Experience in Baku, Azerbaijan by Zuleykha

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

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It is a city that is changing before your eyes; as you walk through the streets you can feel the vibrancy all around you: from the new free-form structure by Zaha Hadid and the Baku Flame Towers that dominate the skyline to the avenues of the shops, restaurants and hotels. The architecture is special because it combines the historic with the modern; and also the East with the West, from the Zoroastrian temples to Art Nouveau buildings and the French townhouses of the early 20th century oil boom.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Baku?

Diversity in Baku makes student life a remarkable and life-changing experience. Baku offers numerous essential university activities, as well as non-traditional opportunities to emphasize the student life experience. Students can join clubs, sports teams, media outlets, win awards, get involved in the community work, volunteer in charities, take leadership positions, and use dozens of opportunities available.

Student life in Baku encompasses different areas such as sports, cultural and entertainment events, social hours, celebrations, and study trips to places in and outside of the country. Student initiative is the most important factor determining the variety of student life as the majority of our events are inspired and initiated by and for the students.

How much does it cost to live in Baku?

Well, for one person would be around 400-500 euros.

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

The accommodation is one of the important things to plan if you are planning to study abroad. It's quite easy to find a place to live particularly in the larger cities of Azerbaijan such as a Baku. Foreign students can choose to live with a local family by renting a room. This maybe costs a little more than the university dormitories, but will give you the possibility to learn more about language and culture. The other alternative, stay in the university dormitories, is a good one, because usually dorms are located on campuses which are basically furnished.

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

It is not secret that the culinary arts of Azerbaijan enjoy continued popularity. Exclusive Azerbaijani dishes - dolma, bozbash, bozartma, chikhirtma, khashil, piti, pilau govurma- are included in the? national menu of numerous peoples of the Caucasus.

"Nush olsun" - "Bon Appetite", will tell you in any part of Azerbaijan, are cordially invited to a plentiful feast or the most real feast of taste. These good wishes, you will hear constantly from many different people.

What places would you recommend visiting in Baku?

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I would recommend taking a stroll on the Boulevard, which stretches along the shore of the Caspian Sea. You can really get a feel for the city and for its people as you wander around, day or night, and there are plenty of cafes to stop off at and grab a coffee. A visit to the Old Town is also a must; it dates back to the sixth century and is a World Heritage site. Spend the day wandering along its cobbled alleyways, pop into one of its tea houses and sample some of the wonderful Azerbaijani cuisine.

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

"Evda" - which means "home" in Azerbaijani - is one of my favourite restaurants for a cosy night out. I love classic Azerbaijani cuisine which is served at many of the new restaurants that are popping up along the Boulevard, including Sahil. Traditional dolma( grape leaves stuffed with minced meat, or tomatoes, bell peppers and eggplants stuffed with ground lamb ) and qutabs ( pancakes stuffed with minced meet or spinach ) are my personal favourites.

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

Baku boasts a vibrant nightlife. Many clubs that are open until dawn can be found throughout the city. Clubs with an eastern flavor provide special treats from the cuisine of Azerbaijan along with local music. Western-style clubs target younger, more energetic crowds. Most of the public houses and bars are located near Fountains Square and are usually open until the early hours of the morning.

Baku is home to restaurants catering to every cuisine and occasion. Restaurants range from luxurious and expensive to ordinary and affordable.

In the Lonely Planet "1000 Ultimate Experiences", Baku placed 8th among the top 10 party cities in the world.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Baku?

In my opinion the best thing about Baku is its people. Alexandre Dumas wrote about Azerbaijani hospitality, that our customs are very revealing of the culture and spirit of the world we live in. I think the warmth and kindness shown by the people, and the buzz and atmosphere of the city, is an experience like nowhere else.