Experience in Debrecen, Hungary by Istvan

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

Debrecen is a 650 years old city with roughly 200 000 inhabitants. The city is located in the heart of the "Great plains" of Hungary, in a 230 km distance of the capital, Budapest. You can reach the city either on highway, bus or train. Debrecen also has a small airport with direct (Wizz Air) flights to London and Eindhoven. If you do not want to drive local traffic is a good option in Debrecen with its 2 tram ~40 bus lines and the local taxi companies.

Debrecen is a nice and fairly calm city with several old buildings and green areas. If you want to hang out, there are many restaurants, pubs and coffees especially in the city centre.

What is the student lifestyle like in Debrecen?

There are 3 big universities in Debrecen (Medical, Scientific and Agro) with lots of foreign students (especially the Medical University is very popular). The price level of restaurants, pubs and local services are fairly low (compared to Budapest or other European cities) which make Debrecen an attractive place to live in.

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How much does it cost to live in Debrecen?

To live somewhere close to a university does not cost too much. An average 60-70 sqm apartment costs about 100 000 HUF (~320 EUR) per month plus overhead expenses (~100 EUR). If you do not like public transportation local taxi company called City Taxi offers special rate for students.

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

No, it isn't. There are many real estate agencies which are specialized for foreign students (and speak foreign languages) but if you have a Hungarian speaking friend it can even be better to look around in the Hungarian ads as well.

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

In Hungary we eat a lot of soup and for this reason you can find many kind of soups in every restaurant. If you are not vegetarian, I would suggest to try Gulyas (thick soup with lots of paprika, meat and vegetables), Fisherman's soup, Paprika chicken (one of my favourites) or stuffed cabbage (sour cabbage with meat inside). I could continue this list pages long...

What places would you recommend visiting in Debrecen?

Take a walk in the city centre, where you can find a nice place with restaurants and caffees surrounded by historical buildings, the "Great Church" and museums.

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Or, if you like nature, go to the "Big Forest" which is just beside the Scientific and the Medical University. Debrecen also has a new football stadium right beside the zoo and the "Big Forest".

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If you like SPA, you can find a good one 5 minutes away from the universities. In case you do not find it big enough, visit the SPA in Hajduszoboszlo (20 kms from Debrecen).

Going a bit further, you can visit Hortobágy (36 kms from Debrecen) where you can eat good dishes and see how people lived in the great plains

If you do not mind travelling, Budapest is a 2, 5 hours ride by Intercity train or London is a 2, 5 hours flight by plane.

If you have a car, you can travel to the mountainous regions of the country (Zemplén, Mátra, etc. ) where you can find nice places for hill climbing or biking.

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

There are several restaurants in the city centre. Some I liked were Belga, Calico Jack Pub, Csokonai restaurant, No1 Biszto, Ikon

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

There are many places around the city centre or close to the universities like Roncs bár bigger pub with lots of events, Inkognito (nice little pub), Club Chicago, etc. Taxi drivers might be able to help you to find one with special daily event

What advice would you give future students heading to Debrecen?

Come and feel well! Debrecen is a nice place to live and to study in. However, not too many speak foreign languages, you will find lots of friendly people and, as we have lots of foreign students, you will probably have the chance to meet others from your country too.