Erasmus Experience in Bucharest, Romania by Matthias

Why did you choose to go to Bucharest, Romania?

I wanted to go to somewhere different and not to usual destinations such as Spain, Italy, France. And since they call Bucharest "New Paris" it was an easy choice. However, I didn't study there I worked fr Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, I wanted to learn Romanian.

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

I had a pretty good salary since I was employed in Germany at that time.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bucharest?

Many young and friendly people. Affordable prices for food, drinks, spare time activities, and accomodation.

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

The city definitely. I like to explore cities, while listening to some music in my ear. I enjoy the journey without really knowing where I was going. This was very cool in Bucharest. Go where you usually wouldn't go, wander around, explore new places. Be spontaneous.

What is the food like?

Traditional Romanian food consists mostly of fatty meat, potatoes, cabbage and Mamaliga, which is basically polenta. However, especially in the Old Town, there are many new and up upcoming restaurants, where you can get food from every different culture.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bucharest?

No, I knew someone who had an apartment in Dristor.

How much does it cost to live in Bucharest?

Depending on your lifestyle, it costs around 600-1200€ a month in order to have a very good lifestyle..

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

No clue, but especially for Italian and Spanish students the language shouldn't be a problem since it is a romane language and has a lot of similarities with any other romane language.

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

By plane.

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

First take a grap to eat in Lipscani and then go to one of the clubs in that area. The good ones are mostly hidden and you want to follow the locals for the good spots.

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

Most of the restaurants in Lipscani offer good food and drinks for moderate prices. However, I cooked for myself most of the times.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Ceaucescu's Palace definitely, Parcul Herastreau on a warm sunny day. Go to Constanta or Mamaia for a beach day. Go to the Carpatian Mountains for a hike and to visit the old castles.

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

Don't take notice of the first impressions Romanians give you at first, they do not mean to be impolite, they are just an ex-communist country and not a very open culture. Once you get to know them though, they are really nice people.