Experience in Kosice, Slovakia by Denisa

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

Košice is my home, but I will try to be objective despite this:) Historical center is the biggest Unesco city reservation, people are very open and vivid, very kind towards strangers and tourists. In terms of gastronomy, restaurants are rather the same, except for some specialized in e. g. Polish cuisine (Med Malina), Thai (Sushi Bamboo) or Indian (Little India), etc., but the traditional Slovak restaurant I miss. There are opportunities to eat fast food as everywhere (mostly pizza slices for 0, 50 - 1, 00 €) or one can economically and tasty eat in the modern school mensa in the downtown. Eastern Slovakia is definitely rich in culture and entertainment, range scale of music, concerts and exhibitions - we have creative people here:) Public transport is quite ok, the only limitation is that the tram line is currently under construction, thus the most of the downtown lines are changed. What I miss, is the bike rental for students, but the weak side is also the lack or the minimum of cycle pavements. Weather is as in every central european country - 4 seasons, but Košice is unique for it´s northern wind. Be prepared for that!

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Kosice?

Chilled, students are very open and talkative, willing to help :) don´t be afraid to ask anything!

How much does it cost to live in Kosice?

Well, compared to some other western EU cities, Košice offers quite luxurious prices for students, it´s very very very affordable. In everything, from food to entertainment, all the more - use your student isic discount wherever possible.

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

I changed several appartments via portals like Bazos, where usually you are given the contact for the real estate agent. I´m not sure about their English skills, but one has to try. Campuses are quite easy to get, all the more, the coordinators almost everytime manage the stuff already prepared for the incoming students.

Source

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

I love to eat, I enjoy great Italian food which is accessible here as well as the Thai cuisine in sushi bars or the Polish heavy home-like dishes :) Traditional SK combination is meat (pork, beaf, chicken) with potatoes or rice or dumplings, poured with some delicious sauce. It depends what one likes, you can easily find everything from diet fish to bloaty sauerkraut with crispy bacon :)

What places would you recommend visiting in Kosice?

Compulsory ride is the St. Elisabeth´s Cathedral, the best choice is to pay the minimal cost for the lady guide, who puts down all the data in an interesting and funny way. Museum of the executioner Mikloš is also very interesting, right next to the Rodošto´s replica. For going out, definitely Tabačka (hipsterish and lovely staff! ).

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

• The best Polish soup called žurek - Med Malina restaurant
• The freshest Italian food (thou a bit expensive) - Ristorante Italiano XXIV
• The best sushi and Asian cuisine - Bamboo, Grace

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

Tabačka - check out the programme, they organize not only concerts, but interesting lectures or jam sessions

Source

What advice would you give future students heading to Kosice?

Don´t be afraid of the city´s size, it´s small, but home-y. It´s beautiful in spring and chilled in summer. Romantic in autumn and during Xmas :)Just don´t be afraid to speak out, if not English, even clumsy Slovak would make us melt! Enjoy!