Experience in Rijeka, Croatia by Patricia

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

Rijeka is port city and student city. Unfortunately, not so much peopele (young people) in it except during college time..this is the time of parties and social gatgerings. During summer, it is mostoy cultural events on outside. But Rijeka has sea and beaches all around, so time can be used well. And places around are not so far (easily reached with car or bus) and real summer days are there.
Rijeka is not city you would choose to move in and have a fresh start in your life but it has something that, when you get here - studies, work, travel - makes you feel welcomed. It is the city of many coultures and life styles, people all around world can be seen in it. At the beginning, you won't be so amazed but at the end you'll probably find exactly what you were looking for

What is the student lifestyle like in Rijeka?

There are many colleges in Rijeka...so by that, many styles and different people who have their "way of life". You can find almost everything...rock, dance, electro, techno, '80, '90, old factories, small cafes, tunnles...for young, for older, for quiet and for loud.
Students are life of the city. There is even campus with student dormsa and students restorant.

How much does it cost to live in Rijeka?

Most to spend is on accommodation. The cheapest is student dorms. But, there are not so many rooms for all the students. So "first in,first served"...among other conditions. After that is renting rooms/apartments. Mostly people have roomates to split the cost of living. Ofcourse...bigger prices in the city, smaller around the city. Utility bills can be lower if "living wisely"...there is lower and higher electricity cost during day, ect.
Food is preety much cheap, except during some festivals, occasions, than for same dish, higher price. Clothes can be find cheap if you watch for sales.

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

It is...
Well, not so much place it self as what kind of place it is, where it is and how much does it cost.
Advice is to start early, before start of semester or at the end of it...so, practically during summer, or end of it. Most places will be empty and you can arrange everything.
But you could find somethig at any time :)

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

Food is amazing. From fast food locals, over sea food to mexican food.
Students have theri restorant and food is preety good.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rijeka?

Stari grad (Old city) in center with its monuments and local cafes
Trsatska gradina
Planetarium
Beaches (Pećine, Kantrida)
Walking trough city - Trsat, Kantrida, Terminal
Away places - Opatija, Lovran, Ika, Ičići, Kostrena, island of Krk
More away...Fužine, mountain Platak and Učka

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

Where ever ther is music. :)
There are few places strictly for nightlife but during weekend everything can become place for party.
You have Pogon kulture, Ex port, Crkva, Život, boat Marina, Boonker, Tunel, Klub Mladih. Cafes such as Cukar i Caffe, Dnevni boravak, River pub (karaoke place), Rakija bar, Bačva, Beertija...just some of the places.

Festivals such as Hartera, Student day festival, Internationa Carnival Parade.

What advice would you give future students heading to Rijeka?

Give it a chance.
Explore. Meet other people. Find what are you looking for. It could be one of the greatest parts of your life. ;)