Every year, thousands of international students move to Cyprus with the hope of studying in a peaceful European country. Unfortunately, student accommodation scams in Cyprus have become very common, especially among newly arrived students who depend on Facebook groups and social media for housing.
This article explains real accommodation scam situations happening in Cyprus, how students are being targeted, and what you must do to avoid losing money and ending up in unsafe living conditions.
Why Student Accommodation Scams Are Increasing in Cyprus
The main reasons accommodation scams are rising include:
- A high number of new students arriving every intake, especially in September
- Shortage of affordable student housing
- Heavy reliance on Facebook and social media groups
- Students sending money before arriving in Cyprus
- Lack of proper guidance after visa approval
Scammers take advantage of fear, urgency, and lack of local knowledge.
Common Student Accommodation Scams in Cyprus (Real Situations)
1️⃣ Facebook & Social Media Room Scams (Most Common)
Many students post in Facebook groups like:
“Room needed in Cyprus”
“Student accommodation required urgently”
Scammers—often people already living in Cyprus but unemployed or financially struggling—join these groups and respond politely.
They usually say:
- “Room available”
- “Seat available near university”
- “Very good location, no problem”
Then they ask for:
- Advance deposit
- Seat booking money
- Security payment
Once the student sends the money:
- The scammer blocks the student
- Deletes messages
- Disappears completely
❌ No room
❌ No refund
❌ No contact
2️⃣ Overcrowded Rooms (Illegal & Exploitative)
In many cases, students are promised:
- 2 people in one room (as per rules)
But after moving in, they discover:
- 4 people living in one small room
- No privacy
- Poor hygiene
- No proper contract
Students are forced to stay because:
- Rent is already paid
- No alternative housing available
- Classes have already started
3️⃣ September Intake Rent Price Manipulation
During September intake:
- Housing demand is extremely high
- Landlords and middlemen increase prices unfairly
Real situation:
- Earlier price: €120 per seat
- During intake: €160 per seat
- Same room, but 4 students packed together
Students suffer because:
- They arrive late
- No backup accommodation
- Forced to accept any condition
Read Also: Cast Of living in Cyprus
4️⃣ Fake “Local Agent” or “Friend of a Friend”
Some scammers pretend to be:
- Local agents
- Friends of senior students
- “Helping without commission”
They build trust slowly, then:
- Ask for deposit
- Promise keys after arrival
- Stop responding
Why New Students Fall for These Scams
- Panic after visa approval
- Fear of being homeless
- Pressure from family
- No trusted contact in Cyprus
- Belief that “everyone finds rooms on Facebook”
Scammers know this psychology very well.
How to Avoid Student Accommodation Scams in Cyprus (Very Important)
✅ 1️⃣ Always Verify Through Students Living in Cyprus
The safest method:
- Contact students currently living in Cyprus
- Ask for real photos, videos, and live location
- Confirm how many people live in one room
Never trust screenshots alone.
✅ 2️⃣ Book Accommodation Through Your Admission Agent
If you came through an agent:
- Ask them to pre-book your seat
- Demand written confirmation
- Avoid paying random individuals online
This is safer than Facebook deals.
✅ 3️⃣ Never Pay Full Deposit Before Arrival
If payment is unavoidable:
- Pay a small holding amount
- Only after video call verification
- Avoid full rent + deposit in advance
✅ 4️⃣ Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Be careful if someone says:
- “Very cheap”
- “Urgent only today”
- “Many people waiting—pay now”
These are classic scam pressure tactics.
✅ 5️⃣ Use Temporary Accommodation First
A smart strategy:
- Book temporary accommodation (hostel / short stay)
- Then search locally after arrival
- Visit rooms physically before paying
What to Do If You Are Already Scammed
- Save all chat screenshots
- Inform senior students
- Report in student groups
- Warn others publicly
- Do NOT stay silent—silence helps scammers
Final Advice for International Students
Finding student accommodation in Cyprus is possible—but rushing is dangerous.
Always remember:
- No room is worth losing your money
- Trust people, not posts
- Physical verification beats online promises
If you are unsure, seek guidance from experienced students or trusted agents before sending money.
