Staff and students at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel will be returning on October 17^th as the beginning of a brand-new school year for all universities is just around the corner.  “Situated in the country’s southern region, the university is known to be a destination institution,” says Mark Mendelson, CEO of Canadian Associates of Ben-Gurion University. “This means that students who attend the university also live either on campus, or in the communities in and around the university including the city of Be’er Sheva. In addition, almost 60 per cent of the undergraduate student body volunteers in their respective neighbourhoods which is really something very unique to BGU and has brought outstanding community involvement to the citizens of Be’er-Sheva.”

Just in time to welcome students back in less than two weeks, 14 new buildings have been added to the student village at the university. This state-of-the-art community will allow over 1,000 students options to choose from studio apartments to married student housing.

"There is a reason we call it a student village instead of dormitories," explains Ben-Gurion University President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz. "It is a full ecosystem we are developing for our students as we craft the millennial student experience. The student village lets them choose their living quarters in accordance with their personal preference, while everything they could need is nearby: The north campus and the conference center which are in development, a hotel for visiting students and faculty, stores, and coffee shops as part of the complex and the hi-tech park, the train station, and the University's country club are just a short walk away." 

The student village offers apartments suitable for religious students and those with disabilities. Any registered student is eligible to apply for a room. The rooms come fully furnished with a smart TV, beds, closets, desks, a full kitchen, sitting area, and solar water heater. The student village also offers full maintenance service, 24/7 security, controlled access to the village and to each building, a 24-hour service hotline, bicycle rooms, laundry rooms, printers, and more. A shopping center is also planned.

Prof. Orna Almog, Dean of Students: "It is important to offer the student community a variety of housing solutions that will enable them to fully appreciate the academic, social, and community experiences we offer. The student village ably provides that."