Experience in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia by ESN

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

Banska Bystrica is beautiful town surrounded by montains right in the middle of Slovakia. It has only 80 000 inhabitants but on the other hand it is one of the biggest in Slovakia. So, you don't risk that you will get lost and there is everything you need. Culture, sports, parties, all the important institutions and the most important nice people. I highly recommend living there because I do and I'm more than satisfied. I love that city :)

What is the student lifestyle like in Banska Bystrica?

Student life is sometimes difficult because of the university but it is also big fun. Lots of students live in dormitories and when 800 people start to patry at once... I can say just "Poor doorkeepers". There is also a big variety of events you can attend in the city. Everything from ice hockey matches to opera.

How much does it cost to live in Banska Bystrica?

Living in Banska Bystrica is one of the cheapest. If I count it, it is 60€ for dormitory, 80 - 100€ for food, 50€ for other living (phone, shopping, restaurants..) and the rest you cand spend on parties :)

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

If you are an Erasmus you have accommodation granted by the university. If not, or you don't want to live in the dormitry, there is always a lot of offers. Price varies from 80 to 120€ per person.

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

You can buy all kinds of food in shops and there are also a lot of different restaurants. Traditional Slovak cuisine, steak houses and mostly restaurants that offer everything from pizza to "bryndzové halušky".

What places would you recommend visiting in Banska Bystrica?

Eveybody has to go to ice hockey match. There is great atmosphere and it's fun as well. Especially students from countries where ice hockey is not popular have to go. On the other side, if you like more cultural events, you can go to opera. It is really nice in there. Must go is also the biggest party club in Slovakia - Ministry of Fun.

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

Yes, it is good. Food in restaurants is really cheap in comparison to the Western Europe. We have such a thing called "daily menu" which consists of soup and main dish, and it cost maximum 6€. The most popular spot is "Olivo" restaurant, which offers almost everything, and food is really good for that type of restaurant.

Is the nightlife good in Banska Bystrica? Where is good to go?

Yes, it is. In Banska Bystrica there is the biggest party club in Slovakia - Ministry of fun. They held concerts in there and some really famous people played there. E.g. Bob Sinclar, Fedde le Grand, Inna, Above & Beyond, and a lot of Slovak artists. One more must go place is Kapitol pub, which is one smelly and hot cellar, but something is attracting people there like it was the best place in the world. And the most important - alcohol is cheap.

What advice would you give future students heading to Banska Bystrica?

No advice is needed. If you will go there you will not regret it. You will spend there wonderful time, find a lot of friends and never forget about it.