Prospective Students Student Life >

Other Useful Information

PDF Print

Here are some frequent Q & A!

Q: What are the working hours in Israel?

A: The Israeli work week is from Sunday through Thursday, with a few offices also open on Friday mornings.
The weekend for most office workers is Friday and Saturday. At Tel Aviv University, courses are held and
administrative offices are open from Sunday through Thursday. Stores in Israel are generally open from
Sunday through Friday afternoon. Some malls and stores also open for Saturday-evening shopping.

Q: Can I get some information about the dorm facilities?

A: The dormitories are divided into suites with one or two bedrooms; two students share each
bedroom. Each suite is fully furnished and includes a kitchen and bathroom. All of our long term students
(semester/year) are housed in our newly renovated Einstein dorms. Each room has a new kitchen and
bathroom, air conditioning and wifi.

The following items are not supplied by the University: blankets, pillows, towels,
kitchen utensils and household goods. Students may bring their own linens and electrical appliances or
choose to buy from an Israeli company that provides these supplies, such as 4-Less. Please visit their web
site at www.linens-plus.com for prices.

Students who wish to room with a friend may indicate this on their Confirmation Form. Also, students who
wish to live with an Israeli may indicate this on their form. However please note that this living
arrangement is only available to year-long and fall semester students. Please note that students who are
exempt from Ulpan cannot enter the dorms until the work day before the semester begins.

Q: How much should I expect to pay for food and living expenses?

A: There is no inclusive meal plan at Tel Aviv University. Students may cook in their suites. There are several
supermarkets nearby, as well as shops that sell prepared foods. University subsidized cafeterias on campus
serve excellent kosher meals at very reasonable prices. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in close
proximity to the campus. You should plan to spend up to $750 per month for food, independent travel,
and incidental expenses. Allow about twice as much for the first month to cover initial purchases. Of
course, the amount spent varies per person.

Q: Should I be nervous about safety and security?

A: The safety of our students is our highest priority. Like all public institutions in Israel, Tel Aviv University
employs a network of security personnel covering all campus entrances and patrolling throughout the
campus and dormitory complex 24 hours a day. Additionally, students should be prepared to show
student cards or another picture ID and submit bags for search.

The University's Security Department maintains close contact with government security agencies. The
overseas student population is regularly updated regarding security matters and receives copies of all
relevant official communications. Specific security information will be given at the student orientation.

The Overseas School also requires all students to carry a mobile telephone. This allows our staff to contact all program participants at any time via SMS text messages or group messaging.

Q: What if I get sick while abroad?

A: Your welfare while you are studying at Tel Aviv University is of paramount concern to us. The University
provides insurance that is included in the cost of tuition. University Health Insurance is nonrefundable
and is mandatory for all TAU International students. The policy is a basic health insurance
plan that covers treatment within the State of Israel by a large selection of private, English-speaking
doctors. It also covers hospitalization in public hospitals. Coverage includes the Ulpan and all programs
and vacation days. This insurance provides coverage for the student only within Israel. Optional health
insurance coverage is offered for travel outside Israel for an additional fee. You may purchase the additional
coverage directly from an insurance agent in Israel.

Q: What travel documents should I obtain?

A: All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the
country. If you do not have a valid passport, apply for one immediately. To obtain or renew your passport,
contact the nearest Passport Agency. Please note that your passport should be valid for at least six
months from the date of departure from your country. If you hold an Israeli passport, you are required to
present it upon arrival.

It is our strong recommendation that all semester and year students apply for a student visa (A-2) prior to
their departure. The A-2 Student Visa is a multiple - entry visa valid for one year, meaning that you may
enter Israel an unlimited number of times for a period of one year without securing a new visa. Student
visas are renewable after one year both in Israel and abroad. To apply for your A-2 visa in the U.S., you
must apply in person at your nearest Israeli consulate. American-born students and naturalized U.S.
Citizens attending the University for the semester may also enter Israel on a Tourist Visa. However,
please note that the Tourist Visa must be renewed every three months. This process also includes a fee for
each extension, and often involves long lines at the Interior Ministry office in Tel Aviv.

Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens may apply for an Exemption from Military Service through
their nearest Israeli Consulate. In addition, due to frequent changes in regulations regarding returning
Israelis, students born in Israel or holders of Israeli passports should contact the nearest Consulate of
Israel to clarify their legal status upon returning to Israel.

Q: Do you have a university map?

A: For a university map, click here!

Q: What are some great restaurants, bars, clubs, beaches, shows, and museums I should visit while abroad?

A: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get great tips about where to go!