Erasmus Experience in Ljubljana, Slovenia by Mihaela

Source

Why did you choose to go to Ljubljana, Slovenia?

First, because it is a capital city. Second, because I had not so many options for an Erasmus place. Third, because I knew that Slovenia is clean, cozy and a safe country.

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

It is 4 months and 1/2, so, 1 semester. They gave me 500 euros per month, but in my case I also spent more than another 500 euros on transport to come here and go back home, on papers to be translated to obtain the Erasmus.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ljubljana?

I believe it is cool and safe. If you want just to study, you have lots of libraries. If you want to have fun, you can go twice a week in a club. People are friendly, many speak English and walking on the streets at any hour is ok. I am a girl, this is important for me.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Ljubljana to other students?

Definitely. The city is small, by comparison with other capitals in Europe, but it offers you a normal, modern and not so expensive living. The university is of high standards, the professors are serious, but also friendly. Until now, no Erasmus in here complained to me that lectures are not ok, everyone seems to enjoy the experience.

Source

What is the food like?

I am not a big eater, but soups and pizzas are really good. However, all students say that the menus are of best quality. A big advantage for us is that all students can use that Bonus meals, meaning you have discounts for meals when you are a student. If you order something for 5-6 euros and you pay just 2. 60 euros, I believe this is cool. I usually do my shopping in Mercator and Lidl and I go to restaurant just when I really need something cooked.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ljubljana?

No, I played with destiny. I booked 2 nights in a hostel and I asked the person on the reception desk for an advice about finding a room for 4 months. Luckily, the hostel was able to offer me a room for the whole semester. I liked the room, I thought that I can afford to pay 250 euros per month with everything included. So I do pay half of my income just for the room, but I survive with the rest and I do not feel unhappy. Student life means student standard, not fancy life.

How much does it cost to live in Ljubljana?

If you have 500 euros for both room and food and fun, is pretty ok. I drink my coffee in the room, I go out once per week, I try to behave smart. If you want to live high standards, maybe you should have like 700 euros. If you like beer and smoking, I do not know... put another 100 euros more for this.

Source

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

Yes, you can have a course like this, but I was not interested in. I guess that if you know the days of the week and what is "vhod" (entrance door), for me is quite enough. Slovenian does not resemble my language at all, so I decided to use my English and smile a lot. It works, everybody is helpful if you have a question.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Ljubljana from your city?

From Iasi to here are more than 2000 km. I have a direct bus (Romania-Italy, meaning from Iasi to Trieste). The bus left me next to Ljubljana, I called a taxi and it was just 10 euros to pay. From my city to here you travel 22 hours and you pay 70-90 euros for one way. Actually, I do not have alternatives, by plane is really expensive (250-300 euros for one way) and you do not have direct flight. By train is really complicated, you do not pay so much, also like 80-90 euros, but you have to exchange trains 5 times and the trip lasts 36 hours!

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Ljubljana?

Definitely, Metelkova garden (with its 5 different clubs, with alternative style music, friendly people and cheap drinks). Another place I like is Skeleton club where many parties for Erasmus have been organized by the Student Organization.

Source

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Ljubljana?

I like the Mexican restaurant next to Kino Siska. It is not cheap, let's say mid-budget, but it is elegant and with nice Latino music. You feel there like a spoiled one.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The City Museum, the Castle, Plecnik house, the National Museum...do not forget about Tivoli park and walking along the romantic river crossing the city.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Ljubljana in the future?

If you can afford, take a bus and go to see Bled lake (2 hours by bus, like 20 euros including both directons). Also, go and visit the seaside of Slovenia (3 hours by bus, I do not know the prices, but I think it is not more than 30 euros both ways). Trips are a must to do when you are an Erasmus, so just find motivation to get out from your comfort zone!

Source