Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Cláudia

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

I wanted something far-away and different, and central at the same time, so that travelling around could be easy and cheap.

Budapest seemed cool, quite central; the nightlife is the best; the living cost is cheaper than occidental countries (except for the housing part - you'll be paying at least €200-230 for a room in the best case scenario); also and, very importantly, I wanted to have the experience of living in a capital city - Budapest is the heart of central Europe, so I seriously could not have chosen a better city

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

4 months. For 4 months I'm receiving a -this rule is quite dumb and no one likes it- total of €800; but I'm only getting 80% of the scholarship while I'm in the mobility; the other 20% they will only give me once I'm finished. They sent me the whole 80% a few days after I was already in Budapest, but I was advised it could have taken more time than that.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

Man, studying is pretty much the very less I do here! It's great. You have a lot of free time. I only have classes three days a week, and some of them are actually enjoyable.

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

Yes, yes, yes.

What is the food like?

Honestly I haven't tasted Hungarian food. There's goulash soup. Never tried it. Oh, pizzas and kebabs are everywhere and they are really cheap, like a big slice of pizza is €0, 60 and a kebab €1, 50.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Budapest?

Yeah, it was tricky. Like I said, better to plan it in advance. Search for groups on Facebook, there's a ton of them - "Flats for rent in Budapest" for instance.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

It depends on your lifestyle, I guess, but basically expect to pay between €200-270 for your room, plus around €100-150 for groceries and other items. Transportation is really cheap in Budapest, your monthly pass will only cost about €11 and you can use metro, tram, bus and even boat - basically every public transport in Budapest.

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

Hungarian is really hard. I've been here for two months now and I can only say "thank you", "good morning", "hello" and "goodbye". But it's okay, it hasn't been a major problem.

Yes, at least my university (I study at BKF) does, I just chose not to go.

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

Well, I live in Lisbon, Portugal, so by plane would be the easiest and probably most economical, I reckon.

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

Instant, Szimpla, Morrison's and Doboz. Oh, I'm going to miss them all.

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

Look for Chinese restaurants, they are seriously cheap and delicious. My favorite ones are in Déak Ferénc Ter near the Basilica, in Wesseleny Utca and in Oktogon. You can also get a kebab pretty much everywhere. For pizza, Pizza King is the best, and also very, very cheap.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You can visit the Opera, it's beautiful. Also the Parliament, especially at night - it's just the most beautiful thing. Buda Castle, if you climb up you'll have the best view over Pest side. And, of course, you can't miss Heroes Square, the Basilica and the Baths.

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

Just enjoy it. Really. It's what everyone says, I know, it's not a cliché though... the months you'll spend here will be precious, cherish them. You'll meet so many different people, in the most random ways, you'll have a different view over things, life itself. Budapest will welcome you with arms wide open, so treasure it. Above all, just have fun!