Student Life

Welcome and Shalom

 

Dear students,

Welcome to The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment in Rehovot!

Our goal is to help you adjust to life on campus and in Rehovot. By providing practical support as well as extracurricular activities, we hope to make your stay as comfortable and interesting as possible.

Here you will find important information for your pre-arrival arrangements and future stay on our campus.

We are looking forward to welcoming you at our faculty.

Le'Hitraot Be'karov (See You Soon)!

The International School Team

 

social_activities

 

Visa

 
New students: Applying for a student visa
Israel’s Ministry of Interior requires you to obtain a student visa before entering Israel. You will not be allowed to enter the country without a student visa.
Please contact your local Israeli embassy or consulate and inquire about the process of applying for an A2 (Student) Visa.
Please make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your studies before applying for the visa.
Students coming to Israel with spouses and children are to apply for A4 (dependent) visas at the local embassies/consulates. Please bring with you to Israel the authenticated copies of your marriage certificate and/or birth certificates.
 
Documents to be submitted when applying for a visa at the embassy/consulate:
1. Acceptance letter to HUJI: BSc and MSc students from the Office of Overseas Students Admission or from the International School of Agricultural Sciences, Phd students from The Authority for Research Students, Post-docs from the faculty's dean and VRF from the Rothberg International School
2. Invitation letter from a HUJI supervisor (excluding BSc and MSc non-thesis students). If applying for A4 visas the dependents must be mentioned in the letter
3. A valid health insurance policy. You may purchase Harel-Yedidim health insurance policy for HUJI students
 
Current students: Visa extension
One month prior to the expiration date of the student visa, please e-mail the faculty's visa coordinator the following documents:
 
1. Hebrew University study permit for the current academic year:
Can be obtained from:
1. Your Personal Info Site: https://orbitlive.huji.ac.il  - See instructions for downloading document here
2. MyHUJI app
3. The Office of Student Affairs at the faculty
 
2. Visa supporting letter from your supervisor at HUJI/Volcani (excluding BSc and MSc non-thesis students):
The letter should be addressed to the Ministry of Interior in Rehovot and must include the following details:
* Your full name, nationality and passport number.
* Your current studies track, the duration of your studies.
* Funding and scholarship details and whether it covers your tuition, health insurance, housing and living expenses. 
* If there's a need for a multiple entry visa, this needs to be specified in the letter with the reason for such visa (for example: visiting your homeland, attending conferences). 
* If you have family members with A4 visas they must be mentioned in the letter, including full names and passport numbers.
 
3. Visa forms in PDF format with digital headshots inserted into the forms:
Visa Extension Form - all students extending visas must fill out this form (see form below).
Entry Visa Form -  this form is to be filled if you need multiple entries, and must be submitted along with your Visa Extension Form (see form below).
 
4. Confirmation of payment of visa fees:
Visa fees as of January 2025: 200 NIS for visa extension, 200 NIS for multiple entries
Pay the "Student/Intern visa extension" fee and the "Re-entry visa - Student/Intern" fee (if applicable) from this link: https://ecom.gov.il/counterspa/home/19/9/students?language=en
 
visa fees
 
5. Valid health insurance policy for the upcoming year:
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem requires all students (B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD), postdoctoral fellows, visiting researchers and exchange students to be covered by adequate health insurance for the entire duration of their stay in Israel. If your health insurance policy has expired you are required to get it extended before applying for the visa extension.
 
Visa submission and issuance:
As of January 2024, the visa extension applications are submitted to the Ministry of Interior in Rehovot by the visa coordinator via e-mail.
It is no longer required to submit the application in person at the ministry.
 
The application will be submitted 2 weeks before the visa expires, or 2 weeks before you need to receive your new visa (please mention such need in the e-mail correspondence with the visa coordinator).
Once the visa is confirmed, the visas are issued in PDF format only. There are no longer visa stickers to be inserted into the passports.
 
You should have copies of the visas in hard copy and in soft copy when you travel abroad.
 
Visa coordinator:
Ms. Mahyan Gon
 
visa_extension_application_form.pdf124 KB
entry_visa_application_form.pdf108 KB

Health Insurance

 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem requires all students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting researchers to be covered by adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Israel.

In order to expedite the post-arrival absorption process, we strongly recommend this be completed before your departure. 

Please note that since Covid-19 Israeli embassies/consulates/visa centers now require to present proof of health insurance coverage when applying for a visa to Israel.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem recommends that you purchase the local Harel Yedidim insurance plan for HUJI students that provides extensive coverage for international students, who benefit from medical services across the country. The price for Rehovot campus students is 13.20 NIS a day and includes covid-19 coverage.

 

How to purchase/extend Harel Yedidim health insurance:

B.Sc / M.Sc / PhD students:

Please submit the online form in your personal data page or in this link

Post-docs:

If your lab is paying for your health insurance, please fill out the "Health Insurance application form" (make sure to write your student number) and send it to your lab manager for him/her to submit to Ms. Talia Ashur along with the lab's budget number. Talia: int_insurance@savion.huji.ac.il 

If your lab is not paying for your health insurance and you are to pay on your own, please submit the online form in this link.

Exchange Students / Visiting Research Fellows:

Please fill out the "Health Insurance application form" (make sure to write your student number) and "Health Insurance credit card payment form" and e-mail both forms to Ms. Keren Ohayon: kerenoha@savion.huji.ac.il

All students:

If you are to pay for the health insurance on your own and do not wish to pay through the university's tuition department OR you are running out of time and you did not get your health insurance: please submit the online form in this link.

 

Important notice: Renewal of Health Insurance

The insurance company does not send a reminder for those who need to extend the insurance. The extension is on the responsibility of the student. The policy is sent to student's email by the health insurance company.

 

 

health_insurance_application_form.pdf142 KB
health_insurance_credit_card_payment_form.pdf241 KB
the_hebrew_university_of_jerusalem-_group_health_insurance_policy.pdf575 KB
Limits of Liability HUJI coverage 2018.pdf831 KB
Clalit Medical services in Rehovot317 KB

Practical information

Israeli Bank Account
Students who receive stipends are required to open a bank account in Israel. Fellowships are paid in local currency (New Israeli Shekels – NIS). 
In order to open a bank account, you will need the following:
  1. Passport with a valid visa
  2. Certificate of enrollment at the Hebrew University
  3. Taxpaying information from home country (TIN, SSN, Numéro Fiscal)
  4. Israeli cellphone number
Once you have opened an account, please update your bank account details through:
Your Personal Info Site: https://orbitlive.huji.ac.il/ or through: MyHUJI app
 
Israeli SIM Card
We strongly recommend that you use a local SIM card. This will allow easier communication in case of emergency. Please notify the international school that you have an Israeli phone number.
 
Rav Kav (public transportation card)
The Rav-Kav card is a pre-paid travel card that allows you to use public transportation in Israel.
Cardholders can apply a student discount onto the card. You will need to present your student card at a Rav Kav service station, located at the train station and at the Egged central bus station, in order for the student discount to apply onto your card. This is a one-time procedure.
Rav Kav website
You can purchase the card at the Egged Central Bus Station located at the Ofer Mall in Rehovot on level 0 (the mall is 20 minutes walking distance from the campus). Operating hours of the cashier at the bus station: Sunday - Thursday 07:00-19:00 and on Fridays 08:00-13:00
You will not be able to travel by bus without this card.
 
Electricity
Electrical sockets usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC.
If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.
 
Money 
There is one ATM on campus, near the main Herzl gate. Other ATMs can be found outside banks and small vending shops.
When exchanging foreign currency you must show your passport (or a photocopy of the first pages, including your name, photograph and passport number). Money can be exchanged at banks and change points.
 
Shopping 
Supermarkets, shops and malls are usually open Sundays-Thursdays 09:00-21:00 (and sometimes later), Fridays 8:00-14:00. Closed on Saturdays until the evening and re-open from a half hour after sunset until around 23:00.
 
Security
Routine security checks are made when entering public buildings (including institutes, train stations, malls etc.).
Emergency preparedness pamphlet published by Israel's Home Front Command
 
 

Arriving at the faculty

The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment is located in the city of Rehovot, approximately 35 Kilometers/22 Miles from Ben Gurion airport.
Upon your arrival we advise you to get shekels (NIS) at the airport, as some taxis won’t take credit cards or Dollars/Euros. There are ATMs and change points at the airport.
The current exchange rate is approx. 3.5 NIS to the Dollar and 4.5 NIS to the Euro, though it fluctuates.
 
Transportation to Rehovot from Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion airport:
 
Taxis 
Taxis should cost approx. 150 NIS, depending on the amount of passengers, pieces of
luggage and day/night rates.airport_taxi_station
The dispatcher post is located in Level G, at the exit from Gate 03 (left of the main exit).
The dispatcher will provide with a note with contact details in case of need.
The journey should take about 25-30 minutes, if there is no traffic.
Address in Hebrew for taxi driver: הפקולטה לחקלאות, רחובות
Address: Faculty of Agriculture, Rehovot
 
Public transportation:
 
*There is no public transportation (trains/buses) from Friday afternoon until Saturday night.
If you arrive during this time frame your only option is taking a taxi.
*There are no buses from Terminal 3 to Rehovot.
Taking a bus requires taking an airport shuttle bus to a train station located outside the terminal.
 
Trains
There is no direct train between Ben Gurion airport and Rehovot.
Train passengers are required to switch trains in Tel Aviv.  
Visit the Israel Railways website for schedules and fares.
Frequency: During the day the frequency of trains from the airport to Rehovot (via Tel Aviv) is approx. every half hour (Sunday-Thursday).
The ticket price is 15 NIS and is payable by Rav Kav (pre-paid travel card that allows you to use public transportation in Israel) or by credit card/cash the cashier/vending machine in the station.
The journey should take about 45-55 minutes (due to the switch in Tel Aviv).
The train station in Rehovot is located at a short walking distance from the Faculty:
5 minutes from the main Herzl gate, 15 minutes from Reisfeld Residence.
Please make sure to exit the train station from the “Southern Exit”.
 
Opening hours of the Campus gates:
  • The main gate, Herzl gate, is open 24/7.
  • The Eshkol gate (Hankin Street) is open for pedestrians only 
 
Telephone number of the security center (24 hours): +972.8.9489290 / +972.8.9489290
 

On-Campus Housing

On-Campus Dormitories

Living in university housing is an important part of your study abroad experience and a great chance to make new friends from all over the world as well as to meet Israeli students. The Rehovot campus dormitories is an affordable option for students, situated in a beautiful green surrounding, with access to all the necessary facilities.

Room types:

  1. Double room in a dormitory-style building with AC, shared restrooms, showers and kitchens.
  2. Single room in a dormitory-style building with AC, shared restrooms, showers and kitchens.
  3. Single room in a shared apartment with AC, shared kitchen, shower and restroom.

Dormitory rent varies according to room type from approx. 850 NIS to approx. 1,400 NIS per month.

For more information please contact Mr. David Biton, Rehovot campus dormitories manager: 08-9473177

Student dormitories website: https://dorms.huji.ac.il/en/

Dormitories

 

Reisfeld Residence (on-campus guesthouse)

The Reisfeld Residence guesthouse is located nearby the dormitories and offers accommodation with special rates for HUJI students.

All rooms include AC, clean bedding and towels, WIFI and a laundromat on the ground floor.

Room types:

  1. Single room in an apartment with 4 or 5 rooms – single room with a wsingle bed, desk and closet, with a shared equipped kitchenette, showers, toilets and a balcony
  2. Double or single occupancy rooms with an equipped kitchenette, toilet, shower and a balcony

For more information, prices and availability please contact: reisfeld@mail.huji.ac.il 

reisfeld_residence

 

Campus dormitories

  dorms2   dorms3   dorms5

  dorms4   dorms6  dorms7

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Covid-19

As of May 15, 2023 isolation is no longer required for those who are a confirmed COVID-19 case (Israeli citizens and non-Israeli citizens) and there are no longer COVID restrictions on entering Israel from abroad.
 

Below you will find practical information and links related to covid-19 in Israel:

Health insurance:
It is mandatory to have health insurance covering Covid-19 during your entire stay in Israel.
You may purchase the Harel-Yedidim health insurance policy for HUJI students which is operated by Clalit Medical Services, one of Israel's four medical services providers (also known as HMOs - Health Maintenance Organizations). Clalit members receive full covid-19 coverage, including vaccinations, and have access to all of Clalit medical services in Rehovot. Your passport number and Israeli cellphone number must be updated in Clalit's records. Please visit a Clalit clinic and ask the secretary there to update this information in your records. Bring with you your Clalit membership card and your passport.
 
Covid Certificate:
If you were vaccinated or recovered from covid-19 in Israel: https://corona.health.gov.il/en/green-pass/
If you were vaccinated abroad or recovered from covid-19 abroad: You will need to have your vaccination/recovery certificate acknowledged by the Israeli Ministry of Health in order to be eligible to receive the Covid Certificate.
 
For those insured by Harel-Yedidim:
1. Your passport number and Israeli cellphone number must be updated in Clalit's records. Please visit a Clalit clinic and ask the secretary there to update this information in your records. Bring with you your Clalit membership card and your passport.
2. Go to the nurse at the Clalit clinic at the Rehovot mall. You do not need an appointment. Bring with you your Clalit membership card, your passport and your vaccine certificate/recovery certificate. If you also got a serological test in Israel please bring the test results with you.
3. After these steps are done, you should be able to generate an updated Covid Certificate. If you are unable to get it within 2-3 days, please seek the assistance of Harel-Yedidim by contacting Ms. Meytal Assor: academic@yedidim.co.il or the Harel-Yedidim hotline 03-6386216
 
Covid testing:
 
Useful Links:
 
 

Hebrew University Psychological Service

The Psychological Service department offers help and counseling to students in distress.
The professional staff consists mainly of psychologists, but also social workers and psychiatrists.

 

Psychological Service – step by step:

1. An applicant seeking consultation needs to fill out an initial application form online. After receiving the request, the applicant will receive an e-mail from the Psychological Service with an introductory questionnaire.

2. The applicant is to complete the introductory questionnaire within 4 days. A complete response to the questionnaire will help the Psychological Service determine what treatment is best for the applicant.

3. After submission of the questionnaire, the Psychological Service will contact the applicant (within a few days) to arrange an introductory meeting.

4. The applicant will meet with the Psychological Service. The purpose of the meeting is to understand the reasons for the request and the urgency of beginning the therapy in order to provide the most appropriate response.
This meeting is free of charge. During this meeting, the applicant may also ask questions and get to know the therapeutic framework the Psychological Service offers.

5. The applicant will then receive an answer regarding the suggested therapy, according to the nature of the referral and to the availability of the service on campus. The cost of an on-campus therapy session is 190 NIS.
In case the Psychological Service is unable to provide the applicant with an appropriate therapy within the campus framework, the applicant will be referred to an off-campus psychological service (for a higher fee).

The treatment process is kept strictly confidential. No information on the applicant will be given to or at the Hebrew University, except on the basis of explicit consent and written permission from the applicant.

 

For more information on the Psychological Service provided at The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment please contact: Ms. Neta Hornung-Broudo, psyserv@mail.huji.ac.il, Phone: 02-5882685

 

Psychological Service – Refund:

Refund of psychotherapy expenses for students covered by Harel health insurance policy (handled by "Yedidim")*: Refund of up to 200 NIS per session and up to 12 sessions per year. The number of sessions will be calculated proportionate to the insurance period.  Students covered by Harel health insurance will be entitled during a one-year insurance period to up to 12 sessions of psychotherapy. The number of sessions will be proportionate to the number of months of the insurance period. Coverage will not be given for a number of sessions that exceeds the number of months of the insurance period. For example – in an insurance period of 6 months, the Insured will be entitled to a refund for 6 sessions. The Insurer will make the refund in return for receipts in an amount of up NIS 200 per session.

The policyholder is to submit the receipts of the therapy treatments by fax to Yedidim: 03-6874534

*Disclaimer:

Students who have purchased the insurance policy for the first time after January 2018 are automatically covered by the expanded premium (cost: 9.75 NIS a day) and are entitled to receive the refund.

Students who have purchased their first insurance policy before January 2018 and when renewing the policy remained in the old premium (cost: 7.25 NIS a day) are not eligible to receive the refund.

When renewing your health insurance policy you will have the option to expand your premium (for an additional cost) and receive the additional services provided in the new expanded premium.

 

 

The Bonam Sport and Leisure Center

 

The Bonam Sport and Leisure Center, which includes a gym and swimming pool, is located across the street from the Reisfeld Residence.

In order to use the gym, you must fill in the health statement (see below) and submit a letter confirming that you are a student of the faculty (either from the student affairs office or through the International School, depending on the program you are enrolled in). Please bring both documents to the gym’s office.

A monthly subscription for the gym and the pool costs 330 NIS (as of October 2018).

It is not possible to use the gym facilities on a one-time or weekly basis.

Students who wish to enter the pool (not the gym) on a one-time basis may purchase a one-time entry ticket for 50 NIS on weekdays/55 NIS on Saturdays (as of October 2018).

the_bonam_sport_and_leisure_center

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Transportation

Public transportation

Payment for buses and trains in Israel is done via Rav-Kav card or via a payment app (such as Moovit, Rav-Pass by HopOn). 
Train tickets can also be purchased by credit card or cash at the tickets vending machines in the stations.
Student profiles, with discounted fares, can be applied to these payment methods: Rav-Kav, Moovit 
 
Buses:
The closest bus station is located just outside the Herzl gate. For Tel Aviv you will need to cross the street and for downtown Rehovot just turn right after you exit Herzl gate and you will find the bus station.
The buses to Tel-Aviv run every 10-15 minutes.  Bus No: 201, 301, 274
On Fridays: Service ends at around 16:30
On Saturdays: Service begins shortly after sundown and ends at approximately 23:30.
Visit the Egged Bus Company website for schedules and fares. 
 
Trains:
The train station is a very short walk from the main campus gate.  
Between Rehovot and Tel Aviv: once or twice an hour, Sunday through Friday. More frequent service during rush hours (mornings to Tel Aviv, late afternoons to Rehovot). No trains from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening (after sundown).
For other locations, some trains from Rehovot continue directly and others are timed for connections (change trains in Tel Aviv).
Visit the Israel Railways website for schedules and fares.
 
“Sherut” cab (shared shuttle minibuses):
The "Sherut” cab service (shared yellow minibus for 10 passengers) operates on inter-urban lines collecting and carrying passengers along fixed routes. The payment is in cash and the price is either equal to or only slightly higher than the ordinary bus fare. These "sherut" cabs also run on weekends and nights, when buses and trains are unavailable.  They stop at the bus stops near the main gate of the Faculty and at other points along Herzl Street.
 
Taxis:
Taxis are available all day and night, but cost more evenings, on Friday nights and Saturdays. Payment is in cash and some taxis take credit cards.
Three large cab companies are:
"Hanassi" taxi station: 195 Herzl St. (closest to campus):  +972.8.9366666
"Gordon" taxi station: 2 Bilu St. (near the mall):  +972.8.9492211
"Hanegev" taxi station: 30 Teller St.: +972.8.9466666 (downtown + at train station)

 

Driving in Israel

As a non-Israeli citizen, you are permitted to drive a private vehicle with an international license for up to one year from the day of your arrival in Israel. If you wish to continue driving beyond this period, you will need to convert your foreign driver’s license into an Israeli one.
Guidelines from the Ministry of Transportation: https://www.gov.il/en/service/convert_driving_license