I am going to be spending the next year (sept-may) in Reykjavik, and I'm wondering what life is really like there once the tourist part is over. I am about 20 years old and going to be studying in English at the University of Iceland and living in the international dorm. I don't know anyone that will be there with me, so I need tips to meet some people..hopefully Icelanders! I don't speak the language, but I'll at least be starting. My budget per semester is pretty small--just enough to show the government I can afford to live there on a residence visa. Hopefully $1000usd/mo or less is enough, even if I want to go out and do things? I might be overly optimistic but surely I'll learn how to keep costs down more than the average tourist. I also want to travel and see my friends in Prague (yet another reason to save as they'll be the only familiar people I'll see for a year) but I don't know if airfare is as cheap as in the rest of europe? Any info at all would help me out a lot, as I hardly know what to expect. A few people have damped my spirits about what it will be like living there, not necessarily because they know--but because it is an odd choice and I guess doesn't appeal to everyone. Hopefully it will not feel too small and still feel very European. It seems like such a creative city with many young people so I am optimistic I can avoid restlessness. Anyway, I bet have a wonderful time...please leave me tips!

Hi there.
Well one thing you can keep in mind do your shoping in a store called Bonus wich is a low price supermarket but to be honest this is not much money you will have so you have to be very careful how you spend it. I am sure you will get to know a lot of people both Icelandic and foreigners. Regardi traveling you have :http://icelandexpress.is/ ---- http://www.icelandair.is/ and http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_ the last one I do notknow how long they will keep on flying up here.
Hope this helps some.
Greetings
Bragi