My Experience in Bratislava, Slovakia - by Aylin

What's it like living in Bratislava? Would you recommend it?

Bratislava is one of the smallest capitals in Europe and is very welcoming. Everything you need is easily reachable, and it's easy to get from one place to another using the public transport. I was surprised to discover that there is a student tariff for the public transport, which costs half the amount of the regular tariff (for example, the regular tariff is 90 cents for up to 60 minutes, and the student tariff is only 45! ) I've never seen anything like this in other countries I've been too, and this was my first time in Europe. Bratislava is a very beautiful place to live in, although a lot of people don't think so... you can go for walks along the Danube River, stroll through the picturesque and cultured Old Town, etc. Yes, I would recommend living here (it's one of my long-term goals, because I'm just in love with this country). Almost everything is cheap and affordable in Bratislava, (especially food and water in the supermarkets, wow! ) and as I've already mentioned, the public transport isn't expensive either...it's a cheap country. :) I love Bratislava!

What's the student life like in Bratislava?

The student atmosphere in Bratislava is 100% brilliant, and I took advantage of it while I was there. What really surprised me was the campus where the students live, which has everything (cafeterias, nearby restaurants, pharmacies, a mini shopping centre nearby, laundrettes, a gym, salsa classes, among many other things...it's really a mini city just for the students! ) Your monthly rent is so reasonable taking into consideration that this is where you get to live. :D It's a very good incentive for coming to Bratislava, and it's amazing that you get to live somewhere where you have almost everything you could possibly need on your doorstep while you study at the university.

How expensive is everyday life in Bratislava?

You'll probably pay between 200 and 500 euros a month if you rent an apartment - it all depends on the area, but renting is never going to be cheaper than living in the student accommodation. Food is very cheap, in supermarkets as well as in regular restaurants where you can order a full meal for under 10 euros (I say all this because in my home country, Panama, food is expensive in the supermarkets as well as in restaurants). I would personally love to live here.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Bratislava? Do you have any tips for flat-hunting?

Not really! I had some friends there before I arrived, and this made it easier to find accommodation, and I met more people when I got there. I had somewhere to stay from the start. My advice would be that if you're planning to come to Bratislava for 'x' amount of time, book some accommodation for a few days while you look for somewhere permanent to stay. :) Be sociable, the best thing you can do is talk to the locals and ask them what they might recommend, as this is what I did! :) When flat-hunting, look for places that are good-quality, attractively furnished and cheap! :D

What's the food like in Bratislava? What are your favourite dishes?

Ahh my favourite part of all, haha, I love Slovakian food! I saw that they like to eat lots of potatoes, meat and cheese. :D My favourite dish is Bryndza Halusky, without a doubt (grated potatoes with flour, sheep's cheese and bacon). I love all of these things, so this is the perfect combination for me! There's food from all over the world there, so don't worry about what the food will be like before you come here. Everything is delicious. :P

What places do you recommend visiting in Bratislava?

Obviously, a must-see is Bratislava Hrad (Bratislava Castle) which you can visit for free. The Old Town is very pretty and has several different things to see, and you should also check out Slavin, Eurovea (a shopping centre on the banks of the Danube River), the Danube River (it's very relaxing to lie or sit on the grassy banks), hockey stadiums, and restaurants in the Old Town. :D

What about eating out in Bratislava? What are your favourite places?

Slovak Haus in the Old Town, the food courts in the shopping centres and the campus cafeteria. :)

What are the best places for partying in Bratislava?

Unique Klub throws themed parties on different weekdays. :D

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Bratislava?

Make the most of every second you spend in Bratislava, you'll love being a student there. You can do a lot of travelling too (Bratislava is near to lots of other countries, and you can get to Vienna in 45 minutes by train). Believe me, you'll love it there and you won't be bored for a second! I'm hoping to go back soon because I loved it so much!