Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Orsolya

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

I lived around the world and am unbiased but I must say Budapest is one of the best places to live for students!
Life is easy and full of entertainment suited for the young. The city has two parts divided by the Danube: Buda and Pest. Buda is the quiet (but not boring) side and more upperclass, Pest is the fun side and it dictates the rhythm of the heart that keeps the city going.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

F%%g Crazy.......prepare yourself for the best time of your life.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

I would say it is a student friendly place. Costs can be maintained if you know where to go.

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

To find accommodation is not difficult, but to find a good one takes time. I can suggest you to try to ask your schoolmates or use the forums to find out which apartments are recommended by the others. Don't be afraid to ask the landlords for more information and always use googlemaps streetview application to check out the street and the house. :)
Although Budapest is a good place to live there are some parts of the city which are particularly recommended to stay:
- Inner part of the city's Eighth Distric or the so called "Palace District" (other parts of the eight district are not recommended) It is a very upcoming area with charming beautiful buildings/ palaces and cheaper flat prices. It is full of students because there are five big Universities in the area.
- Fifht district is the posh distict ( high prices in also food and accomodation) but it is beautiful and very stylish and is the CENTER of the city.
- Sixth district - the surroundings of Andrássy street.
Andrássy utca is a Unesco world heritage site and gives place to the Hungarian National Opera house and the best Brands in the world. (Very expensive living and food prices but very good nightlife around the area)
- Seventh district - Surroundings of the Synagoge- (other parts of the seven district are not recommended)
Very good nightlife, lots of ruin pubs, cheap living and good food.

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

The average Hungarian dishes are little bit heavy, but very tasty. Don't miss it! But there are all kinds if you want to stick to one type ( eg. chinese, vegetarian) you'll find what you need.

What places would you recommend visiting in Budapest?

All.

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

Exceptionally good.

What advice would you give future students heading to Budapest?

Budapest is a very controversial city. Leave your prejudice at home and come here with an open mind and a will to enjoy life. If you are ready for the experience, the city will give you everything you can imagine.