Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Dorottya

What is it like to live in Budapest? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The city is beautiful, the people are usually nice, but it's not so easy to live in Budapest. Especially compared to other Western European countries. The infrastructure is not the best here, the public transport is old and over-used, it is often late and it has technical and other problems all the time. Bureaucracy is terrible here, if you have to deal with something official, be prepared for a war.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

I think it's good to be student in Budapest. The universities are great and they have activities for the students all around the year. You can find relatively easily accommodation in the inner-city (where almost all of the universities take place). The nightlife is good, Budapest has a lot of great pubs and bars. A lot of places have discount for students (show your student ID card).

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

For everyone from Western European countries it is really cheap to live in Budapest. That is one of the reasons why tourists love to come here.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Budapest? Is there any advice you can give?

I wouldn't say it is difficult, but you should be careful, sometimes you might get tricked. (It is true for the other things in Hungary, 90% of the people here are normal, but there is always that 10%.) I would ask the university about the website where you've found the accommodation, try to ask for a Skype talk, etc. Just be a little more careful than you would be at home.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The traditional Hungarian cuisine is spicy and very delicious. My favorite is töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), but the all-time-favourite is the gulyás (goulash) of course.
We put paprika in almost every single dish, which is not the same as chili. (Paprika can be sweet too.)

What places would you recommend visiting in Budapest?

Definitely the famous "tourist places" (Buda Castle, Heroes Square, Basilica etc.) You can find these at any website about Budapest, use google.
I would definitely suggest to travel outside Budapest, because it's beautiful and cheap as well. Balaton lake or Hortobágy can be good destinations (google them).
The baths are also very well-known, you should try one of them while you're here, you'll love it after a hard night!

Is it good to eat out in Budapest? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, it is really good. Budapest has a lot of good restaurants, from the simple street-food category to five-star restaurants with traditional meals. As a student, I eat rarely in expensive restaurants, so my favorite places are: Leves. a soup bar, street food, Pasta. pasta bar, street food (owners are the same at these places). For a good breakfast I would suggest Cserpes Tejivó. But ask someone else as well, these are just my favorites.

Is the nightlife good in Budapest? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is great and alive in Budapest. You'll find crowded bars on every single day of the week all around the year (summer is especially crazy). You'll find it awesome, not just because alcohol and cigarettes are cheap, but the people are usually normal and nice. You can find cheap and good pubs and bars near these locations: Ráday street, Király street, Dohány street and of course near every university.

What advice would you give future students heading to Budapest?

First of all, read this article: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/19/travel/things-to-know-hungary/index.html?sr=sharebar_facebook
Hungarians love if you know a few things about their country. (Never ever mix Budapest with Bucharest!!)
If you have any questions don't hesitate and don't be shy, just ask your new schoolmates at the university. Young people are always nice and we always try to help foreign people! (And at the university your chances to find a person who speaks English are very high. Unfortunately not so true for older people.)