Experience in Ljubljana, Slovenia by Petra

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

Live in Ljubljana is okay - but live in Slovenia it's awesome. You can be from mountains to sea in just 2 hrs. Ljubljana is in the middle of both (mountains and sea) so you can take a look for some cultural heritage and then go on. I would definitely recommended, because I think that this city is made for students. In the center of Ljubljana are tree bridges and underneath is river Ljubljanica. By the river you have million of coffee shops and restaurants... We have really good beer.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ljubljana?

We have this awesome law that every student must to eat and so we have so-called student subsidy, where you can go to every restaurant which accept so-called student vouchers (which you get on your phone when you are enrolled on university). So, let's say that some meal cost 5€, but you show your ID and voucher on your phone and you will only pay 2, 37€. The difference (2, 63€) pays the state. And this also applies to foreign students. Pretty cool? Otherwise lifestyle is pretty cool, you have this awesome place which is called Metelkova, where every day are concerts or some other events where you can meet people. You bring your own booze and just hanging there till the dawn. Or you have some other clubs where you can party all night. I really like one where is around 50 different type of coctails. It's called Skelet (skeleton) and they have skeleton all over the place (plastic ones of course).

How much does it cost to live in Ljubljana?

Ljubljana is like all other European cities. Prices for apartament with all cost are from 200€ - 500€ depending on what you want. Food is pretty cheap (I mentioned student subsidy before), but also food in store isn't expensive. In coffee shops, coffee is around 1. 30€ and latte macchiato is 1. 80€. Transport (bus) with monthly ticket costs around 20€ (and you can use it indefinitely).

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

You have this student hostels near every school. If you are thinking about studying in Ljubljana you should check this link http://www.studentskidom-lj.si/eng

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

The food is okay, Slovenes in general we have a lot of 'dishes on spoon' - like 'golaž' which is some kind of meat&creamy brown soup which you eat with bread or 'polenta' (corn meal boiled into a porridge). We also have 'potica' which is a desert and it's made of dough and walnut-raisins stuffing. I like potica. But in general I prefer Mexican food. Tortillas are awesome! And we have some really good Mexican restaurantes here. Cantina Mexicana is the best!

What places would you recommend visiting in Ljubljana?

The first one is definitely Ljubljana's castle. From there you can see the whole city. It's specially nice in the night when all city lights came up. Next are three bridges in the center, and shopping in the old part of Ljubljana. If you like to hanging with people you should visit Metelkova, and if you are a bit fancy you should go to Circus (yes it's a club). You shouldn't miss coffee and cake in confectionery 'Zvezda' and you must try some good Slovenian wines in pub 'Dvorni bar' or 'Nebotičnik'. With my friends we often go to 'Pub pod Skalco' where is a really nice atmosphere.

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

I don't like much Slovenian food, but chinese and mexican here are delicious. Like I said Cantina mexicana is good, so it's Joe Penas (also mexican) and they are both in the center. Chinese is a bit far from center (Ljubljana-Rudnik or Ljubljana-BTC) in shopping center and you need to go there by bus. But it's fantastic and it's 'All you can eat' type of restaurants. If you want pizza the one really good is in 'Ljubljanski dvor' and if like kebab, we have one a couple of meters from Ljubljanski dvor.

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

Nightlife in Ljubljana is great. Like I said, if you are more free-spirit Metelkova is place for you, for those who like to chat with friends all night I recommend 'Pub pod Skalco' or maybe go to one of those pubs by the Ljubljanica river. If you want to dance all night on music that is currently played on the radio go to 'Skelet', 'Cirkus' or 'Top' (hint; 'Skelet' is free enterance, 'Cirkus' and 'Top' aren't). And best of all, near all this clubs there is always a food so when you came out, you can eat something and go back home a little more sober (we all know how hungry we are by some amount of alcohol).

What advice would you give future students headed to Ljubljana?

You will enjoy here, have a great time and meet a lot of new friends. And if you don't believe me check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WpjGSsZTfE

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