Study at BGU - City of Beer-Sheva

BGU is located in Beer-Sheva, Israel's fourth-largest city often called the capital of the Negev region.

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About the City - History and Facts

Beer-Sheva has an extensive history, covering over 6,000 years. The modern city was built by immigrants who came to Israel from over 70 countries throughout the world, and to this day it is populated by a broad variety of different communities. Beer-Sheva was first declared a city in 1906, and in 1977 it was granted its municipal status.

Metropolitan Be'er-Sheva - A Quality Metropolis

Beer-Sheva, the Negev's capital, is the fourth largest metropolis in Israel.

Beer-Sheva has about 220,000 residents and provides services to approximately 750,000 residents living in the metropolitan area as a whole. City residents benefit from a thriving and developing university, with roughly 30,000 students, including 8,000 undergraduates in the fields of engineering, the highest rate of students study engineering in the entire country.

Municipal Territory

Beer-Sheva is the seventh city in Israel in terms of population size but is the second largest in terms of its territory. The area of the city is 117.5 square kilometers (~45.5 square miles), 2.25 times the area of the city of Tel Aviv. In fact, Beer-Sheva and the Negev make up about 60% of the total land area of the entire State of Israel. Therefore, it is the most significant resource in terms of available land reserves, making the city a potential gold mine for investors and entrepreneurs.

Picture from: PikiWiki_Israel_10338_the_negev_art_museum_in_beer_sheva.jpg

Attractions – Museums and Culture

Beer-Sheva is recognized as a leading 'university town', home to some 30,000 students at the city's institutions of higher education, thus the city's vibe is very much student-oriented. Beer-Sheva is a "young" city – with 50% of the population under 40 years old.

The varied communities living in the city made Beer-Sheva the multicultural city it is today. You can find a wide range of museums, performing arts institutions and attractions.

The Fringe Theater: Hosts plays, concerts, exhibitions, master classes, and enrichment workshops. A place that allows creative minds to explore and promotes local creativity with a unique social agenda.
https://www.fringeb7.co.il/en
The Negev Museum of Art: Municipal museum that has a collection of mostly modern Israeli art, from local and regional artists. During summers the museum hosts open-air musical events in the courtyard.
http://negev-museum.org.il/?lang=en
Museum of Islamic and Near Eastern Cultures: Presents a variety of historical and contemporary works of material Islamic culture, which emphasize the richness and beauty of the culture. The museum is located in an impressive Ottoman Mosque, which formerly housed the city's Archaeological Museum.
http://ine-museum.org.il/en/
The ANZAC Memorial Center in Beer-Sheva: The Center is a unique place in Israel that tells the story of the ANZAC soldiers and the conquest of Beer- Sheva in an experiential manner. Visitors to the center will journey to another continent, another time, and discover themselves in the process.
https://anzac.co.il/about/storyline/?lang=en

Kamea Dance company: A dance company based in Beer Sheva that performs in the city, and tours extensively in Israel and abroad. Recognized for its unique style that combines strong dramatic themes and intense virtuosic movement.
https://www.kameadance.com/en/
Carasso Science Park: A science museum with a scientific garden full of exhibits and activities for all ages, laboratories, and a 3D printing fabrication laboratory. Offers interactive exhibitions in various fields of Science including Genetics, Communication, Microelectronics, Nuclear Energy and more.
https://museums.gov.il/en/museums/pages/carasso_science_park.aspx/%7Blink%7D

The Palmach Negev Brigade Memorial: A monument designed by Dani Karavan in memory of the members of the Palmach Negev Brigade. The monument is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Beer-Sheva from the east. The place is known as a great point to watch the beautiful sunsets.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/Pages/NegevBrigadeMemorial.aspx
Negev Zoo: Israel's desert zoo. The zoo is home to 150 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects from Israel and around the world, and located in a natural environment at the western outskirts of Beer-Sheva.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/Pages/NegevZOO.aspx
Beer-Sheva River Park: Offers expanses of green lawns, groves of trees, footpaths and bicycle paths next to the riverbed. The park also has historical sites, bridges, a sports area and a botanical garden based on desert flora.
http://www.kkl-jnf.org/tourism-and-recreation/forests-and-parks/beersheva-river-park.aspx
The Train Yard Engine 70414 Compound: An historic old Turkish train station that has been restored and developed, with its buildings undergoing authentic restoration. In the restored compound there's an interactive mini-museum of the Israel Railway, a gallery for changing exhibits, an original locomotive steam engine, authentic train carriages, and many festivals and activities are held on the compound.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/About/Projects/Lists/projects/CustomDispForm.aspx?ID=64
Gateway to the Negev visitor center: Provides information about the Negev using advanced technologies, and offers interactive tours about the past, present, and future of the developing Negev region.
https://negevisit.org.il/english/
The Artist's House in the Negev: Exhibitions of works by artists of the "Association for Negev Artists" located in a British-mandate period structure in the Old City. In this place, you can view and purchase paintings, sculptures in varied materials, embroidery and more.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/Pages/ArtistsHouse.aspx
Abraham's Well International Visitors' Center: An innovative heritage site featuring the story of Abraham and the famous well of water. According to the belief of the three monotheistic religions, this is the well that was dug by Abraham and provided the name for the city of Beer-Sheva. The visitors' center presents an audio-visual experience and an exciting 3D presentation showcasing the life of Abraham.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/Pages/AbrahamsWell.aspx
“Ha'reshet" (The network): A project run by young adults from Beer Sheva who are organizing special community events in the city, holiday celebrations, local parties, and social networking.
https://www.facebook.com/hareshet.br7/
“Colboynic – community equipment storeroom": A community storeroom with equipment that people can borrow when they need it.
https://www.facebook.com/hakolboynik

Also, check out this recent article about all the amazing things going on in Beer-Sheva

Eating Out

The different communities living in Beer-Sheva brought many multicultural restaurants to the city. In the old city, you can find authentic Moroccan, Ethiopian, Yemen, Georgian and many more special cuisines. And with the influx of young students, Beer Sheva is also a vegan-friendly hub.

Check out Tripadvisor's 10 best cheap eats in Beer-Sheva

Find more information in the BGU's Student Union Handbook for the new student

Picture by Dani Machlis

Hi-tech

Beer-Sheva is considered the Cyber Capital of Israel.

Ben-Gurion University is a partner in the initiative and establishment of the Gav-Yam Advanced Technologies Park located next to the Marcus Family Campus. The project, which marks a milestone in the Israeli scientific world, is a unique public-private partnership combining the outstanding achievements of the University and the city of Beer-Sheva with leading companies in Israel and worldwide. This hi-tech and biotechnology park is populated by pioneering scientific and technological companies from around the world.

Read more about CyberSpark - the Israeli Cyber Innovation Arena in Beer-Sheva. It is a joint venture of the Israeli National Cyber Bureau in the Prime Minister’s Office, Beer Sheva Municipality, Ben Gurion University of the Negev and leading companies in the cybersecurity industry.

Tech7 is the official tech community and entrepreneurship of Beer-Sheva and the south. Tech7 was founded in January 2015, by a group of leading representatives from the Hi-Tech Park, students, and local entrepreneurs. The will and vision of Tech7 are to strengthen and develop the tech community in Beer-Sheva, and to substantiate the entire area as a technological leader on an international level.

Transportation

The city serves as a major transportation artery, situated in an attractive and central location, with two train stations allowing for an easy and comfortable ride to different locations in Israel. The Beer Sheva North train station is directly connected to the Marcus Family Campus, with a convenient bridge allowing easy pedestrian access from the train straight to in university gate.

In addition, the many bus lines arrive right next to campus and the university area is bike-friendly.

You can find more information here:

https://www.bus.co.il/otobusimmvc/Dan%20Be'er%20Sheva_Lines

Special Events

Smilanski street festival: A street festival that is held every year during the spring-summer months on Smilansky Street in the Old City. Visitors enjoy live performances, jugglers, street performers fair and food booths of all types as well as open bars, cafés, and restaurants.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/MajorEvents/Pages/SmilanskyStreetFestival.aspx
Beer-Sheva Fringe Theater Festival: A three-day festival that takes place every year during July, and hosts a ton of special events and shows. https://iffb7.smarticket.co.il/en
Wine Festival: Every year in August or September, Beer-Sheva holds a Wine Festival at the restored Ottoman-Turkish Train Station.
Night run: Every year, in the spring, after the sunset, Be'er-Sheva holds a city-wide night “Light Run". There are three well-lit courses for 2.5, 5 and 10 kilometer runs. After the race, there is an afterparty with well-known local D.J.s.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/MajorEvents/Pages/NightRun.aspx
“Zohar Dromi" (The Southern Light) Festival is a two-night festival that takes place during August, and features dozens of unique art installations and shows throughout the public space, with the central theme being 'light.' The festival includes artists from Israel and around the world.

Project 40+08 is a part of this festival and during it visual artists of all kinds produce their novel creations.
Urban city tours: Various urban city tours are offered all year, and will help you get to know the city and its finest places.
https://www.facebook.com/ilovebash/
Open Mic Nights in the city: When you want to let the artist inside you come out or watch live music shows, you can go to an open mic night and jam session, every Sunday night between 9 PM and 11:30 PM.
https://www.facebook.com/ashanhazman/.
Museum Mondays: During the summer, on a few Mondays, well-known artists in Israel perform at the Negev Museum of Art. Performances are accompanied by song and conversation with the audience.
https://www.beer-sheva.muni.il/Eng/Tourism/MajorEvents/Pages/MuseumMondays.aspx
Street Parties: During the year, people can enjoy street parties with DJs, crafts and designers' booths, street performers and lounge areas. The parties take place a few times during the year, for example, during the holiday “Purim", in March, when people come in costumes.
Big Beer Fest Beer-Sheva: Every year during the summer there's a two-day festival with great live music shows and various kinds of beers.
Summer Salsa BGU: Every Tuesday evening there's a salsa dance class and after that a salsa dance party, by the BGU pool.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/summersalsabgu/

Sports

The University Sports Center is located on the north-east corner of Arlozorov and Ben-Gurion Boulevard. The Sports Center is open seven days a week, and the hours vary (closes early Friday and Saturday, opens at noon on Sunday). The center has two 25-meter lap pools, one indoor and one outdoor, a leisure pool, a sauna, and steam rooms. It also boasts basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, locker rooms, equipment/clothing shop, and a gym with exercise machines. You will need to swipe your BGU ID card to enter the facility.
Entrance to all facilities, except the gym, is free with a BGU student card.
Gym membership- If you want to use the weight room, you need to get a membership. Please ask the International Office for the forms and the exact procedure.
“Positive" is BGU's affordable exercise studio. It is located on the basement floor of the Zlotowski Student Center (on the main campus) and offers all sorts of classes, such as spinning, Yoga, Pilates, dance, and aerobics. Classes usually take place in Hebrew, but it is a great way to acquire language skills while exercising. For some popular classes you need to register in advance. There is an online registration system (in Hebrew) where you can see the schedule and the remaining room in each class and sign up for your class of choice. If you have any problem signing up, call- (08) 647-2340 or 0544644463, email- b-positive1@aguda.bgu.ac.il https://www.facebook.com/BGU.Positive
Rock Climbing- “Performance Rock" brings climbing into the urban space. Located in Beer-Sheva's old city (4 HaAtzmaut Street). Every Wednesday Women enter for free!
Borrowing sports equipment- How does it work? Go to the Student Union offices in the Student House with a form of ID. You will leave your card and sign a declaration that you will return the equipment. Equipment that is not returned, or returned with heavy damage will result in a fine. When you are finished using the equipment, return it to the Student Union offices. You may also borrow equipment in the evening and return it the next day, by no later than 11:00.
What can you borrow? Basketball, a pair of tennis rackets and 6 tennis balls, a volleyball, a Ping pong set (rackets, net, and balls).
ASA- Academic Sports Teams- You are welcome to represent BGU in one of the many sports teams we offer. The sports include Volleyball, Squash, Bowling, Chess and many more.
For more information contact BGU's sports director: sport@aguda.bgu.ac.il , Student house- building 72, room 163. https://www.facebook.com/BGUASA
Yoga lessons: You can find many places that are offering Yoga and Pilates lessons in different levels.
https://www.facebook.com/yoga.bashoona/
https://www.facebook.com/doyogasouth/
Bat-Dor Beer-Sheva municipal dance center: Offers all kinds of dance courses. Part of the Kamea dance company. https://www.batdorbeersheva.co.il/?lang=en\
Beer Sheva Fencing Club: Offers fencing courses. https://www.facebook.com/b7fencingclub/
Beer-Sheva Country Club: A sports center with large indoor & outdoor swimming pools, saunas, a fitness room, a spinning room, a playground, tennis courts and sports classes for all ages. https://www.facebook.com/%D7%94%D7%A7%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%99-%D7%91%D7%90%D7%A8-%D7%A9%D7%91%D7%A2-306407986136048/