Arriving in a new country is exciting and a little overwhelming. Here's what students usually wish they'd known in their first month in North Cyprus.
Stay connected
Get a local SIM card as soon as you can — mobile data is how you'll find your way around, call taxis and stay in touch at home. Ask your university's international office which network other students use.
Paperwork first
Your university will guide you through student registration and the residence permit process. Keep copies of your passport, student documents and passport photos in one folder — you'll need them more than once.
Money
The local currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), and prices can change quickly. Keep a small amount of cash for buses, markets and small cafés, and check what fees your home bank charges for card payments abroad.
Getting around
Shared minibuses called dolmuş connect the main towns, and university buses run to most campuses. Taxis are easy to find, but agree the price before you get in.
Find your home
If you're still in temporary accommodation, use the TrncDate Roommate Finder to find a room or flatmates near campus — and always view a place before paying anything.
Meet people
- Join a few Groups on TrncDate — international students, study buddies, football, food lovers.
- Go to welcome events at your university, even if you go alone. Everyone is new.
- Say yes to plans in your first weeks — friendships form fast at the start of the year.
Look after yourself
Drink plenty of water in the summer heat, use sunscreen, and save the emergency numbers: police 155, ambulance 112, fire 199.
Everyone feels a bit lost in the first month. It gets easier — fast.