Experience in Zagreb, Croatia, by Matija

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

It's nice. I would recommend it, especially if you are able to find a place near the centre- which isn't all that hard. The city is nice- some would call it "a smaller Vienna". I live about 4km from the main square, and my neighborhood is quite nice.

What is the student lifestyle like in Zagreb?

Well, that depends what you want it to be like. The dorms are okay- most of them have both new and old apartments, with shared kitchens and separated bathrooms-, and you'll be able to meet new people easily. They aren't very expensive, especially the older ones.

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How much does it cost to live in Zagreb?

You can get a small one room apartment for about 220€. Typical costs for water, heating and electricity vary, but 50€ a month is a reasonable amount. So for about 270€ you can have an apartment for yourself.

If you're willing to share an apartment with someone, it'll be cheaper. The typical rent is about 140€.

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

It's not very difficult, as there are a lot of places for rent (at any time of the year). The main portal with classifieds is "njuskalo". Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of ads in English, and most people expect to be contacted by phone. There are agencies that help with renting, though, so be sure to check them out.

When looking for apartments, definitely check what kind of heating is installed (usually it's either gas heating- which is a bit more expensive, but you can control the costs; you decide when you want it to be on- or it's provided via "Toplana", which is like a central heating unit for the entire city- they turn off the heating at 11 pm. Also check whether there's Internet (there are still apartments without it).

And definitely try to shop around, as there is a lot of cheap apartments, sometimes near your school.

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

The food is good. Students usually eat at places called "menza", which is like a student restaurant. To eat there, you need a student card called "X-ica". On your X-ica you get a predefined amount of money, and every time you want to eat at a student restaurant, the clerk swipes your card and gives you a receipt. That way, part of the meal is paid for by the state, and you pay the rest. There are daily menus which cost you 6. 5kn- which is a bit less than 1€. Those are just fine most of the time, but there are other choices if you don't feel like eating the menu that day. These restaurants are located at faculties, with one exception- the Student's Centre.

The restaurants are generally more expensive (for a decent meal, you'll pay between 6 and 10 €).

Cooking is also an option, but you should try to shop around then (the main store is Konzum, but we also have BIlla, Lidl and a few more).

What places would you recommend visiting in Zagreb?

Well there are many, so your best bet would be picking up a guide (an online one is fine too) and looking around.

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

It's okay, I don't do it much. There is a really nice hot-dog place on Draškovićeva street, though.

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

I mostly go to KSET which is right by my faculty. There's also clubs near the Sava dorm, and at lake Jarun.

What advice would you give future students heading to Zagreb?

Getting a bike is a pretty good idea, because the public transport is crappy, especially at night (and expensive, too - a pass for a full year will set you back about 180€).