University of Malta

The library is not very up to date. I advice you either to buy or to copy the book that is recommended during the lecture. Sometimes Maltese students get together and copy the book. You can always asked if they can copy one more. There is an update bookstore under the canteen. Here you can almost always find the relevant, last edition books. Close to the university ground there is a second hand bookstore. Many students go there in their first University days. If you like to get your books very cheap, try to be first. Some lecturers are very helpful and are easy to contact by email or even telephone. Try to see as much of this island as you can. Go together with a group of students and get a hostel which will make it cheaper.

Take lots of sun-screen and enjoy the beaches and the water. Read up on the history before you go. I had no idea just how much had happened there, from pre-Roman to WW II. Book tickets for the Hypergeum well in advance - it's a 7,000 year old underground temple, still intact and quite fantastic.

Malta has two official languages: English (British English) and Maltese. Almost all university instruction is in English, although I have heard stories about professors that will refuse to lecture in English. Be aware that although probably 95% of the population speaks native/fluent English, it is a maltese variety with and enormous British influence. The Maltese have a very different intonation pattern when they speak, and to an American they can sound either irritated or like they are being condescending. Don't take this personally! This is the way they talk to everyone, and it's normal for them.