The University of Cyprus successfully welcomed the new academic year, with 1,350 new students, the university’s deputy director of academic affairs, Kleanthis Pissarides told the Cyprus News Agency on Wednesday.

With the start of the academic year on Monday, a total of 5,500 undergraduate students, and approximately 1,500 to 2,000 postgraduate students, begin their studies.

“Students who secured a place at the university, did so mainly through the Pancyprian examinations,” said Pissarides, adding that the new academic year is running smoothly.

“New teaching buildings were inaugurated this September under the Faculty of Engineering which became operational on Monday,” Pissarides said.

In regards to the university dormitories, the deputy director said that all 208 rooms have been filled.

Students secure their housing through personal arrangements and are not given any subsidies for housing purposes, said the deputy head.

“The university provides some benefits to students who meet certain socioeconomic criteria, and the university helps as much as they can,” Pissarides said.

He congratulated the first-year students who worked hard to secure their place, noting that they must “continue putting the same effort throughout their studies in order to successfully complete their programmes”.

“Students must take advantage of the opportunities which will be given to them. Meet new people, develop new skills beyond academic knowledge which will help you become your best selves,” he said.