Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Natalia

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

Because I had heard that it's quite cheap and I liked the subjects offered by my University (BGF).

How long did you go for? How much grant did you recieve?

I went to Budapest on the 5th of September and stayed there until the 30th of January. I received about 250-290 euros per month, although the first 80% of the grant didn't arrive until November, and the rest came when I returned to Spain.

What's the student life like in Budapest?

Amazing. Generally speaking the people were nice, although it depended on the class, and I often found that those in the first year of their degree were nicer than those who had almost finished.

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

Completely. I would go back without a doubt.

What is the country's food like?

Cheap and there's a wide variety available.

Did you struggle to find accomodation in Budapest?

Not really. I stayed with my friend for 3 days in a hostel during which time we went to the universities, got various telephone contacts and called around until we found an appartement we liked. We didn't have to stay for much longer in the hostel, but for some people it did take a little longer.

The city by night

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

About 400-500 euros a month. You'll generally need to spend about 500 euros on an appartment and bills. Also, factor in any trips you are bound to make..

How is the language? Did you take a language course at the University?

Hungarian is very diffcult, but you can manage by speaking English there. Many people speak English and if you learn how to say the basics; hello, good day, how much is.... you should have no problem. And yes, the University had a Hungarian course - if your University offers a language course, I recommend you do it, it's always a good idea.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Budapest from your city?

I took the train from Valencia to Barcelona and we flew with Wizzair; it was the cheapest option (130€) and we could take 32 kg of luggage, compared to Ryanair's 20kg allowance.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Budapest?

The city is great for nights out. On Mondays Morrison's 2... you can't go wrong with that - 3 Beers for 500 florines, an Erasmus student atmosphere - it's great.

Also Corvinteto, a dubstep place, is great. It's packed on Wednesdays. It's also amazing at the weekends. It has a terrace overlooking Blaha Lujza. My favourite place in Budapest.

Then there's Doboz, A38 (the best New Years Eve of my life), Szimpla's hamburgers.... and many more.

For cheap beer go to Andersen Pub, at the Harminsketesek stop - tram 4-6 (I can't remember how it's spelt, nor how to pronounce it! ).

The nights out in Budapest always start out in the apartments before heading out to the clubs.

THe bar A38 is on a barge!

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Corvinteto club

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What's food like in Budapest? Can you tell us your favourite places?

My favourite place was a restaurant in Raday Utca street, next to Kalvin Tér square. They had everything, from (very cheap) pizzas, to typical hungarian dishes and all very affordable. When friends and family came to visit me we would always go there to eat.

Also, all the Erasmus students were obsessed with the kebab shops in Kalvin Tér Square, which were tremendous. A word of advice, if you have a Tesco supermarket nearby, buy from there. It's cheaper than the Spar supermarket. Try the goulash and 'langos'. And be careful with pálinka (a type of Hungarian brandy)!

What cultural sites are there?

The city is lovely. On the Buda side, there's the views from the fortress, the castle, the fishing boats, when it snows it's beautiful as well... and on the Pest side of the city, which is also nice, you have the parlimentary buildings, Octagon, the basilica, the Kerepesi cemetery... there is so much to see. And the people are generally friendly, although you will always end up meeting some characters there. But go, overall it's a great way of life.

Do you have any advice to give to future Budapest students?

I advise you get to know the city in depth. It's a fabulous city, full of wonderful people. Make the most of your Erasmus, go out to the parties, but don't forget that you are here to go to University and sometimes you do need to study. And get to know people... create your family there. Seriously though, I had some of the best experiences of my life there. The people you meet, the places you discover, the things that you do during your time there will never be forgotten. It has been a year since my Erasmus first begun, and whenever I think back or look at the photos, it brings a smile to my face. It is a unique and once in a lifetime experience and even more so when you spend it in a city like Budapest.