Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Antanas

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

This is one of the best places to visit on a budget.

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

I received 80% of scholarship instant, that's around 1200EUR but I spent almost everything during first two months because of the parties.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

Positive, cheerful, enthusiastic.

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

Definitely.

What is the food like?

It's good, cheap. Hungarian dishes are very good. Gyros, Lagos, Lepeny, Gulash, I love it.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Budapest?

I was very lucky with it but I think its easy to find.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

I think 500EUR for everything including accommodation is enough to live a sustainable life, of course the more you have the more you do here.

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

They are available, but the language is quite difficult or maybe just the teacher was making it really difficult. I think it is enough to know the basic words so you could order beer, thank and introduce yourself.

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

From Vilnius, Lithuania easiest way is by bus. LuxExpress offers really nice buses for around 35EUR one way, it takes long time but the conditions are perfect, you have movies, drinks, toilet, everything, they even give you a bottle of water sometimes.

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

Instant, Szimpla, Gozdyu Court, kuplung on Monday, Forgas, many places here in Budapest.

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

I'm not really going to restaurants, I prefer eating at home and sometimes go to Tesco dinning area. Although during summer Budapest has a really nice market in the old town near the Deak Ferenc where you can try all the traditional dishes.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are very nice museums, like the National Gallery or The House of Terror. But what I really liked here is the parks. Islands or parks in the city are really nice just to walk around and spent a good time.

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

Yes, don't spend too much money on parties, they are good but it is also worth to see neighbour countries and places like Slovenia definitely or Vienna with Bratislava. Maybe even go to Croatia. Because from Budapest everything is really close with bus, plane or even Bla Bla Car.