Experience in Debrecen, Hungary by Laszlo

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

Debrecen is the second biggest city of Hungary, and against what this implies, it is beautiful, clean, has many green and historic areas. It's constantly developing, in this year (2014) many new bicycle roads have been built around the city, they gave a total rework of it's famous Nagyerdő, put up a new stadium, with a really nice area around. There is a new tram line making new areas easily accessible from the city center. I would totally recommend it!

What is the student lifestyle like in Debrecen?

The city is famous of it's university. This also means, that the industry is built upon the fact that many-many students are living there, so the city is pretty student centered. You can get everything you need in the university area, and you can get to the uni from any part of the city with relative ease. There are many parties all over the year. And the foreing students have a strong community, with many places to help each outer.

How much does it cost to live in Debrecen?

If you rent a flat for yourself -which I think is the best option for accomodation now- in a high quality it comes around 5-600 euro/ month + bills (around 125 euro) and if you have a party more than a month plus eat out you can easily spend another 2-300 euro for that per month. So to have a quite careless time you would spend 1000 euro per month if you rent a modest place, and save a little on other expenses you can make it from 500 euro easily.

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

It's not difficult, there are many good flats for rent around the university, and the best parts of the city. If you are looking for a good place to start looking :) I recommend http://www.greatforest.hu/ it's the best real estate company I know who works especially with the foreign students.

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

I like hungarian food, especially the delicates. TúróRudi is something no one on Erath should miss!