Accommodation and General Living
About Indonesia
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands with a rich cultural heritage and over 1,300 ethnic groups. It has evolved into a key destination for international education and business investments in Southeast Asia.
- Vibrant culture with a mix of traditional and modern society.
- Tropical climate, ideal for year-round activities.
- Strategic hub for socio-cultural and economic growth.
- Home to Bandung, a center for creativity and technology in Indonesia.
Bandung, the main host of ITB, offers a cool climate and a dynamic learning environment, making it a favorite spot for international students.
ITB Campus Locations
- Ganesa: The historic main campus in the heart of Bandung.
- Jatinangor: Integrated campus for various research and academic fields.
- Cirebon: Supporting regional development and industry.
- Jakarta: Focused on graduate and executive programs.
Essential Information
Time Zone
Indonesia has three time zones. Bandung/Java is in the Western Indonesia Time (WIB), which is GMT+7.
Climate
Bandung is known for its cooler highland climate. Temperatures typically range from 18°C to 30°C.
- Rainy season: November to April.
- Dry season: May to October.
Religion & Society
Indonesia recognizes six official religions. Society is generally friendly and tolerant. Respecting local customs and religious holidays (which are national holidays) is highly appreciated.
Campus Dress Code
Students typically wear smart casual outfits (jeans/trousers with shirts or blouses).
- Forbidden: Shorts, sleeveless tops, and flip-flops during classes.
- Formal events: Batik or suits are recommended.
Food & Safety
Indonesian food is famous for its spices. Popular dishes include Sate, Nasi Goreng, and Gado-Gado.
- Note: Pork is rarely served in common public stalls.
- Water: Do not drink tap water. Always use boiled or bottled water.
Electricity
Standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.
- Plug types: Type C and Type F (two-pin round plugs), same as most of Europe.
Office Hours
Most government and ITB offices operate:
- Monday – Friday: 08:00 to 16:00.
- Break: 12:00 to 13:00 (Friday break is longer for Friday Prayer).
- Offices are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Accommodation
ITB provides various on-campus dormitory options for international students across its campus locations. These facilities are designed to provide a supportive and convenient living environment during your academic journey.
- Official ITB Student Dormitories (Ganesa and Jatinangor).
- Guidance for off-campus housing and private boarding houses (Kos).
- Price lists, facility details, and application procedures.
For comprehensive details on ITB dormitories and other residential options, please refer to our catalog below.
Cost of Living
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Meals (Monthly estimate) | IDR 2,700,000 - 4,000,000 | ≈ $172 - $255 |
| Accommodation (Monthly average) | IDR 1,500,000 - 4,500,000 | ≈ $95 - $286 |
| Transportation (Daily commute estimate) | IDR 450,000 - 1,000,000 | ≈ $28 - $63 |
| Internet Data (Monthly plan) | IDR 50,000 - 250,000 | ≈ $3 - $16 |
| Personal Needs (Laundry, toiletries, etc.) | IDR 500,000 - 2,000,000 | ≈ $32 - $127 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED MONTHLY COST | IDR 5,200,000 - 11,750,000 | ≈ $330 - $747 |
| * Books & Supplies (Per semester) | IDR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000 | ≈ $64 - $127 |
- These figures are monthly estimates based on a student lifestyle in Bandung.
- Personal spending may vary significantly depending on individual habits and choice of accommodation.
Public Facilities
Banking & ATM
ITB campuses are equipped with on-site banks (e.g., BNI, Mandiri, BRI) and numerous ATM centers available 24/7.
- Opening accounts is easy for international students.
- Currency exchange is available at nearby banks or airports.
Transportation
Moving around Bandung and Jatinangor is convenient with various public and private options.
- Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are widely used.
- Angkot (Public Minivans) and Trans Metro Bandung buses.
- Trains connect Bandung to Jakarta and other cities.
Shopping & Malls
Major shopping centers are located close to the campuses for groceries, dining, and entertainment.
- Near Ganesa: Ciwalk, BIP, and PVJ Mall.
- Near Jatinangor: Jatos (Jatinangor Town Square).
- Minimarkets (Indomaret/Alfamart) are on almost every corner.
Worship Places
As a diverse community, worship places for various religions are easily accessible.
- Masjid Salman ITB (Ganesa) and Al-Jabbar (Jatinangor).
- Various Churches, Temples, and Viharas located across the city.
Health Matters
Your health is a priority. Several medical facilities are ready to assist you.
- ITB Clinic (Bumi Medika Ganesa) for primary care.
- Nearby Hospitals: Borromeus (near Ganesa) and AMC (near Jatinangor).
- 24-hour pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available.