Living in Antigua, you won’t feel too far from home. Discover what it’s like to live in Antigua.
-
Antigua is a Caribbean island with a rich history and a unique culture that will make you feel right at home.
Here are some of the island’s essential facts:
- The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has been independent since 1981. However, it remains part of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Europeans chanced upon the island in 1493 and the English settled it in 1632.
- The government is a parliamentary democracy system modeled after that of the United Kingdom and the official language is English. The current prime minister is Gaston Browne. As in the United Kingdom, people drive on the left side of the road and most people write in British English.
- The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$).
- Like most Caribbean islands, the economy relies primarily on tourism. The most popular event of the year is Carnival, which attracts visitors worldwide and is held at the beginning of August. At the end of April, one of the top rated international regattas, Antigua Sailing Week, attracts participants from the global ocean racing yacht fraternity. Cricket is one of the most popular sports on the island—in fact, the International Cricket Association has approved AUA’s cricket field for practice matches. This, after all, is the home of Andy Roberts, Viv Richards, Ritchie Richardson, and Curtley Ambrose.
- The largest city in Antigua is St. John’s (with a population of 24,226 in a total population of 100,000). Barbuda is home to about 1,800, the majority of whom live in Codrington, the civic center.
What to Bring
Here is a printable packing list for your convenience.
Antigua by Air
There are numerous ways to fly to Antigua. Flights are available from cities throughout the U.S, Canada, the United Kingdom and some European cities to V.C. Bird International Airport, located approximately four miles from campus.
American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, Air Canada, British Airways, Virgin Airlines, and Liat have direct flights to Antigua. All non-Antiguan citizens and residents need round-trip tickets, as well as passports valid for six months beyond the dates of departure on the return ticket. Citizens of countries outside the UK, Canada, the US and the EU should contact a New Student Coordinator (NSC) to learn whether visas or other documentation will be required for entry into the country.
Renting a Car
If you plan on renting a car during your stay, remember that you will be driving on the opposite side of the road than you would in the United States. Major car rental agencies are conveniently located at V.C. Bird International Airport. A temporary Antiguan driver’s license is a mandatory requirement to drive while on the island and may be easily obtained from rental agents or from a police station or from the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board by presenting a valid driver’s license from your home state/country.
Note: COVID-19 may impact air travel near you. Please consult your airlines.
-
The following hotels and accommodations offer a discount rate for AUA students and guests who reserve a room in advance.
Hodges Bay Resort and Spa
Sandy Lane, Hodges Bay St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda
268-484-8000Buccaneer Beach Club
Dickenson Bay St, John’s, Antigua & Barbuda
268-562-6785St James’s Club – Antigua
Mamora Bay, St. Paul’s
268-460-5000The Verandah Resort & Spa – Antigua
Indian Town Road Parish of St. Philip, Willikies
866-237-1785Pineapple Beach Club – Antigua
Long Bay, St. Phillips North, Willikies
866-830-1531Jolly Beach Resort & Spa – Antigua
Bolans Village, Bolans, Saint Mary’s
866-905-6559The following hotels and accommodations do not offer discounts or special AUA rates, but may be of interest due to their location and/or pricing.
Antigua Village
PO Box 649, St. John’s
268-462-2930Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
Dickenson Bay, St. John’s
888-726-3257Blue Waters Resort & Spa Antigua
Soldier’s Bay, St. John’s
800-557-6536Trade Winds Hotel Antigua
Dickenson Bay, St John’s
268-462-1223Airbnb
The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Airbnb recently signed an agreement.All of the hotels reserve the right to change rates depending on season and demand.
*AUA has no interest, ownership or control in and/or over any of these facilities and will not receive any benefit as a result of a guest’s stay at any of them. AUA does not endorse or vouch for them in any manner and makes no representations about them.