Erasmus Experience in Bratislava, Slovakia by José

Why did you choose to go to Bratislava, Slovakia?

I always heard that European eastern countries are the best to have fun, experience a nice adventure without spending much. Bratislava is a small town but really well located to visit other places!

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

I was 5 months in Erasmus (1st Semester) and the money I receive cover almost all my expenses.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Bratislava?

I study design and people related to Arts take life in an easier way. Regarding the university, it was like being back to my home school. Besides this, the teachers are pretty cool to Erasmus students.

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

Yes, it is a University like others.

What is the food like?

Being totally honest, I didn't appreciate it much. But I come for a country where the gastronomy is awesome so I have a gold taste.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bratislava?

I was living in a Students Accommodation near the city center but it was really old and poor. I tried to search for a house but I didn't find a person who was available to rent for only a month.

My advice: search for it before you leave your home town, try to divide an apartment with other students.

How much does it cost to live in Bratislava?

I can't remember the numbers right but I think I paid something like 300/400€ for the residence (5 months), 40/60€ for the 3-month bus pass.

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

For me, it was a little bit hard to learn. Yes, I went one month earlier to Bratislava to attend a language course but I actually spoke English most the time.

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

Flying I think.

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

Hum, probably the city center where there are a couple streets full of cool bars (always full of people in summer). Nice discos: Bratislava Club & Unique.

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

I only liked a place which I can't remember the name now, sorry!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

As I said, the town is pretty small but the city center is nice and there are a couple of monuments and chapels to see. You can always take a bus to Budapest or Prague, or train to Vienna or Graz, etc, for like 10/20€.

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

Always live to the fullest!