Erasmus in Ljubljana by Jeanne

Why did you choose to go to Ljubljana, Slovenia?

I didn't know much about Ljubljana and Slovenia in general before, but when I looked for informations I found all that I needed: a beautiful city of human size (you can go everywhere by bike! ), in a country full of different and amazing landscapes, in the middle of Europe: the perfect destination to travel!

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

I have the Erasmus scholarship: around 2500€ for 10 months. I also have one from my hometown region: around 1000€ for the whole year.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ljubljana?

In Medicine I have classes especially in the morning so I have the afternoon to enjoy the city and to study (yes, we also have to! ). You have some Erasmus-nights: Monday in Parlament and Thursday in Skeleton or Compañeros, but you have also a lot of other pubs/bars/clubs to go out when you want!

The food and drink are cheap, I mean cheaper than in France! In general it costs 3€ for 0. 5L of beer.

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

Yes definitely, it's a nice and quiet city, but it also turns very active at night! Also the cultural life is good: there is always something going on here: exhibitions, culinary festival, music, sightseeing tours...

What is the food like?

Slovenia has a special subvention for meals for students : you can get a complete menu (soup, salad, dish, fruit) in a lot of regular restaurants for only 2 to 5€... that's awesome to meet your friends. You will choose between Slovenian, Italian, Asian, Mexican food and so on!

But I will not lie, almost nobody is actually eating traditional food!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ljubljana?

It was very simple for me as I choose to live in student dormitories. You only have to tell it when you apply for university and they will help you.

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How much does it cost to live in Ljubljana?

I live in a double room (it is the common thing in Ljubljana) in the dormitories: we have 2 rooms with 2 beds and we only share the kitchen and bathroom with us 4. The rent is 120€ per month.

You can have a double room and share the kitchen and bathroom with all your floor for 100€.

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

Slovene was quite difficult to learn for me, and if you don't follow language courses it's impossible to understand! I advise you to take the 3 weeks of Slovene courses at the beginning of the semester, you will have the basis and be able to speak in restaurants/shops, it's really useful! Also this is where you will meet a lot of your future friends.

But my classes are in English, thankfully. Here young people speak good English, for the older it depends: usually in the offices they don't make an effort...

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

By plane, bus, or car if you are not alone!

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

There are a lot of different places: Parlament is for Erasmus nights, Metelkova is a really original place where you have to go! Also Zoo, Cutty Sark, Pritljice...

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You also have clubs like Top Six, Cirkus, Skeleton and Compañeros for Erasmus too.

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

• Skuhna for all-over-the-world food;
• Skyscraper (Neboticnik) for eating with a nice view on the city;
• Dabuda, Thaï Inn Pub and the Wok for Asian food;
• Foculus and Parma for pizzas;
• Joe Peña's and Cantina Mexicana for Mexican food;
• Vodnikov Hram and Druga Violina for Slovene.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Metelkova, the Castle, all of the museums, the opera/theater, the zoo.

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

Come to Ljubljana! You will never regret it and I know some student who prolonged their stay because they really love their student life here. Try to live in the center and to follow the Slovene language courses before the beginning of your academic year.

Don't forget to travel!