Erasmus Experience in Maribor, Slovenia by Jitka

Why did you choose to go to Maribor, Slovenia?

Being a Czech, we have very similar culture with Slovenes. They are very hospitable, outgoing, lively. I generally like to spend free time in the countryside, I like mountain and forest walks, so that was also a reason why I chose Maribor. It's surrounded by beautiful nature. Also, the cost of living is much lower than the capital and lower compared to western Europe.

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

This depends entirely on your home university (and country you are from), also it is different every year. My programme was for 5 months and I had scholarship for those 5 months. I was receiving 322 euros monthly.

What is the student lifestyle like in Maribor?

It is much more relaxed than at my home university. I studied Fine Art Education. We had long periods of one subject, so in the morning we would have one subject and in the afternoon another one. We had many coffee breaks in between. The teachers were very open and encouraging, there were less distant than I am used to. I had enough free time to spend with other students.

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

Yes, definitely, but it depends what is your field of study and what experience you are looking for. If you wish to broaden your knowledge and work on your future career, I would recommend to go some place north. If you would like to enjoy student life and get to know interesting people and a beautiful country, go to Slovenia.

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What is the food like?

Very tasty. It's a mix of Italian, Austrian, and Balkan flavours and dishes. Excellent pizza, tomatoes and pepper dishes, sweet cakes and amazing pumpkin oil in salads. There is a great system for student alimentation (meals): each student gets coupons for each day and can use them in the local restaurants. This way, one day you can eat chinese or italian pizza, other day traditional Slovene cuisine. It's up to you. The meals are very cheap.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Maribor?

No, I found the accommodation myself online (Nepremicnine), you just need to translate few words via Google translator. The student dorms were being renovated when I was in Maribor, so I chose to stay in an apartment with my friend from my home university.

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How much does it cost to live in Maribor?

I lived in an apartment not far from the city center and from school, it was a two-bedroom apartment. I shared my room with another girl and there were two guys in the other room. The costs were 100€+35€ per month in shared room, if alone in the room 150€+50€. I am not sure what the cost of the student dorms was.

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

Yes, there is a course for Erasmus students offered by the school. Also there is an option to take an intensive language course before the program starts. This is organised by Erasmus. For Czech or other Slavic languages speaking students it is not hard to get used to the language and learn to communicate. For other speakers, it might be quite difficult.

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

Easiest and most economical is definitely taking a car with other students. I took train, which is also comfortable and affordable.

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

There are two very active international student organisations which organise parties, games, sport events, and trips every week or even more times in a week. Orientation week is held to help you find your way around. I recommend going to Latino Jam Party in a local dance school "Center Jam" (Miklavčeva 7), they have open classes each week for public.

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

My favorite place for lunch was nearby the train station, street Minska Ulica, on the right just at the big crossroad when you go from Partizanska street, it's quite hidden, but the cook is very good and creative and the food is very cheap. For coffee I liked Barista coffee shop and for tea I recommend a tearoom "čajnica Čajek".

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Stara trta - museum and winery with oldest vine in the world. Wine tasting is held regularly. If the weather is nice, a nearby hill called St. Urban is worth the visit. It's about 8km hike and there is a beautiful view from the hill as well as a restaurant with local cuisine and wine.

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

While you are in Maribor, you should definitely visit other places in Slovenia. The travelling is cheap, you can rent a car with other students. The Bled lake is magical, as well as Julian Alps, Karst region, Bohinj lake or the coast - namely Piran.

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