Experience in Budapest, Hungary by Shabeeb

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

A comfortable, attractive and lively city to live in. Offers plenty of attractions and sites to hang-out at. The classic and preserved architecture of the city is quite impressive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Budapest?

A lot and I mean a lot of stuff and activities to do for students. So much that sometimes you lose track of whats going on and what you are missing. From what I have experienced, Budapest receives a lot of Exchange students from a varied backgrounds every semester and that makes up for a very multi-cultural experience as well. Overall, a great experience.

How much does it cost to live in Budapest?

One of the best things about this city is that you can live very decently in an affordable manner. Accommodation, groceries, transportation etc are all affordable.

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

I found an amicable place very close to my university in a matter of couple of days after I arrived here. So, I believe there are plenty of options to find a place according to your requirement as a student. The best place to start are Facebook pages/groups and also you can simply google about places to rent and find plenty of options and then short-list them and contact the owners or estate agency and setup a time to look at the place and simply decide on your choice. Make sure to read the contract or have it translated in English or other language you prefer if you don't know Hungarian before signing it.

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

You can find all kind of cuisines and Hungarian food is also pretty good to try. You will be satisfied with the quality of the food as well. Budapest has a very intense cafe culture and it won't let you down.

What places would you recommend visiting in Budapest?

Start with the major attractions like Heroes Square, Buda Castle, Maragrit Island, Gellert Hill, Parlaiment building, St. Istvan Basilica and Budapest zoo. This city is also unique in the fact that it offers some great thermal baths some of which are open round the year, the best would be Schezenyi bath. It also has some great Museums and art galleries worth exploring.

What advice would you give future students heading to Budapest?

Study hard but party harder. Enjoy your experience of Budapest and also try to go and see other places within Hungary like Lake Balaton and also use this opportunity to explore other neighboring countries if time and finance permits you.