides a favourable and equal opportunities business environment to local and foreign investors with the advantage of its strategic location. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which has a developed infrastructure is an attractive location for investors and also provides various investment incentives with its high quality business environment. In addition, the small but fast-growing economy of North Cyprus provides many economic benefits to both local and foreign investors.
Find out more about history of Cyprus
Social, Economic and Political History of Cyprus
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
GIRNE HARBOUR
The harbour is appreciated for its natural beauty. In its heyday it was lined with warehouses, stored with fruits of the countryside whilst they awaited export. The buildings are now mostly all restaurants, all of which have tables and chairs lining the water. The castle at the east end of the harbour is a very spectacular site and within its walls there is a 12th century chapel showing reused late Roman capitals.
SALAMIS RUINS
The ancient city of Salamis became the capital of Cyprus as far back as 1100 BC. The city shared the destiny of the rest of the island during the successive occupations by the various dominant powers of the Near East, viz. the Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Romans.
FAMAGUSTA—THE WALLED CITY
The old city of Famagusta is encircled by the historical walls, which are on average 60 feet high and 30 feet thick and date back to medieval times. The walls stand intact to this day, well preserved.
CASTLES
There are many castles in Cyprus rich in beauty and history. Girne castle is full of monumental artefacts for people to see. St Hilarion is a castle full of history, the higher you walk up the more beautiful the scenery. From the top of St Hilarion, the view of Girne shines in the sun.
BOAT TRIPS AND SCUBA DIVING
Girne harbour is full of different companies offering boat trips, there are boats to suit all types of people: calm relaxing boat trips and party boat trips. The boat trips last a whole day and include lunch. The boats typically stop at two beaches throughout the trip which offer water sports and other entertainment. Scuba diving is available all over the Island.
TURTLE WATCHING
During night watch small groups accompany students to the beach at night to watch adult females covering up their nests. This activity is available from late May to early August (depending on nesting numbers at tail ends of this period). Releases also take place between July 20th and late September. Under controlled conditions, visitors are able to name and release hatchling turtles at night under red light at around 9pm.
PARAGLIDING
For the adventurous people our take off is at 2500ft. / 750m, to the west of St. Hilarion castle, giving you uninterrupted views of the stunning five fingers mountain range. After an easy take off involving a few steps down a gentle slope, you will be treated to the spectacular view of the unique scenery of Northern Cyprus. Whether you want a gentle scenic flight or with an adrenaline joy ride over the landing site, your pilot can tailor your flight to suit what you would like.
KARPAZ
This is the Cyprus of old, a land almost unspoilt by the savage hand of modern development, where Mother Nature still holds the reins of power; where donkeys, trees, flowers, and cereal crops dot the landscape as far as the eye can see, before tapering off into the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Can I work at the same time as studying?
Students once they are registered and received their student residence permit are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week.