Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Milan

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

I chose Budapest due to some unlike circumstances at first. I didn't have any other choice to go for exchange except Budapest. I had four choices to go for exchange Berlin, Vienna, Bologna and Budapest. Among them I didn't have a desire to acquire exchange degree from same country so no Berlin and Bologna didn't offering any courses in summer term. And Vienna is not very easy to afford, so the final choice was Budapest.

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

I had a scholarship for the entire semester. However it wasn't much. I was getting merely 180 euros per month.

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

I would strongly recommend Budapest University and city too. A career oriented University, unexceptionally beautiful landscape, good recreational places and amazing party places.

what's the food like?

I hadn't tried Hungarian food honest due to my vegetarian attitude and Hungarian food is well known for non-vegetarian. However I have tasted during my exchange semester I must say it was mouth watering foods. According to my peers, goulash soup must be an authentic food to be tasted.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Budapest?

Actually not, I was looking for room on the Internet. There are lots of site and community working on internet who are guiding about accommodation. I would recommend to search on Facebook community. But please be aware and gather all needed information before paying money.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

It entirely depends on where we are living. For example, if you are living in University dorm then it probably costs less than 150 euro/month. Moreover, if you are living in Pest site then it might cost more than Buda site. Normal rent which is being taken is around 200 euros for a room.

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

Honestly, I don't think Hungarian language is that much easy to learn and not even necessary to survive in Budapest as most people can speak English or at least can understand you. Universities have special courses for those people who would like to learn Hungarian.

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

I must say train is more economical to travel from my city. Travelling by train has it additional advantage of carrying more luggage. However you can also find very cheap transport in car sharing which has become very common nowadays.

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

There are lots of places which I would recommend to go out for night. First Szimpla, one of most attractive place and hub for international people. You should start you night from Szimpla and then go to Dobozz which is very close to Szimpla and no entry fees (at least not in week time and girls you don't need to worry about entry fees). And night spend in Citadell is something that everybody should need to experience while staying in Budapest. There are lot more places to enjoy your night out like open terrace Corvintető.

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

I would recommend Zeller Bisto as the best restaurant.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Budapest holds tremendous cultural beauty.

• Fisherman's Bastion,
• Castle hill
• Buda castle,
• Hero's square,
• Citadella,
• Memento Park.

This are some of most fascinating cultural sites.

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