Living in Surabaya

1.   Accommodation

It is not very difficult to find an accommodation in Surabaya. Students usually stay in campus dormitory. But, due to the limitation of rooms, it is also recommended to live in home-stays, the quality of which varies according to the rent level. Several students also find local housing around the campus.

The rate of a standard room ranges from IDR 400,000 to 700,000 per month for a simply-furnished one. Students in home-stays generally provide their own meals as meals are not normally provided by the landlords.

2.    Living Cost

Surabaya is a relatively inexpensive city. A typical Indonesian student spends IDR 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 (US$ 115 – US$170) per month depends on your lifestyle. This rate includes meals, lodging, transport, and some entertainment.

3.    Etiquette

People in campus usually dress casually. Shorts, tank-tops, sandals and sleeveless shirts are not allowed in the campus. For more formal occasions ties and suits may be needed for males while females are expected to wear gowns or other formal dresses.

As in other parts of Indonesia, it is almost always sunny in Surabaya, except during the wet season (September-April). Umbrellas and light jackets are recommended during that season.

4.    Public Transports

Surabaya is rather prone to traffic jam, and this is due to the public transportation system which relies heavily on the-so-called “angkot / lyn”- minibuses which travel to all corners of the city. The fare is about IDR 2,000 – 5,000. You can hop in and out anywhere, not necessarily at a bus stop. You will not take the bus so often, as the bus routes are not as many as those angkot.

5.    Places Of Worship

At most Indonesian people profess the Islamic faith, you can find hundreds of mosque around the city. People of the Christian faith can also find a range of churches nearby. There are Catholic, Pentecost, Methodist churches around Surabaya. There are also numerous Hindu and Buddha temples in the city.

6.    Health Matters

Should you ever get ill, you can visit Medical Center ITS. For more serious cases, there are a lot of specialists practicing around the city. The campus is close to one of major hospital RS Haji Surabaya. Other major hospitals are Siloam Hospital, RS. Dr. Soetomo, and RS Husada Utama. The cost of consultation in a hospital or a doctor’s surgery is roughly IDR 100,000 or more for specialists. Public health center costs less.

7.   Banks

Banks are usually open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and are closed on weekends. Cash withdrawal may also be done at Automated Teller Machines (ATM) located in all corners of the city.

Students can deposit and transfer money to some other banks. BNI and Bank Niaga are 2 banks located in campus area. In order to open up an account, you first fill out the appropriate parts of application form available at a bank. Sometimes a bank  requires a recommendation letter from International Office. Then submit the form along with your passport to a bank teller. You can own your ATM card so you can conveniently withdraw money from ATMs located in campus and many places all around Indonesia.

8.    Office Hours

Most government offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.