Experience in Osijek, Croatia by Ivona

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

I would recommend living in Osijek. It's not a big town, population is around 100 000, but still it's a fourth biggest town in Croatia. It's really safe, people are friendly, there are a lot of green surfaces, bars, restaurants...

What is the student lifestyle like in Osijek?

Osijek is a students town. There is Josip Juraj University, so it's not a problem to find somebody to go out with. People usually go out in Tvrđa (historic place that is now full with bars and clubs, so everything is in one place), but house parties are also popular. And not to forget DC (which stands for "bring your own booze") parties in front of the students dorm.

There are also public libraries and University libraries in which students can study (or borrow books for home). You can live in a students dorm (there are two of them) or rent an apartment.

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How much does it cost to live in Osijek?

Osijek is not an expensive town. One recent research has shown that it is the cheapest town in Croatia. I am not sure about that, but sure is cheap when you compare it to others. It's hard to estimate, but I would say that 300 euros can be enough if you are modest in your spendings.

Apartments are usually 1500kn without bills, so if you have a roommate, that's 750 plus bills, around 1000kn per person. Students dorms are a lot cheaper, of course. And you can eat cooked meal (soup, main dish, salad, cake, drink) in an university campus for about 15kn. Just for a comparison, pizza in a restaurant is around 30kn.

Besides, monthly pass for train and buses for students is around 80kn, whereas Coffee is 7-9kn and beer around 10kn.

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

It's not difficult, but I can see how it can be for Erasmus students who don't want to live in a students dorm, but would like to rent an apartment, because I am not sure that there is a Web page on English where landlords put their apartments. I would advice that you talk with your Erasmus buddy about that, I am sure he would help you.

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

Food in Osijek is great! It's actually really delicious in all parts of Croatia. Croatians love to eat good. But when you come to Osijek, you have to try fiš (if you like fish), čobanac (if you like meat) and of course ćevapi (also a meat).

Croatians really eat everything, from vegetable, fruits and fish to meat, pastries etc. So there is something for everybody. You won't be hungry, that's for sure.

And also, we have little specialized stores called pekara/pekarnica in which you can buy bread and all sort of things like that (great for breakfast). I think that other countries don't have something like that. Try burek, you'll love it!

What places would you recommend visiting in Osijek?

I recommend visiting the historic Tvrđa, the museums, the galleries, the walkway by the river, the parks, and the town centre.

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

It's great to eat out. My favourite restaurants are Rustika, Karaka, Lipov Hlad (especially for pizza). If you would like to eat on a boat which is on the river Drava, there are Galija and El Paso.

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

It's good. I have already written everything in the students life section.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Osijek?

You don't have to worry about anything, Croats are great and friendly people (and good in English, which is important for Erasmus students) and will help you if need anything. Just enjoy your stay and have fun!