Home << Study Abroad Options << Partners << Israel: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Israel: Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Student Life

The Campus courtyard.

Life in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a densely populated, bustling city full of significant historical sites, restaurants, museums, clubs, and all manner of cultural activities. With a population of 630,000, it is a richly heterogeneous and dynamic city, representing a wide range of cultures.

Hebrew University is composed of multiple campuses, however, the Rothberg International School is centrally located in the main Mount Scopus campus. The campus boasts excellent student facilities including state-of-the-art computer facilities and an athletic and recreational center. Buses are a convenient mode of transportation in Jerusalem and the University provides shuttles between its campuses.

One of the Hebrew University's highest priorities is the safety and well being of its students. Like all public institutions in Israel, the Hebrew University employs a 24-hour security network, with guards located at all campus entrances and units patrolling the campus, dormitory complexes and the vicinity of the University. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, students attend an orientation where all relevant issues are discussed.

Housing and Meals

Partner students are responsible for making housing and meal arrangements independently. Once accepted to Hebrew University, students should submit a housing application by the deadline. Hebrew University makes every effort to provide housing for students in its various dormitory complexes. Students are usually housed two to a room. There is no meal plan, however kitchen facilities are available. Moderately priced kosher cafeterias and snack bars, supermarkets, laundry facilities, a post office and other conveniences can be found in or near each dormitory complex. Students must supply their own linens, blankets and cooking utensils.

Since the demand for University housing exceeds the supply, there is no guarantee that all students applying for a room will be accommodated. However, students from abroad who are admitted and make reservations on time are typically provided housing in a University dormitory. Housing is not guaranteed to spring semester-only students. Students cannot enter the dormitories before their registration.

Schedule

The Hebrew University program is available for Fall semester (*please note end date of fall semester), Spring semester and Full Year.

Academic Year at Hebrew University: October - June

Spring 2008

• Winter Ulpan and Dorm Registration: January 27, 2008
• Winter Ulpan begins: January 28, 2008
• Spring Orientation: January 23, 2008
• Spring earliest registration for students exempt from Ulpan: February 15, 2008
• Winter Ulpan Ends: Feb 21, 2008
• Spring Semester begins: February 24, 2008
• Purim Vacation: March 23, 2008
• March 20, classes end at 16:00
• Midterm Exam Week: March 30 - April 3, 2008
• Passover Vacation: April 13 - 25, 2008
• Independence Day vacation: May 7 - 8, 2008
• May 6, 2008 classes end at 16:00
• Spring Semester Ends: May 29, 2008
• Hebrew Final Exam: May 30, 2008
• Final Exam Week: June 1-4, 2008

Fall 2008

• Registration for Summer Ulpan: August 3-5 , 2008
• Summer Ulpan Begins: August 6, 2008
• Summer Ulpan Ends: September 25, 2008
• Rosh Hashana (University Offices Closed) September 29- October 1, 2008
• Autumn Semester Begins: October 5, 2008
• Yom Kippur: (University offices closed) October 8-9, 2008
• Succoth Vacation: (University offices closed) October 13-21, 2008
• Classes held on: October 24, 2008
• Midterm Exam Week: November 23-27, 2008
• Chanukah Vacation: December 28, 2008
• Autumn Semester Ends: January 1, 2009
• Final Exam Week: January 2-7,2009
• Intersession (winter break) January 8 - February 23, 2009

Spring 2009

• Registration for Winter Ulpan (new students): January 29, 2009
• Winter Ulpan: February 1 - 23, 2009
• Spring Semester Begins: February 24, 2009
• Purim Vacation: March 10-11, 2009
• Midterm Exam Week: March 29 - April 2, 2009
• Passover Vacation: April 5 - 18, 2009
• Independence Day vacation: April 28-29, 2009
• Shavuot Vacation: May 28-29, 2009
• Spring Semester Ends: June 1,2009
• Hebrew Final Exam: June 2, 2009
• Final Exam Week: June 3-5, 2009

Please note that dates are subject to change.