A difficult equation with 5 possible solutions.
Housing for students studying at TEPAK programs (and do not have permanent residence in Limassol), is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges they face. To address this issue (primarily until 2026 when the construction of TEPAK's own student dormitories in the Veregaria area of Limassol is expected to be completed), five "plans" are being implemented, which collectively provide a solution for a significant portion of students, especially those in genuine need (based on their socio-economic status).
1 Accommodation in dormitories provided by TEPAK or allocated by the Church of Cyprus to TEPAK students.
ΤΕPΑΚ (Technological University of Cyprus) rents four buildings in the center of Limassol that can accommodate 85 individuals. This accommodation is provided to students who apply for it based on a prioritization determined by the scoring of their socio-economic status. Details regarding the process and scoring criteria can be found at the following link: https://www.cut.ac.cy/students/practical-information/policies-and-procedures/scorrules/. Based on the same scoring system, the 205 beds available at the "Apollonia" student dormitory complex (opposite Tsireio Stadium) owned by the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus are also allocated to TEPAK. The cost of accommodation in one of these dormitories, which is subsidized for individuals selected based on their socio-economic status, ranges from 200 to 350 euros per month per person.
2 Τhe housing allowance:
Individuals who apply for accommodation but do not secure a dormitory placement, yet accumulate a sufficient number of points based on their socio-economic status as defined by the University Council, become eligible for a housing allowance of 250 euros per month for the period from September to June. This allowance is disbursed to eligible students in two installments (the first in December for the period of September to December, and the second in June for the period of January to June) upon submission of relevant documentation (rental agreement and monthly rent receipts). During the academic year 2022-23, approximately 150 undergraduate students utilized this housing allowance.
3 Accommodation in private apartments
A significant number of students reside in privately-owned apartments found in the market. For the upcoming academic year (2023-24), a joint effort is being made with the University Student Union (FETEPAK) to identify available accommodations and inform interested students. Interested students can contact 25002728, while owners of properties in Limassol can submit their property for student rental by completing the following online form: https://forms.gle/YrqyH8sa64gVNq2D6
4 Accommodation in hotels
In collaboration with the PASYXE Limassol (Student Welfare Committee), a number of students have secured accommodation in hotel rooms in Limassol at an agreed monthly rate. If the student is eligible for the rental allowance, they will contribute a portion of the rent on a monthly basis to the hotel, while the University will cover the remaining amount. If the student is not eligible for the rental allowance, they will be responsible for covering the entire accommodation cost. The goal is to extend a similar arrangement for the upcoming academic year 2023-24, provided there is interest from hotel establishments.
5 Family Hosting
Family Hosting is an arrangement in which an active student of the Cyprus University of Technology is accommodated in a safe and welcoming family environment for a period that can range from a few months to the entire duration of their studies. Family Hosting allows a student to reside in a secure and hospitable family home in Limassol while paying a low symbolic monthly accommodation fee (€200) to cover basic additional expenses. Meals are not included. If the student residing with the host family is eligible for a housing allowance, then the housing allowance covers the accommodation cost.
It is also noted that the provisions stated in points (2), (3), and (4) will apply to the accommodation of students of the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) who will be studying and residing in Paphos starting from September 2023.
For further information or clarification, interested individuals can contact the Housing Office of the Student Affairs and Welfare Service of TEPAK at housing@cut.ac.cy and telephone number 25002380. Alternatively, they can contact the Service and Information Center of the University at kep@cut.ac.cy and telephone numbers 25002710/11.
