Erasmus Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Silvia

Why did you choose to go to Budapest, Hungary?

Because I found a lot of exams similar to my Italian

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

My scholarship lasts 5 months and I receive 230€ per month from EU plus 200€ from my university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

You just have one class per week for every subject, so you have a lot of free time. Some classes are taught in a block seminar way. This means that you can do an exam after only 3/4 days of class.

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

Yes, because it offers both culture and entertainment for a cheap price.

What is the food like?

Eating outside is really cheap, you can find every kind of food in Budapest, from traditional Hungarian restaurant to chinese food, kebab and fast foods.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Budapest?

The average rent for a room in a shared flat is 300/350 € per month. University housing is really convenient: 150€ per month in a double room. My room was a bit over the average cost since it’s located in a central area.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

The supermarkets are cheaper than Italian ones and so are the restaurants, the pubs (expecially beer), the cinemas and the museums (average student ticket 3€). Other services like hairdresser or dentist are as expensive as the rest of Europe. Public transport is cheap: monthly student pass costs 11€.

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

Universities offer both free and paid Hungarian language courses, but I didn’t attend them since this language is too complicated.

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

Definitely by bus.

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

The most famous ruin pub in Budapest, Szimpla Kert.

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

Street food festivals are the best places to find good food. I recommend Langos and chimney cake!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The most beautiful attractions are the castle, Fishermen’s bastion, Mathias Church, St. Stephen’s cathedral and the Parliament.