Student
Information & Services
Accommodation
The University of Crete at present has no on-campus accommodations
for students (construction is on the way). However, the University
provides rooms for a limited number of students at local hotels
that have a special agreement with the University. In addition,
the University subsidizes rent for students who are entitled
by law to free housing. Furthermore, in Rethymno the University
provides housing for 60 students at the Xenia, the Student
Cultural Centre.
The Office of International Relations and European Programs in
Rethymno assist international students in finding accommodation
at reasonable prices. However, all rental terms are negotiated
between the tenant and the landlord. As in all Universities,
it is difficult to house all international students. It is therefore
essential to send the accommodation form on time, stating the
exact dates of arrival and departure. Upon arrival, all students
should be prepared to pay a deposit equivalent to two months
rent.
Catering
The University restaurant in Rethymno is a modern facility with
a panoramic view of the sea that seats more than 400 students.
Based on criteria specified by law, some students are entitled to a catering
card allowing them to eat at the University restaurant at no cost. All other
students, including Erasmus students, can buy a catering card at a reasonable
price that entitles them to lunch and dinner daily. Cards can be purchased
for either a fortnight or a month, but they are sold only on the 1st and the
15th of each month. Single meals can be purchased without a card, at a slightly
higher rate. The restaurants in both Rethymno and Heraklio offer vegetarian
meals.
Health Care Services
All undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University are entitled
to free health care, including medical care and hospitalisation services, diagnostic
tests, dental care, physical therapy and other health services. At the University
facilities in Rethymno, there is a student infirmary staffed by a doctor of
general pathology that operates in the offices below the University restaurant
(Tel: 28310 77980, 77983). International students enrolled at the University
are also entitled to free health care and social security while in Greece,
after submitting the appropriate forms (including an E128 or E111 form from
the health insurance service of their home country).
Counselling Center
The University Counselling Centre offers counselling and support
services, free of charge, to students seeking assistance. In
Rethymno the Centre is located in the offices below the University
restaurant (Tel: 28310 77979, e-mail: rskf@admin.uoc.gr)
Bus Services
Students are entitled to use the local bus transportation to
and from the University at a reduced students’ rate. A bus
pass can be obtained from the Secretariat of each Department
upon course registration. The University also has a contract
with a private bus company to and from the University for all
members of the University community. A pass to use this service
can be purchased from the Office of Student Welfare.
Note: Additional information about all the above students’ services
(accommodation, catering, health care, counselling or bus services)
can be obtained from the Office of Student Welfare in Rethymno
(Tel: +30 28310 77729, 77947). International students should
contact the Office of International Relations in Rethymno (Tel:
+30 28310 77424) for any questions they may have.
Auditing Courses
Any person who is 17 years of age or older can audit one or more
courses at the University, as long as s/he has written permission
from at least one professor of the course(s) s/he wishes to
audit, and also submits a written application, a birth certificate
and a diploma from a secondary school. International students
who are at the University for a limited period of time and
do not wish to officially enrol in a certain course are also
allowed to audit.
Computer Facilities
There are three computer laboratories equipped with PCs, Internet access and
printing facilities. The laboratory personnel can help the students to use
word processors, image processors, statistical programmes, electronic mail
and to navigate the web. Computers are also available to students in the University
Library.
Student Unions
Students may join the Student Union of their Department. The
Student Unions can provide students with useful information
concerning the University, the Department, cultural and athletic
activities, the city, and so on.
Cultural Activities
There is a wide range of different cultural activities, Many
student clubs and groups provide students with the opportunity
to spend time creatively and to develop their talents. Among
the many clubs operating on the Rethymno campus are the cine-club
that includes two sections, one projecting films and the other
making films; a photography club that occasionally organises
exhibitions; a theatre group, which gives performances once
or twice a year; and a music club, which brings together people
who share the same interests in music.
Additional information about cultural activities can be obtained through the
Student Unions and the University announcement boards.
Athletic Activities
Students of the different Departments have the opportunity to
take part in various athletic activities, including football,
basketball, volleyball, traditional dances and ping-pong. During
the course of the year, there are tournaments among different
Departments and selected athletes participate in Inter-University
tournaments. For further information, students can call 28310
77598.
Cost of Living
Living expenses can be estimated to be approximately €625 per
month. More specifically:
Accommodation €250
Catering (self-catered) €140
Bus fares € 35
Other expenses €200
Telephone Services
Almost all telephone booths require the use of a phone card. Cards can be purchased
from the OTE Office on Koundouriotou Avenue or from the Post Office on Moatsou
Street, also available at most kiosks and newspaper stores. Cheap rates for
direct calls to Europe are in effect between 22:00 – 06:00 local time. Dial
in sequence: 00- country code- area code –telephone number.
Important Telephone Numbers in
Rethymno (area code 28310)
Hospital emergencies (EKAB): 166
Police emergency: 100
Fire emergency: 199
General Hospital: 28310 27491
Post Office: 28310 22303/4
Taxi: 28310 24000, 25000 or 22316
Chania Airport: 28210 63264
Heraklio Airport: 2810 337311, 337211
Banks
Banks are open to the public from 8:00 to 14:00. Most banks are
situated on the main street of the city, Koundouriotou Avenue.
Shops
Shops are open six days a week as follows: Monday, Wednesday
and Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 20:30.
Climate
The climate in Crete is generally mild.
Period Average Temperature
January to March: 12.5° C
April and May: 18° C
June and July: 25° C
August and September: 26° C
October and November: 18° C
December: 13° C
