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!
FIRST STEPS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
You're coming here and want some advice before you do, well just follow these steps
1.
Check out the weather. You're gonna need drastically different clothing depending on the season
2.
You need a student visa (if you are not Israeli). Make sure that everything is set before you land in the country
3.
Make sure to have an insurance policy starting on your arrival date in Israel (valid for at least 2 months and that will end, preferably, at the end of your student visa). You can take the one offered by the Hospitality office (see the Healthcare page) or a private one. If you take a private make sure it covers all medical emergencies, hospitalisation, medical flight evacuation back to your home country, transportation of mortal remains and all medical care connected to the coronavirus.
4.
Here you'll get a pair of linens for your bed and some very basic kitchen equipment so if you need more stuff, make sure to bring what you need. You can listen to this orientation podcast designed to give you the important informations about arriving on the campus.