Experience in Sofia, Bulgaria by Diana

What is it like to live in Sofia? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Sofia is a big city, it is a place where you can do everything,meet everyone(there are people from all corners of the country, also loads of foreigners) The city is,in my opinion, on the way to become a nice and proper European capital. The best chance to enrich your cultural life. Or whatever you need to enrich. The city is easy to orientate in. There is a good public transport developed(the prettiest metro I know and I have been to the one in Warsaw and Vienna so I am comparing them)There are loads of places to eat,dance, chill, walk(parks and gardens),do sports etc. Yes we (in Bulgaria) have been through a LOT(yes I mean communism) and of course this is visible-the big and neglected blocks of flats which I hate,but apart from that architecture is awesome and interesting. Sorry to say it but there is not too much orientation in English (signs, brochures) but we are getting there too and besides if you need help ask someone...people are helpful no the less(young people know English and can understand well enough to communicate)

What is the student lifestyle like in Sofia?

Student life...well depends on what you want to gain from this whole thing. I think foreign students would love it here. We have a neighborhood called "Student City" and I think you can guess what you can find there:D Full with students and this means lot of places to go like shops,clubs,fitness places a small mall even. It is packed with students mainly cause all the dorms are there. In the center, student life is also great and bus 280 can take you there from Student City in no time. But beware.It is always FULL and I mean FULL with people.

How much does it cost to live in Sofia?

Sofia in terms of living expenses costs a bit more that the rest of the country. Rent is higher of course, you can get a decent flat(if you look hardly enough) for 200 euros. Food is cheap and delicious. Drinks also. Transport is not expensive(1 ticket is 50 cents) So I guess that with around 500 euros you can do ok :)

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Sofia? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are an Erasmus student accommodation is usually helped with. If it is not provided then there are websites with info in English but most of them and adds too are in Bulgarian sooo unless you have a friend to help out it is not gonna be easy. I strongly advice you to be patient when looking for a place.I can say this cause this summer I was also in this situation..looking for a place to live.I involved numerous phone calls to real estate agents but even then a friend helped me out and checked the flats for me(originally I am not from Sofia so I guess I am a kind of foreigner as well hah) Not going to lie.Finding accommodation is a drag. But your uni is supposed to help you out, insist on it :) The least they can do is to contact you with another student who can help you out :)

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food O_O is the best part. Especially in summer or autumn there are the best vegetables and fruits you can get. Meat dishes, vegetarian..all of them are delicious and loaded with Bulgarian culture experience:D Soups are nice(with small exceptions). You should try the typical shopska salad, also kiufte and kebapche, real youghurt, rakia(Bulgarian vodka:D kinda) we have really divine wines. Pastries are delicious. Try out banitsa. It is awesome and put a glass of airan with it and you are all set ;)

What places would you recommend visiting in Sofia?

Visit all the theaters(yes more than one), visit also the Bulgarian Louvre (yep we have one:D) the church Al. Nevski is magnificent. Just going through the center is enough to show you the next destinations. Go on a hike in Vitosha mountain near Sofia. Go to museums..there are also lots of them. Go nuts ang visit as much as you can. Go to club Briliantin , Don Domat restaurant and also Divaka, Lots of small cosy places to visit but maybe in there is interest I will research more. Grab your local buddy and go to check places out.

Is it good to eat out in Sofia? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is full of nice restaurants and take aways. Not only Bulgarian but also loads of other cuisines like Chinese, Indian(ask for the Indian place in Studentski Grad) and sushi(OkiSushi on Vitosha streetis the BEST ONE) There are also loads of duner kebaps and sandwiches in the streets.They are also good.So much food..I am getting hungry. I recommend Divaka as a restaurant. You will be pleased.

Is the nightlife good in Sofia? Where is good to go?

The night life is sufficiently wild. Lots of places to go in the center especially. Also small pubs in the not so close to the center neighborhoods have their charms. But really as you are walking on streets like Shipka, Oborishte, Stamboliiski or Vitosha you have plenty of choices.

What advice would you give future students heading to Sofia?

Good luck!:D There is no proper advice.Don't get mugged, make friends with locals and have fun. It is definitely going to be an UNIQUE experience.