Erasmus Experience in Bratislava, Slovakia by Nerlisa

Why did you choose to go to Bratislava, Slovakia?

I fell in love with Slovakia a couple of years ago on a road trip. After reading about Erasmus experiences in Bratislava by my fellow colleagues, it seemed like my type of city.

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

I receive a scholarship for every month I spend here, which is to say, 6 months. Money I receive helps me enormously as it covers my rent and basically all my basic costs (the concerts and travelling around are not included).

What is the student lifestyle like in Bratislava?

I live in a flat, not in a dormitory so my experience is a bit different from those who live in Družba but I love it. I have my own room and I live near the old city center (Stare Mesto).

There are a lot of student discounts for all kinds of events and services (with ISIC card you can get loads of discounts, from Frogy frozen yogurt, to books, concerts in Slovak philharmonic and ballet/opera/drama in their national theatre).

The night life is quite vivid as well. They have great alternative places (Majestic Music Club, Randal Club). I do not know much about clubbing but I know there are plenty of clubs out there, if this is your type of nightlife.

In December they have the Christmas market so loads of places to go and see. All in all, being a student in Bratislava is nice, also the tourist points have fairly large discounts for students. Bare in mind that English is not spoken often on the streets (or in shops). On the faculty the professors are friendly and willing to help you out.

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

I would if you like the old Europe type of towns. Bratislava justifies its title of Little Big City. It is small but not a pocket town. For me it is a perfect size to know the city well but without the feeling of knowing everybody.

As for the University of Bratislava, the first two weeks will be a bit chaotic but then it will get all right, the professors are nice and the Erasmus coordinator replies regularly.

What is the food like?

For the local food I would really recommend Slovak Pub. It is really awesome and you can try all sorts of stuff. Other than that, they have various choices of shopping malls/stores where you can get your food cheap (especially Lidl) and eat just about anything you prefer.

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What is maybe not so usual in every city in Europe is their vast choice of bakery products, from salty to sweet, for a very decent price.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bratislava?

Not at all, I found websites with ads online, sent out some emails and got my room in first or second try. If you prefer dormitory, it is probably even easier.

How much does it cost to live in Bratislava?

I could get through with basic costs from 350-400 euros. But I travel around a lot, visit at least one concert per month, buy a lot of books etc so the costs rise up to 450-500€ per month on average.

I spend 250 EUR on rent but if you prefer to stay in a dormitory, that will cost you only 60 EUR per month (a colleague of mine spends that much per month, living in a dormitory) so the costs can get even lower.

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

There is a language course available at the beginning of every semester and I seriously recommend it, especially if you are not from Slovakian language group. For me, Slovak is a mixture of Slovenian and southern Balkan languages that I can understand, therefore the language is not too difficult for me (nor is it for other Slavic language speaking people) but for others it can be a bit of a challenge. The language course covers the basic knowledge, covering also situations in shops and restaurants and it is very useful (plus it is free).

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

From Ljubljana it is best to search for a ride on Prevoz or on FB group Ljubljana-Dunaj, and then travel from Vienna to Bratislava by bus (it costs 6. 90 with student discount and the bus is on time).

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

• Randal Club.
• Čierny Pes.
• Uisce Beatha.
• Zamocky Pivovar.

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

Number one you need to try is Slovak Pub, it is great. For vegetarians (or just when you don't feel like eating heavy food), Veg Life is excellent as well with seriously low prices, especially for vegeterian/vegan food. Sweets and snacks (sandwiches) are really delicious in Štúr Café.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Castle of Bratislava is an obvious one, although if you are looking for a good museum/exhibitions, I would recommend the Old Town Hall museum on history of Bratislava over what the castle has to offer.

Great museum is also Museum of Arms in St. Michael's Gate, especially since it is in the tower and the view is really nice from the balcony on top (same goes for Old Town Hall museum) - with the same ticket you can also enter the Museum of Pharmacy. The Blue Church looks like something out of a Disney movie so it's worth checking it out, the Cathedral has a lot to offer for 1. 50€, and there is Hviezdoslav square that looks stunning in the Fall.

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There are also galleries, not to mention the National Theatre has a rich program (and don't forget to check Nova Scena as well).

The most enjoyable thing however is just walking around in Stare Mesto (old part of town), stopping by for a cup of coffee in Štúr Café or La Putika or maybe hot chocolate in Bon Bon or wherever you prefer and enjoying the walk itself, with old buildings and fun statues meeting you on every corner.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Bratislava?

Enjoy the Old Town, discover your favourite coffee shop, your favourite pub and your favourite beer. Don't forget to check out the tourist spots because most of the time they are worth visiting. Ignore the icy wind, don't miss out on the Christmas market.

Have patience with the Slovak language and expect some friendly non-English speaking Slovaks trying to meet you halfway too. Try the Slovak food at least once, check other places of Slovakia for visiting, as the buses and trains are available for decent prices to go around the country (especially if you like castles).

Enjoy the Little Big City but don't forget it is perfect starting point of travelling to Vienna, Prague and other places, being in central Europe.