An Erasmus Student in Budapest

Why did you choose Budapes, Hungary?

Budapest is the most apropriate place to go for Turkish students. Because they use their own currency which is Forint (HUF) instead of Euro and cheaper than the other Eropean cities. Also, the city accept too many tourist to reinvigorate the economy after seperating Soviet Union. Too many people make money from international students. In addition, going to any other country from Hungary is very easy, cheap and short time because of located in middle of Europe. Monthly expenses are very low considering to other European countries. This is why, I thought that Budapest-Hungary is a very good option for Erasmus.

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How long did you get scholarship? How much did you get for your expenses?

I got scholarship for 5 months, I had 500 Euro every month and 300 Euro was scholarship.

How is the student life in Budapest?

Very good, excellent! This time I want to got for a master degree and I didn't want to go back to Turkey.

Do you recommend Budapest and universities to other students?

Highly recommended, you should go.

How are the foods like?

I didn't get used to it exactly bu it wasn't like food. Mear is very cheap bu fruits and vegetables are expensive. So, I was staying in a house that is why I cooked my meal like my own culture. I had no problem with it but I had stomach ache when I got there first.

Was it expensive to find an accommadation for you?

Very much! People make money from Erasmus students that is why rents are very expensive. We tried to rent a house with couple friend but houses are too small that is why it was difficult.

What is the cost of living in Budapest?

600 Euro per month.

Was the language easy? Are there language courses in the University?

There was some language courses in the university but My language was very good that is why I ddidn't have to.

What is the easiest wat to get to Budapest from your city?

From Izmir to Istanbul and to Budapest by Pegasus airlines.

Where would you go to recomment to go out at night?

Budapest is very active day and night. Especially, there are prefabricated cafes near to denuba river in spring season.It is very nice to have some time there. Also, if you like Alsancak life in Izmir/Turkey, Erzsbet Ter is very popular in Deak Ferenc. For the night out, I can say that, the worst place in Budapest is equal to best place in Turkey.

I can recommend som night clubs which are Ötkert, Szimpla Kert, Römkert, Kuplung(It is full even on Monday), Peaches & Cream, Instant(I think this is very bad place bu people love it) and too many placed that I can't remember the names. You will definetely stop by all of them. Oner beer in night club is 800-900 Forint (8-9 TL). One glass of gin tonic or vodka 1500 Forint (15 TL). By the way, If you go to Hungary you should taste their famous drink "Palinka". Too many people don't like it but I think taste is very good. If you don't like Palinka you can try Fütjülös which is known as liqueur.

I also recommend boating on Danube River with music.Because night look very stunning. You can go home by walk at night because the city is very safe. I didn't see racism. Vice versa if Hungarian people learn you are Turkish they also interested. Hungarians are very friendly people. You will mostly hear thank you what is Köszönöm. Also you can see too many Turkish Food restaurant in every street. Because there are too many Turkish people live in Budapest.

What are the cultural places to see?

Gellert Hill

Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Gül Baba's Tomb

Szent Istvan Cathedral

The shoes next to Danube River to memorialize Jewish People

Heroes Square

Opera House

Buda Castle

Chain Bridge

Fisherman’s Bastion

Margaret Island

Matthias Church

Hungarian Paliament Building

Vajdahunyad Castle

House of Terror

Dohany Sinagogu

Gellert Hill cave

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I think these are the places you should go. Of course you can find more when you spend time in Budapest. Also, you can go to Szentendre Town which is very close to Budapest, reach from Batthany Ter with H5 train and go to Visegrad which is in Pest. This towns are very famous with it's beauty of nature.

What do you suggest for future students of Budapest?

They should follow their dream to Budapest and they should not let it go! Budapest will not let them go.

This writing is belong to Mert Ipekoglu and it must not copy withiou reference.