Erasmus Experience in Bratislava, Slovakia by Ania

Why did you choose to go to Bratislava, Slovakia?

The quality of graphic design is high in Bratislava. So, I could broaden my knowledge of working with people from there. Moreover, Bratislava is not far away from Poland and the cost of travelling wasn't so high.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Internship in graphic design studio was for 2 months. I had only my own money, no scholarship or grant.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bratislava?

I had contact with other interns and employees only at work. People are open, friendly and helpful.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Bratislava to other students?

Yes, I would recommend it to anybody. Excluding people who like crowdy and big cities. Bratislava is quite small, the old city is small, even if it is capital. It is not a very cosmopolitan city like Vienna or Paris. There are some foreigners but most people are locals. Bratislava has its own charm, but it is not very modern.

What is the food like?

I rather buy food in markets like Billa, Samoska, Tesco and Moj obchod. Markets are charmful but expensive. Prices are quite high compared to Poland. In cheaper places, you can eat lunch for about 3-5 euro, in the expensive ones it costs about 10 euro, a bottle of water is 0, 60 euro, pizza 300 g is about 6 euro, espresso 1, 50 euro, tea 2 euro.

You can eat vegan, vegetarian, and meat food in Bratislava. Restaurants with "traditional Slovak food" rarely have vegetarian, but in other restaurants, there are more options.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bratislava?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Bratislava?

I was paying 500 euro per month, for a studio. It was sleeping area, a fully equipped small kitchen, bathroom, eating area (table, 2 chairs), rest area (tv, armchair, coffee table) and storage space (wardrobe, mirror). I can recommend this place.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I had English course and tests provided by Erasmus.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Bratislava from your city?

I was traveling by car, but I suppose bus (f. e. PolskiBus) or train is cheaper.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Bratislava?

I can recommend Kino Lumiere.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Bratislava?

Umami, Grosslingova 5; Gatto Matto - pizzeria, Panská 17; Funki Punki Palacinky (pancakes) on Klariska street.

Avoid restaurants with "traditional Slovak Food" they are mainly very expensive (next to Brama Michalikova). There are some good restaurants on Panska, Laurinska street and Hviezdoslavovo námestie. On Saturday, in Stara Trznica there is a market and there is possible to eat some street food. And for ice cream go to Koun - ice cream parlor (Panska street).

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Kino Lumiere, Stara Trznica (it is market with food - charmful place and some events take place there but there is a need to check it).

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Bratislava in the future?

You can visit Vienna, it is worth seeing and is not far away.

Consider if there is a need to buy month ticket, the city is not so big and many places are in walking distance. But if you want to buy a monthly ticket you have to bring a photo! (3, 5x4, 5 cm). You can buy this ticket on Postova street (in underpass! ). The place is called Dopravny Podnik. You can also buy 15, 60 min tickets in kiosk or automat. You can travel by bus and tram. There is no problem with traveling.

On Obchodna street there are some stationery shops, mc donalds, bookstore, bakery, h&m. If you want to buy clothes the best option is shopping centre Aupark. The weather is changeable.

Here is my contact if you need another info: aniak6@poczta. onet.pl