EMU Rector task municipalities to take greater responsibility for students’ integration into city life

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, in a statement ahead of the new academic year, emphasized that supporting university students should not be limited to academics alone, but must also extend to their social and cultural integration. 

He stressed that local municipalities have a crucial role to play in this process.

Highlighting that thousands of students will arrive in Northern Cyprus from Turkey and across the globe, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said, “Students’ adaptation to city life is not only the responsibility of universities, but also of municipalities.”

“There Are Examples to Learn From Around the World”

Drawing attention to international practices, Prof. Dr. Kılıç underlined that stronger cooperation between universities and municipalities enhances the student experience.
“Across Europe, America, Australia and Canada, cities treat students not merely as guests but as integral parts of the community. For example, the city of Groningen in the Netherlands organizes its annual ‘Welcome to Groningen’ program, guiding students in areas from housing to transportation. In the UK, cities like Manchester adopt a partnership model in which the municipality, universities and public transport institutions collaborate to address students’ needs. In cities like Miami and Toronto, students benefit from significant advantages in both transportation and cultural life,” he said.

“Municipalities Must Be Part of the Process”

Prof. Dr. Kılıç stressed the need for similar initiatives in Northern Cyprus:
“Universities shape students’ academic lives; but for their integration into cities, municipalities’ involvement is essential. Until now, municipalities have offered occasional support, but this remains insufficient. The responsibility for adaptation cannot rest solely on universities. Municipalities should not view students merely as ‘guests’; they must act as bridges that integrate students into the city, enhance their quality of life, and create mutual benefits between the university and the community.”

Proposed Joint Projects

Prof. Dr. Kılıç outlined several areas where municipalities and universities could collaborate:

-Student-Friendly City Program: Development of city guides, affordable access to events, and improved urban transport.

-Housing and Safety Cooperation: Joint university–municipality oversight to assist students and families in accommodation, ensuring trust and security.

-Cultural Integration Projects: Organizing festivals, city tours, and student–community gatherings.

-Entrepreneurship and Employment Support: Creating internship and part-time job opportunities through municipal–university cooperation.

-“A Joint Working Platform Between Universities and Municipalities”

Prof. Dr. Kılıç also proposed establishing a “Joint Working Platform of Universities and Municipalities,” noting: “Although municipalities have provided some support, it is not sufficient. Through such a platform, municipalities can share responsibility in areas such as housing, transportation, security, cultural life and student adaptation. This structure would strengthen higher education in Northern Cyprus.”

“When Students Are Happy, Both the Cities and TRNC Benefit”

Concluding his remarks, Prof. Dr. Kılıç said: “As EMU, we are fulfilling our responsibilities. But for students to live happily and peacefully in our cities, municipalities must be fully involved in the process. When universities and municipalities work hand in hand, students benefit, our cities benefit, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus benefits.”