Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Olina

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

I had some friends who were already studying there. They told me nice things about Budapest, so I decided to go there.

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

5 months / 320€

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

It depends on the school I guess.

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

Of course, ELTE is one of the best universities in Budapest and the city is amazing!

What is the food like?

The traditional hungarian dishes I've tried were really nice. But generally, the food was okay for me, because there are lots of turkish and persian restaurants and I love their cuisine.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Budapest?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

It depends on how much money you wanna spend. In general, Budapest is a cheap city. The only expensive thing is renting a room or a flat. But again, it depends on the area you wanna live, if you live with other people.. I think if you find a flat for three or more people, the rent will be fine.

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

There are language courses, but in my Department no, so I haven't learnt any Hungarian during my studies there. But from my experience when I was hearing Hungarians talking and from a few things some Hungarian friends showed me, their language is really difficult.

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

By plane, if you book the tickets soon enough. But the time I had to travel from Greece to Budapest there weren't any flights, so I used the bus which was 80€ one way and the trip was really exhausting.

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

Definetely at Szimpla Bar !

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

I don't remember the names, but turkish and persian restaurants were nice.
I only remember the greek restaurants, Dionysos taverna in Belgrad Rakpart and Taverna Rembetiko in Fovam ter.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Thermal baths, the bridges, caves, parks, monuments of art, the Opera, the Buda Castle, Citadella, Fisherman’s Bastion, Hungarian National Museum, the Parliament and St. Stephen's Basilica Church.

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

Explore every corner of this city, it has an endless beauty!