Experience in Osijek, Croatia by Ivan

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

Osijek is fourth largest city in Croatia with a population of 107, 784 in 2011. Osijek is the cultural, economic and industrial centre of the eastern Croatian region called Slavonia. There are a lot of beautiful buildings, parks, museums you should visit. People are kind, helpful and open. There are about 20000 students in Osijek. Young population is well educated and everyone speaks English.

What is the student lifestyle like in Osijek?

Numerous events take place in the city throughout the year such as Beerfest ("Dani piva"), Pannonian Challenge, UrbanFest, the Day of the City of Osijek... Open-air parties for students are often organized in front of dorm, as well as open-air cinema. There are student restaurants which are really cheap (one menu costs around 1. 5 € and it includes soup, meal, desert, drink and salad). You can also visit rural places near Osijek. There are organized trips by bus on wine festivals and some other festivals.

How much does it cost to live in Osijek?

Croatia is a cheap country. Food in restaurant, drink in clubs and pubs, tickets for cinema, almost everything is pretty cheap. For example two tickets for cinema costs around 40 kn or 6€, while a cup of coffee is less then 1€. Taxi service for under 5 km costs 20 kn (3€).

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

It is not difficult at all. Private accommodation is not expensive. You can find a one bedroom flat to rent in Osijek for about 150€ per month. Also, there are dorms with even cheaper prices (cca 90€ per month). In my opinion the best location in Osijek is Sjenjak because it is close to the Campus and you do not need a public transport.

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

Food is great! We all prefer our national food such as "sarma", "kulen", "fiš", "čobanac" and many others. You can find these meals in every single restaurant (some restaurants: Javor, Kod Ruže, Makedonka, Zeleni val, Waldinger, Slavonska kuća... ).

What places would you recommend visiting in Osijek?

The European Avenue, the Croatian National Theatre, the Museum of Slavonia, the main square (Trg Ante Starčevića), Tvrđa (the 18th century Baroque citadel), the Co-cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, the promenade along the river Drava and the suspension pedestrian bridge over Drava are the most important sights in the city. You should also visit the Municipal Park of King Petar Krešimir IV and the Tomislav Park which are protected national landmarks. You should definitely visit Kopacki Rit located a few minutes from the city of Osijek.

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

The most restaurants, pubs and clubs are located in Baroque citadel Tvrđa which gives a special atmosphere. As I said everything is affordable. I recommend clubs: Tufna, Old Bridge Pub, Coctail Barka, Bastion, Matrix, Fort Pub, Gold Bar.

What advice would you give future students heading to Osijek?

Come to Osijek, you won't regret! You will experience great parties, nice people and beautiful promenade ideal for long walks and cycling!