Guidebook For Freshman

NEW GUIDE FOR STUDENTS 2022-2023

Information about pre-arrival and orientation

Greetings from Bau University. We hope to see you in the upcoming academic year. This guide is arranged in a loose chronological order, starting with the end of summer and progressing through your first day, first week, and concluding with some general advice. Reading this is worthwhile because, hopefully, many of your questions will be addressed within these pages.

Prior to arriving here

At this point, we hope you’ll be enjoying one of the longest and work-free summers you’re ever going to get. Enjoy it, and make the most of the time you have at home. You’ll probably have lots of questions about what to do before you get here. You’ll want to know what to expect in terms of work, and the social side of life, as well as where you’ll be living for the next terms. We hope that this guide answers some of the questions you might have, and gets you excited for all that’s to come on the journey ahead

TRAVELLING TO GEORGIA

GEORGIA IS SERVED BY FIVE AIRPORTS:

  1. International Airport of Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli — TAVAirport
    E-mail: tbilisiairport.com
    Phone: (+995 32) 231 00 07
  2. International Airport KutaisiAlso known as the Kopitnari airport.
    E-mail: kutaisiairport.ge
  3. Batumi International Airport
    E-mail: batumiairport.com
  4. Natakhtari airport – Asmall private airfield, which deals with air taxi
  5. Airport name Queen Tamar – Mestia.

By Land:

Travelers can reach Batumi by land from neighboring countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. However, it’s important to note that crossing the administrative borders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is prohibited for both Georgian citizens and foreigners. Car travel is possible through motorways connecting Batumi to Europe and Asia via Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Turkey.

By Bus:

Regular bus services operate from Istanbul, Ankara, and Trabzon to Batumi, with additional services during the summer from Yerevan and Baku several times a week.

Rail Transport:

Georgia is connected to Armenia and Azerbaijan via railways. Daily train services like Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan and Tbilisi-Baku operate in the summer, while the Yerevan-Tbilisi route runs every other day.

Getting Around Batumi

On Foot:

Batumi’s compact size allows for easy exploration on foot, with a leisurely stroll spanning approximately 45 minutes from end to end.

By Bus and Minibus:

An extensive bus network covers Batumi, requiring passengers to use contactless plastic cards for fare payment. These cards, including the international traveler-friendly BATUMI CARD, can be obtained from designated service centers or Express Pay machines. Notably, buses N9 and N10 provide convenient links to the airport.

By Bus and Minibus:

An extensive bus network covers Batumi, requiring passengers to use contactless plastic cards for fare payment. These cards, including the international traveler-friendly BATUMI CARD, can be obtained from designated service centers or Express Pay machines. Notably, buses N9 and N10 provide convenient links to the airport.

By Bicycle:

Batumi boasts a network of dedicated bike paths, notably an 8km scenic route along the seaside. BatumVelo, an automated bike-sharing service, offers memberships for varied durations, allowing visitors to cycle around the city at their leisure. Membership cards are available at the Tourist Information Center, with options ranging from daily to yearly packages.

Residence Permit in Georgia

Visa Regime:

Georgia offers visa-free entry for citizens of various countries, including EU member states, the USA, Canada, and many others. Requirements may vary, but generally, a valid passport is necessary, with some exceptions for specific travel documents.

Diplomatic Missions in Batumi:

Several countries maintain diplomatic missions in Batumi, facilitating visa-related matters and consular services.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit:

Foreigners, including students, can apply for residence permits online by filling out electronic forms and submitting required documents. Processing typically takes 30 calendar days, with expedited services available at additional fees.

Opening a Bank Account

Documents Required:

Foreigners seeking to open bank accounts in Georgia typically need their passport and an application form. Some banks may require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate for minors.

Choosing a Bank:

Georgia offers a range of banking options, including local and international institutions like Bank of Georgia, TBC, Liberty Bank, Basis Bank, and is Bank.

University Fees and Charges

Foreigners seeking to open bank accounts in Georgia typically need their passport and an application form. Some banks may require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate for minors.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY

TermTuition FEES
Fall SemesterOctober (50 percent)
Spring SemesterMarch (50 percent)

BUDGETING FOR LIFE IN THE BATUMI

Planning your budget for life in Batumi requires a keen understanding of your lifestyle and the cost of living in this vibrant city. Typically, a single student can comfortably manage their expenses with an estimated budget of $500 to $600 per month. This allocation covers essentials like accommodation, food, and other necessities. Let’s delve deeper into how you can optimize your finances for your stay in Georgia.

When it comes to groceries, prices can vary significantly depending on where you shop and the items you purchase. Supermarkets often offer more affordable options with their own-label brands, allowing you to stretch your budget further. Additionally, exploring local markets or considering bulk buying can help you save even more on your food expenses.

By carefully planning your budget and making savvy choices when it comes to purchasing essentials, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Batumi without breaking the bank.

Basic goodsApproximate costsin $
Loaf of white bread0.80 USD
Rice1.50 USD
Noodles(300g)1.50 USD
1 liter ofsemi-skimmed milk2.00 USD
10 medium eggs2.00 USD
Margarine (500g)2.00 USD
Cheese (1 KG )5.00 USD
Cooking oil2.00 USD
Wasta–uncŽŽŬeĚ1.00 USD
DrinksApproximate costsin $
Cola (2ltr)1.01 USD
Coffee – instant (100g)0.50 USD
Tea bags(80 bags)1.50 USD
Mineral water (3ltr)1.20 USD

STUDYING AT BAU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BATUMI

An aspirational international university is BAU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BATUMI. Our staff and students have a close working relationship that impacts every aspect of BAU operations and is essential to our success. We are committed to providing the best possible education.

Monday through Saturday, classes may be scheduled from 9:00 to 18:00. We make an effort to avoid scheduling classes on Sunday afternoons so that you can take part in extracurricular activities. Being a medical student requires you to adjust to a hectic schedule that might be very different from what you are used to.

Our library and electronic resources are available and well worth using for additional research.

It’s possible that your research will take place outside of books, so in the first few weeks, spend some time investigating the library and online resources.

Fallsemester

October

Final exams

16-28 February 2022

Spring semeste

March

Final exams

6-18 July 2022

YOUR FIRST WEEK

FRESHERS' WEEK

Navigating your first week at BAU International University Batumi sets the tone for your entire academic journey. Freshers’ Week welcomes new students with a blend of academic orientation and social engagements, ensuring a smooth transition into university life. Specifically designed for international students, the International Welcome Program offers invaluable information and assistance to kickstart your experience at BAU Batumi.

Academic Induction Highlights:

  • Welcome Address: Receive a warm welcome from your Head of School/Discipline.
  • Academic Support: Familiarize yourself with available academic resources and support systems within the university.
  • Program Structure: Gain insights into the structure of your program and what lies ahead for the academic year.
  • Personal Tutor Introduction: Meet your assigned personal tutor who will provide guidance and support throughout your academic journey.
  • Connecting with Peers: Interact with fellow students and start building your network within the university community.
  • Module Finalization: Wrap up any pending module selections to streamline your academic schedule.
  • Campus Orientation: Get acquainted with your academic building and campus facilities.

Settling into Life in Batumi:​

Embracing a new culture can be both exhilarating and challenging. Here are some essential tips to navigate life in Batumi smoothly:

Cultural Etiquette

While politeness is universal, Georgians appreciate hearing “please” and “thank you” repeatedly. Though friendly, locals may initially appear reserved, especially with strangers. Consider downloading language apps or learning basic phrases for easier communication.

Social Customs

When invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift such as wine, chocolates, or flowers. Inform hosts in advance about any dietary or religious requirements you may have.

Queueing Etiquette

Respect queueing norms in banks, shops, or while waiting for public transport. Cutting queues can lead to displeasure among locals.

Utility Payments

Georgia offers convenient pay boxes across the country for easy bill payments. Avoid the hassle of waiting in lines by utilizing these pay boxes for utility payments or even purchasing train tickets.

Climate and Clothing

Batumi enjoys a warm climate year-round due to its proximity to the Black Sea. Summers are pleasant, though rain is frequent. Ensure you have appropriate outerwear, including windproof, warm, and waterproof options, to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Smoking Regulations

Familiarize yourself with smoking regulations, as smoking is prohibited in certain public places such as government offices, schools, and cultural facilities. E-cigarettes usage is restricted in specific areas as well.

Language

Georgian is the official language, with English and Russian also widely spoken. Learning basic Georgian phrases can enhance your communication and cultural immersion experience.

Coping with Homesickness:

Transitioning to a new environment can evoke feelings of homesickness. Here are some strategies to cope with this common experience:

  • Stay Connected: Strike a balance between staying in touch with loved ones back home and fostering independence in your new environment.
  • Engage with Others: Actively participate in campus activities, join student societies, and explore new experiences to combat loneliness.
  • Document Your Journey: Consider maintaining a journal, blog, or photo diary to process your experiences and share them with others.

Remember, homesickness is a natural part of the adjustment process. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this exciting chapter of your life at BAU Batumi.