Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Hammou

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

Honestly I didn't choose Budapest, Budapest has embraced me with love and hospitality. I remember the day I received the acceptance letter from the university, I was extremly happy and excited for the day to come, the first day in Budapest will never be forgotten. What really impress me in Budapest is the inspiring architecture, the Danube river simply stole my heart, and every single day was different because what Budapest was giving me was never received elsewhere.

I am happy in Budapest because the trasportation makes every place accessible.

I love Budapest because every day i discovered an interesting corner.

I will never forget my experience and the good time I spent with friends discovering new places and chilling in the Margaret Island.

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

I have received a different kind of scholarship, it is called Stipendium Hungaricum. It is a program of two years Master degree, given to 50 Algerians students, usually the scholarship holder should prove a strong and height results. The scholarship provide for you a hostel to live in and a monthly fee of 135€, and if you are lucky to be algerian or turkish your government will provide extra help to you.

In general Budapest is a cheap capital, if you are an outgoing person you will probably need more money to cover your drinks and travels.

Also jobs opportunities are available for those who speak more than one language, usually you can find a part time opportunity in call center or you can work for the tourist company as a promoter.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

Very international and active, many organisation are actually competing to offer the best events for Erasmus students, such as in each university you will find an Erasmus Student Networking, most of the case you will hear about them even before coming to Budapest, their mission is generally orienting the student and helping them with the administrative papers, also organizing events and parties, they also organize trips to discover the neighbouring countries... I personally went with them to Transylvania and I really enjoyed the trip, it was better than going alone. You will not have to worry about anything, they book the hostel, the restaurant, just take your good mood and join them.

You will also find two or more than other Erasmus organization, I'll mention two here.

The first is Erasmus life Budapest, it is a very active organization, they organize at least two-party within a week and other travel plans.

The second one is Happy life Erasmus. Actually it started just this year and they are doing well. The huge number of the students that are coming to Budapest each year made them think of opening many organization to add fun to the life of the students.

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

Why would I recommend it? It is the best place I have ever been. I traveled all over Europe and I have never seen the beauty of Budapest and I have never felt the atmosphere that Budapest offer to its visitors.

Now let's talk about the universities. There are more than 20 universities in Budapest, among them BME, Corvinus and Elte. These three are the most famous ones and have the largest number of Erasmus students, and each university is known by a specific major.

If you are an engineering student I highly recommend BME, since it's the oldest and has a big reputation. For economics students you should check the Corvinus university and for law, ELTE can be a good option for you.

What is the food like?

Well for the food, I usually cook for myself or go to restaurants. I suggest you to first check on Trip Advisor, you will find really nice restaurants. Now it really depends on your budget, if you are rich I recommend to go in Andrassy street and you will find various kind of restaurant from the classy to the vegan to the fish restaurant, but the prices are relatively high comparing to the other places. Personally I like the restaurants along Raday street, reasonable prices and tasty food.

If it is cold outside and you are lazy enough to get up from your bed and buy food, you can ask for it just throught Wolt application, they will bring you what ever you ask from where ever you want.

Since you will be living in Budapest you will have to try some Hungarians dishes, like the goulash soup and langos.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Budapest?

Not really, I lived for free for a year in a huge apartment of a relative of mine. But the real estate is really increasing year after year.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

600€ amonts minimum.

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

It is kind of hard, but learning language can be something subjective. Universities usually provide free Hungarian courses to their international students.

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

Well, airplane is the best, cause Budapest has two big low cost companies Wizzair and Ryanair.

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

To the party soon, very nice bars and clubs, a walk in the city, climb to the Citadella...

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

I can not recommend any restaurant.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Visegrád, Pest and Gór.

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

Travel as much as you can, because you won't find such opportunity in the future.