General Information for Students
Cost of Living
The Average cost of living in Larnaca, excluding accommodation and utilities, ranges from €450 - €650 per month.
Accommodation
Students can visit the accommodation office in order to find a suitable and convenient accommodation. Since there is no on-campus accommodation, the college is in constant contact with private flat owners and can provide guidelines and useful information to all interested students. It can also help students in finding roommates. Prices for accommodation range from €180 - €500.
Contact
Anastasia Yiannakou
Student Affairs Office
Tel.: +357 24021554
Fax: +357 24828860
E-mail: a.yiannakou@faculty.pacollege.ac.cy
Meals
The College has a Cafeteria on the top floor which is ideal for dining, entertainment and recreation. The Cafeteria provides meals as well as snacks such as sandwiches, desserts, fruit and drinks. Since the College is located near the downtown area of Larnaka, there are also other dining options that are within walking distance from the College.
Medical Facilities
The College maintains a First Aid room with all necessary first aid kits on the top floor of the building. Additionally, designated staff of the College are able to respond to any emergencies.
Facilities for Special Needs Students
The College is sensitive about issues relevant to special needs students. In terms of students with physical disabilities, the College is equipped with lifts and ramps at all entrances in order for the disabled individuals to access the building. Additionally, the College has special WC facilities on different floors which accommodate the needs of disabled individuals.
In terms of students with learning difficulties, the College maintains a special treatment for these individuals as it acknowledges the uniqueness of each special needs person. Specifically, faculty members are informed about each individual in order to accommodate their needs accordingly. Special accommodation includes flexibility on test administration (time/place) and extra tutorials in cases they are needed and requested by the students.
Insurance
All students are required to have a personal accidence Insurance that covers them for accidents both within as well as outside the premises of the College. This type of insurance is offered by the College to all of its students. Additionally, the College has appointed a private doctor who is available when there is an emergency.
Financial Support for Students
Students may be eligible to receive the government grant which ranges from €2500-€3400. Besides that, the College is extremely sensitive with financial support towards students. At the beginning of every academic year, students can apply for full or partial scholarships and tuition and fee discount. All applications are evaluated based on each individual case. Additionally, the management of the College financially supports its students through accommodative payment installments.
Student Affairs Office
The Student Affairs office of the college covers a range of services required by students in order to help them find their way into college life. Some of these services are: Counseling Services, Student Activities (in cooperation with the student union), Career Advice, Housing and International Student Assistance.
Counseling sessions are taking place with students that might be facing any academic, social or emotional problems. It is important to state that all information is strictly confidential and students are encouraged to visit the counselor when they are in a difficult time.
As noted above the Student Affairs office cooperates with the college’s Student Union both in organizing events but also in enhancing the communication between the staff of the Institution and the students. Various types of student events are organized all year around such as: welcome party, blood donation, bowling night, futsal days, charity events, trips, night outs and many more.
Learning Facilities
Being equipped with the latest technology and continuously developing facilities is fundamental to P.A. College. Our IT services are essential enablers to the efficient operation of the College and IT activity occurs across the College providing core technical services such as networking, e-mail, and software support as well as other services such as database training. Also, in 2012 P.A. College introduced a new VLE, Canvas, which is the newest and most innovative solution of its kind available to institutions. This is available for all students and staff to access. In addition, the College library’s databases provide a wealth of information resources such as articles, books, statistics, videos, and more. The following labs and facilities are also available for College students:
- 2 Computer Labs
- Conference Room
- Training Room
International Programmes
P.A. College actively participates in the Erasmus + Programme and holds the European University Charter since 2005. It maintains an Erasmus Office that provides information and guidance to:
- Students that want to participate in the programme by study or work placement mobility periods in partner Institutions or organizations.
- Teachers that want to participate in teaching mobility of short duration in partner institutions.
Practical Information for Mobile Students
There are two types of mobile students participating in the International Programmes of the College: Outgoing students and Incoming students. The International Office helps and supports both types of students.
Information Days are organized twice every academic year in order to inform outgoing Erasmus students about the application procedures, the programme details/ information and to provide them with the list of partner Institutions. All students are encouraged to visit the Erasmus Coordinator so as to get any further information or help they require.
Incoming Erasmus students are closely assisted by the Erasmus Coordinator in all areas. Before the application completion students are informed about the available courses for the forthcoming semester. Also, students are provided with the relevant documents and guidance about travelling, accommodation and life in Cyprus. Upon arrival, students from the student union meet the incoming Erasmus students so as to help them settle down and overcome any problem that might arise.
Language Courses
Before the commencement of every new academic year, P.A. College organises a free four-week English Foundation course for all new students. This is an intensive course that provides a thorough grounding in the necessary language skills for success in students’ future courses. Two more courses, English Language I and English Language II, are offered in the first year enabling students to develop competency in the academic English language such as summarizing and essay writing. In the second year, Communication and Interpersonal Skills is offered as a course that aims to enhance students’ skills in English further, focusing on written communication and presentation skills. For further information on courses offered every semester please consult the Information on Degree Programmes.
Internships
Work experience is a crucial partner for the recognised quality mark of a P.A. College degree, providing both professional and personal development. While many of our students gain their own work experience – through volunteering, part-time work and self-sourced placements – students may apply for an internship programme at a local enterprise with the assistance of our Career Centre.
In addition, students may also apply for an Erasmus Placement through the Erasmus Office to complete a period of one or two semesters of internship at a partner university (holder of EUC) or an enterprise in a European country. The College also hosts students for placements at the College Departments from other partner institutions.
Furthermore, throughout the academic year, the College organises a series of workshops and seminars that aim to enhance students’ interview as well as CV and cover letter writing skills.
Sports and Leisure Facilities
P.A. College provides a large modern cafeteria as well as an adjacent games room for students’ leisure activities on the college premises. During the academic year a range of sport and recreational activities such as futsal matches, bowling nights, and beach parties are also organised, through outsourced facilities, for pleasure and fitness. Many outdoor activities such as trips to the mountains and other stimulating trips to the countryside (e.g. walks and hikes) are available to all students.
Student Associations
Student clubs and societies offer students the opportunity to participate in many social and cultural activities and thus create a balance between their academic and social involvement as well as develop their skills, abilities and talents. At P.A. College students are provided with the opportunity to join a Club or Society such as the Futsal Club. Furthermore, throughout the academic year charity activities are organised by the Student Union including fund raising for families in need and visits to Homes for children.