The Aguda (Student Union) is the official student body for all of Ben Gurion University's students.
Based in Be'er Sheva, the Aguda organizes exciting and interesting events on an almost daily basis. The Aguda also addresses issues related to the welfare of the student body as a whole and of individual students. Members of the Aguda are even entitled to unlimited access to the University's Sports Center in Be'er Sheva. All students are able to join the Aguda by paying the "welfare/student activity" fee at the beginning of the academic year.
To learn more about the Aguda, visit their website (English or Hebrew). The Aguda also sends out a weekly update in English specifically for international students (sign up). Or just check the Aguda out on Facebook!
Shopping
Groceries
The Super Zin is located in the town center. It has pretty much everything you need, but the prices can be high. Students are eligible for a 3% discount. To claim your discount, you'll need a letter from Sarit, which you can bring to one of the cashiers in order to set up an account.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 08:00 to 19:00
Friday from 08:00 to 14:00.
Online grocery shopping (Shufersal)
Shufersal has a website and delivers to the Midrasha four times a week (Sunday - once a day, Monday and Tuesday - twice a day and Wednesday - once a day). There is a delivery charge (30 NIS if you order less than 900 NIS, 10 NIS if you order more than 900 NIS).
The website is fairly straightforward, but in Hebrew (easily translated with Google Translate). However you will need an israeli credit card/ ID number to be able to pay online. Sometimes the ID number in the student card (9 digit number) works as well instead of israeli ID, or if not, pair up with your favorite Israeli and order together!
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You can check out this elaborated guide to open an account and example for adding correct address.
Farmers from the area
Farmers from the area and from far, come to the Midrasha to sell their goods. There are few options that come regularly, but you can also ask an israeli friend to share when special stuff arrive to the area (it's being published in a WhatsApp group in Hebrew). Here some of the regular options:
Lison's organic farm:
Changing list of organic vegtables and greens they grow in their farm.
Order in advance for Thuesday at +972-546798026, or come to the stand in the grass near the center on Thursday.
Barda's farm - fruit, vegetable and plants:
Comes with variety of fruits, vegetables and plants. Come every Sunday and Thursday from 8:00-17:30 at the center, near the post office. Contact Shir'el +972-542411881
Elinor's fruit and vegetable truck:
Comes with variety of fruits and vegetables. Come every Wednesday from 7:00-13:00 next to the feild school near the cliff. Contact +972-509398119
Outside the Midrasha
The world outside the Midrasha also offers many opportunities for grocery shopping. There is a Shufersal in Yeruham (spontaneous carpool opportunities are often posted on the SB-campus emails) and another one next to the Beer Sheva central bus station. Next to the central station, there is also the open market ("shuk") that sells fresh vegetables and fruits. For international/ specialty goods look for russian stores, like Tiv Taam. More grocery stores and other exciting local landmarks can be found on this map.