Experience in Iasi, Romania by Cristian

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

Iasi is the third most poluted city in Romania, sidewalks are not for pedestrians but for cars. Working people tend to be aggressive sometimes, but the students are ok. I wouldn't recommend this city; it is dirty, full of stray dogs and homeless people. The half of the population is compound by old people that have 10 years left as maximum. The only good thing is the centrum named Pallas. It's a mall with office buildings, like a town inside a town. It looks like a whole other world. It is dangerous to go in the quarters of the city; only Copou, the Centrum and Lapusneanul are safe and pretty clean. There are some old buildings belonging to the period before WW1 and to the interwar period, but they are not well maintained and look like if they are about to fall apart.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Iasi?

It is pretty boring. In the housing from the faculty you and 4 other people live in a room of 6 square metres. Food is pretty decent, it is tasty. There are parties 24/7, but there are only a few places where you can party. The beer price range in a bar is between 1 and 3 euros for half a litre, but at the market you can get "pet" for 1. 50 euros at 2. 5 litres.

How much does it cost to live in Iasi?

It is cheap compared to Copenhagen. If you want a private room in an apartment, the rent costs 150 euros monthly with all utilities. Food costs another 100 euros monthly... so, let's say, you don't pay more than 300 euros each month. Also, the cigars cost 3-4 euros a pack, but weed costs around 20 euro a gram and this is pretty damn expensive.

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

It is very easy to find accomodation. You can try on "olx.ro" or ask to the faculty.

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

The food is pretty tasty. My favorite dish is the Haiduks Soup.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Iasi?

Palatul Culturii, Palas, Opera Nationala Romana Iasi (the opera house), University Al. I. Cuza Building A, The Filarmonic building. Acaju and Meru.

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

I don't have any favorite spot, but there are: "Bolta Rece", "Oscar", or the food court in the Palas mall.

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

"Comercial complex Stefan cel Mare", it is a conglomerate of 7 bars somwhere underground.

What advice would you give future students heading to Iasi?

If you come to Iasi, be prepared for the worst