The Institute of Tourism Studies campus is located in Luqa, close to the Malta International Airport. Although the Institute currently does not offer lodging , there is plenty of accommodation and housing near campus and the surrounding areas. The nearest village to the Luqa campus is Gudja, an easy twenty minutes away on foot.
The current market offers various opportunities for rent. When one looks at the current cost of lodging in the area, one can see rental options as low as €800 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Students typically share these apartments and the costs. The International Department can put students in contact with local agents who offer rental suggestions.
Malta is the best place to enjoy Mediterranean cuisines. Local dishes show a strong influence from Italian, Spanish, French, and British cuisines. For 15 euros, one can dine well in a local restaurant. If you are willing to spend 50 cents at a local pastry shop, you can try different kinds of traditional Maltese pastry and sweets, such as Pastizzi, Kannoli, and Qagħaq tal-għasel.
If you enjoy cooking, it is also easy to find fresh ingredients in Malta. There are several convenience shops in town and some big supermarkets on the island. You can also find trucks belonging to local farmers park in the village square that sell the freshest fruits and vegetables. Prices vary but are reasonable. Supermarkets offer fixed pricing. Here is a link to general grocery costs.
Several transportation methods exist around the island, both private and public transportation for your convenience. The ITS campus's proximity to the airport means a public transport terminal is located 10 minutes on foot from the Institute.
One can travel by public transport by purchasing a Tal-Linja card. Find card prices on the MPT website. You can also view Malta public transport bus schedules and routes for Maltese public transport buses on the website. Download the the Tal Linja app! The app This app gives real-time services information.The closest stop to the institute is Avjazjoni which services 71,72,73,117,135,218,X1,X2,X3,X4.
Rather travel by ferry? See the ferry schedule which varies according to the time of year. Travel to Gozo, Malta’s sister island, in your free time! Check out the schedule here.
Private modes of transport such as private taxi cabs, hop on hop off buses, car-sharing platforms and scenic ferries are very convenient though they can be more expensive. However, several new taxi companies offer competitive rates and mobile apps that charge by distance driven.
Interested students can tour Malta's Islands via the hop on hop off bus. It's a great way to get to know the island economically. Certain parts of the island, such as Valletta and Rabat, offer charming horse-drawn carriage rides. Scenic ferry and boat trips such as Blue Grotto and Grand Harbour for hire can tour the island during the summer months.
From Malta International Airport to the Cirkewwa ferry to Gozo, it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus and 44 minutes by car.
Malta provides one of the best free public healthcare systems in Europe and is available to all residents. In all the major cities, there is a health centre offering free medical services to residents. You can find all information and operation hours of every health centre and hospital and what types of medical services they provide on the Ministry of Health website.
Malta's private healthcare system operates well and has many local pharmacies and private hospitals. With proper health insurance, one can reduce medical costs to a minimum. Accessing a local pharmacy to seek medical advice is easy. Most pharmacies have GPs and medical specialists available to consult for certain hours daily.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many doctors now provide online services. If you are experiencing covid-19 related symptoms, doctors suggest a swab test. Find and make an appointment for a free swab test here .
Currently, the ITS campus is providing all lectures and services online. The staff at ITS is available remotely.
The islands of Malta boast several public libraries. They range from small locations that target local communities to regional and national sites. Most have a mobile app for those who seek digital literature check here. Access general information on Malta's libraries here
There is no shortage of social groups to participate in when residing in Malta. These range from scout, religious, environmental and arts groups, to name a few.
Access a national registry for NGOs from the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector at https://maltacvs.org/
The Maltese Islands has numerous significant gardens that one must visit in Gozo and Malta. Although small in size, the island's parks carry rich historical and cultural content. Some are themed and offer some of the best scenery of the islands themselves. These include San Anton Gardens in Ħ'Attard, the Barrakka gardens and Hastings Gardens in Malta's Capital City Valletta, the Sa Maison garden and other gardens in Floriana, and Buskett Gardens in Rabat (visitmalta.com, 2021).
Additionally, the majority of the public gardens across the Islands enjoy free WiFi.
Being a Mediterranean island, Malta has beaches for everyone. From those who seek sea sport to those who prefer a laid-back beach experience. The islands can offer an array of beach fronts from golden sand, red sand, rocks, blue lagoons, and even inland seas. Although the typical beach size is not huge, the setting is typically an immersive one. More extensive beaches feature cafes or snack bars open during the spring, summer, and autumn season. Discover the beaches and bays by using the interactive map at www.visitmalta.com.
The Maltese Islands offer many activities, ranging from seasonal to others, accessible throughout the year when it comes to leisure time.
During the Summer season, spend free time at water-based parks and museums, or participate in sea sports such as surfing, snorkeling and diving, and more. Most beaches in Malta and Gozo rent water equipment.
Boat trips around the islands are also popular and provide ample opportunity to relax and unwind during the sunny season. Winter months offer activities such as indoor rock-climbing, cycling, hiking and golfing. Find these activities across the western coast of the island of Malta and in Gozo.
For those who are more inclined towards shopping, shopping districts in both the central and the southern and northern parts of the island are usually open all week and on public holidays— cinemas in St.Julians and Qawra showing new and popular movies.