Autumn
Autumn! Back to uni or just starting out? The first thing you want to do is get your room in the halls, your flat or your study space in tip-top shape for the new school year. Whether you are looking for some new bedding, small bits of furniture, funky decoration or just some ‘back to school’ essentials, you are spoilt for choice. Head to the Nicosia Mall or HomeMate nearby, Jumbo (for bargains) or The Mall of Cyprus with the gigantic temptations of all things IKEA. If you are looking for second-hand or vintage finds to decorate your room or flat, you can check out the Cypriot equivalent of eBay, www.bazaraki.com or Marketplace Cyprus on Facebook or a cool pre-loved shop in Old Nicosia– The Collective. Any season, Nicosia is a hit for those looking for a bit of shopping therapy. The weather is still warm and there are a variety of sites and activities you can visit and take part in!

Winter
Winter days in Nicosia are pretty mild, but don’t be fooled by the sunshine—it does get pretty cold at night. This is the season (and the point in the semester) that it’s great to get a little fresh air! Nicosia may not have the beach like the other towns of Cyprus, but we do have a fantastic pedestrian/bicycle path that runs from the city suburbs into the city center. This two-lane path (one for walkers and runners and the other for cyclists) runs along the riverbed of the Pedieos. Though dry throughout the summer, once there’s some rain (and snow in the Troodos mountains) it creates some really beautiful scenery. You can reach it by a 10-15 minute walk from the EUC campus, and it’s a great place to go for a run or just take a long, therapeutic walk with a friend in nature.

Spring
Spring is an incredible season in Cyprus, and Nicosia is no exception to this. The dry brown of summer is replaced with green and the fields get taken over by chin-high yellow flowers. They say that the yellow in the flag of Cyprus represents the copper deposits found here, but I like to think it’s the yellow fields of spring. There are lovely parks and green spaces in Nicosia where you can enjoy the flowers in bloom. It’s also a great season to take one of the many (free!) tours of Nicosia and gain an appreciation of its historic and cultural significance. You can find out about tours of the city organized by the Cyprus Tourism Organization here.

Summer
There is so much to do in the summer and so many places you can visit that you will want more days of the week. You may want to hide from the mid-day sun (malls, galleries and restaurants), but as the sun goes down, you can feel the city come to life. Whether joining the vibrant café life in Nicosia to hang out with your friends or opting for the sporting life at a football match with your besties, early evening is really kicking in and around the EUC campus. Chill and very pleasant, the evenings in Nicosia are a great chance to hang out with your friends or meet new ones—over a cocktail, a mocktail or an ice cream-all within walking distance of campus.

Throughout the year there are loads of cafes, bars and clubs to go out to. I recommend just walking around the city and going into any that you think look interesting!
Another amazing thing about Cyprus in general is that everything is close by. Cities like Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, and Paphos are all a short drive away. I got to know the island best by going on road trips with friends and it’s safe to say that every city I’ve visited thus far is unique and beautiful in it’s own way!

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The landmarks

Places that are idyllic but not ‘ideal’ if you are out for a “relaxing day at the beach” mood. On your way to Paphos, make a stop at “Petra Tou Romiou”, the birthplace of goddess Aphrodite. There, stands a series of majestic rocks and legend has it that Digenis Akritas threw them to keep the Arabs away from the island. On your way to Peyia, the recent shipwreck of EDRO III is a must-see, it has become an “Instagram attraction” just 200 meters away from Paphos’ sea caves. If you do appreciate sea caves, then your next trip should be at Cape Greco, its stunning coastline will mesmerize you, either you choose to walk it, cycle at its designated areas or dive in its waters!

Up for a summer adventure?

Then head straight to Akamas Peninsula, an area of 30 square km of valleys, gorges and wide sandy bays. Go for a swim at the crystal clean and clear beaches of Lara, Aphrodite’s baths or Blue Lagoon, explore its grand ecological diversity by hiking at its three official nature trails, the Adonis Trail, the Aphrodite Trail, and the Smigies Trail or challenge yourself and discover Avakas Gorge, its rare plants and flowers, reptiles, immense cliffs and who knows, you might even get acquainted with wild mountain goats. If you choose the latter, then be extra careful and have all the necessary safety equipment at your disposal.

Looking for beachy-breezy-busy?

Pack the car with sunscreen, beach floaties, snacks and off you go to Konnos Bay, Figtree Bay, Nissi Beach, and Sirina Bay! These are most probably the most popular (and crowded) beaches In Cyprus, Nissi Beach was included amongst the 25 best beaches worldwide by the esteemed “Flight Network”, a huge distinction indeed. Equipped with amenities such as watersport facilities, beach bars, cafes, etc., there’s always something happening there that will keep you excited!

Whatever you do, make sure you have the time of your lives! You are, after all, at one of the most beautiful islands in the world!

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Never Have I Ever

A game that became increasingly popular when Ellen DeGeneres put her guests to the test. It’s pretty simple but it can also be very… revealing! There are two set of cards, the PLAY and the RULE cards. The players get into a circle and receive 10 play cards each as they take turns into drawing the rule cards. You win your PLAY card when you admit you have done the action it refers to. The person that first wins 10 PLAY cards, wins overall! A great way to get to know a little more about your new friends! Get it, here: http://neverhaveievergame.com/

Apples to Apples

“The game of hilarious comparisons”, as it states on its hard cover. Its purpose is to collect as many red apple cards as possible (which commonly are nouns) by matching it to the common green card (an adjective) of the round. The board game was named “Party Game of the Year” in 1999 and it’s now an all-time classic! Purchase it, here: https://amzn.to/2F82siu

The Game of Things

Another great game to get to know more about each other is the “Game of things”. Perhaps… too more sometimes! Generally, the concept of the game is to try and guess who answered what. Players gather around in circle, the game master asks a question and then everyone has to write down their answer. The answers are then read out loud and you must vote on the person you think gave that answer.

Cards against Humanity

It has been called edgy but it’s also super fun! It’s a more adult version of “Apples to apples” but what you must match when playing this game is not nouns to adjectives but… hilarious answers to outrageous situations! The funniest combination wins! You must give it a shot: https://amzn.to/2OawS86

Escape room: The Game

If you are a fan of Escape rooms then this one is definitely a must-go-with choice! The key to win and exit one of the 4 thrilling escape rooms (whichever one you choose) is to collaborate with each other. Afterall, you only have 60 minutes and infinite riddles to solve, so get to work! Learn more, here: https://escaperoomthegame.com/

Have fun everyone and don’t forget the snacks!

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