Experience in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria by Borislav

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

Life in Blagoevgrad depends heavily on circumstances. The people are usually kind hearted, but a little uncivilized by Western standards. It's quite conservative and a little racist, so if you are from an African descend or openly homosexual, you might run into a little trouble. However, since the city has two universities (one of which is American) there is a plethora of young people and they are consistently becoming more and more accepting.

What is the student lifestyle like in Blagoevgrad?

The student lifestyle depends on which university you're studying at. The American University is great, although I would not recommend using their system to work abroad. My brother had quite the terrible experience one summer. He did not recieve 2/3 of his sallary and he was sent to an area with an incredibly high crime rate. 10 murders in a week. The other university however is absolutely awful. Would not recommend unless you don't mind paying bribes for your grades.

How much does it cost to live in Blagoevgrad?

Blagoevgrad is incredibly cheap. In fact, all of Bulgaria is incredibly cheap. With a salary of 700-1000 EUR most people can afford an incredibly comfortable life with a good amount of luxury.

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

If you don't get an accomodation from your university of choice, you're pretty much screwed. Most landlords do not speak English and will refuse to do business with you since they can't communicate with you in Bulgarian. An exception to this are most southern Slavic countries since the languages are basically the same as Bulgarian, as well as Russian, since most of the older generation speak it fluently.

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

There isn't really a lot of Bulgarian cousine you can just find outside. The vast majority of it is homecooked. However, I do recommend banitsa. There are many small bakeries that sell them and they are incredibly delicious.

What places would you recommend visiting in Blagoevgrad?

I would recommend the theater but since it's unlikely that whoever is reading this is fluent in Bulgarian I will not. The museum is always a good destination and you can visit the two malls. Park Bachinovo is a very relaxing walk, but beware of cyclists.

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

The good thing about coming to Blagoevgrad from a rich country is that even the most expensive place is actually quite affordable. Anywhere is good honestly. Just don't go to the restaurant called "Ларж". It's right next to the best club and it's sort of a popular destination for hungry drunks after 3 am.

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

Depends on where you go. There is currently just one good nightclub in Blagoevgrad. Elysium plays awful cliche pop music. The Face plays even worse popular Bulgarian music. And The Moon is the worst one of them all. It plays the same music as The Face, but it is only inhabitted by 15 year olds and 45 year olds. There is no in-between. The Underground however, that is an amazing spot. It's a rock/metal club that would have you thinking it's actually a bar because of its wooden interior. But don't let that fool you, it's a proper club alright. Usually the greatness starts with Elvis Presley a couple of minutes before 1 am and by 2 everyone is wasted. Also, keep in mind that if they play Rammstein or Guns and Roses (and they will) drunk white people will climb on top of the bar, they will dance in the most uncoordinated manner ever and they will sing whatever song is playing at the top of their lungs. But you won't hear them, because the speakers are infused with the 7 Dragon Balls. They're really loud. If that image does not turn you away, then I would recommend joining in and climbing the bar with them. It's one of the most fun experience you can have, dancing, singing and getting cheers and high-fives from everyone in the spot.

What advice would you give future students heading to Blagoevgrad?

If you don't get accepted into the AUBG then it's pointless to even come here. And don't get a part time job. Your parents might insist on it, but you can point to this and tell them what a local has told you - part time jobs here pay so little, that you're actually losing more than you're gaining. You're losing precious time you could use to study for an annual salary that can't even cover a single semester. If you must work while attending university, find something on the Internet. Otherwise it's just not worth it. I am not even kidding, a waiter here makes 300 EUR a month tops. That's 3600 EUR a year, whereas a full tuition plus accomodation in the AUBG costs 14000 USD.