Erasmus Experience in Cluj-Napoca, Romania by Camila

Why did you choose to go to Cluj-Napoca, Romania?

It wasn't my first choice, as I study Translation and Interpretation and initially there were other destinations that seemed more interesting (although there's more to Cluj-Napoca than it seems). But I don't regret having chosen it at all. The culture and the country itself were a big motivation for choosing to come to Cluj.

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

Currently, the grant will last for 7 months. Romania belongs to group 3, so you get €200 a month. If you got a grant from the ministry the year prior, you get an extra €100 a month.

I was there for a term and I got €1, 300. I got 80% of it when I arrived and the remaining 20% when I got back to Spain. (I got my full grant)

What is the student lifestyle like in Cluj-Napoca?

The student lifestyle is incredible. There's a huge amount of students and even more Erasmus students. It's one of the best cities in Romania to go for your Erasmus. And I've spoken to other people who've been on Erasmus in other Romanian cities, Cluj is the best one.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Cluj-Napoca to other students?

Yes, without a shadow of a doubt.

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What is the food like there?

Their diet is based on soups and meat with vegetables. But, like in any city, they have all different kinds of food.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Cluj-Napoca?

The university gives you a lot of help finding accommodation. Each university usually has its own residence attached. Personally, I was at the Universitatea Babes-Bolyai and they gave me a place in the Hasdeu residence (€38 a month).

For the first few days, before you can get into the residence, there are lots of well-priced hostels in the city centre (€9-10 a night).

How much does it cost to live in Cluj-Napoca?

You can get by perfectly on €200/300 a month, including the residence. But you have to bear in mind that we're students and people on Erasmus and we go all out...

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

As it's a Romance language, you can understand it quite easily. It has its difficult bits, like any other language.

The Babes-Bolyai offers Romanian courses for Erasmus students. I attended a course while I was there and I took a final exam.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Cluj-Napoca from your home city?

The airline Wizzair is the cheapest way to travel there, plus they fly from quite a lot of Spanish cities.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Cluj-Napoca?

Janis, Euphoria, Phi18, Revolution...

The cloakroom in the clubs is free and it's a great help.

And to eat in Cluj-Napoca? What are some of your favourite places to go?

Casa Vikinglors, Bulgakov, the Irish place near the Uniri (they do great hamburgers! ), etc.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

It's a pretty big city, but the most touristy area is the city centre. I would 100% recommend visiting the outskirts of Cluj and Romania itself.

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Cluj-Napoca in the future?

You can't go with any prejudices about Romania. Everyone has some in the beginning, but don't let it influence you when you're choosing where to go. Romania is beautiful, it has a lot of places to visit and some incredible landscapes. It has been the best experience for me and there was a lot to see in the city.