Experience in Rijeka, Croatia by Patrik

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

Rijeka is a city once known for its industry, now it's more about students. You can meet a lot of young people, but the city for itself, is not providing so much stuff for the students really. The city is not so big, and its position is on a half way between beautiful land of Istria, and our main city-Zagreb. In one hand, Rijeka can be very interesting for international students because of the beautiful landscape but I wouldn't recommend it. For example, Prague is a lot cheaper than Rijeka, and also 1000x more interesting!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Rijeka?

Most of the student are lazy, probably because of its weather...It is very confusing because it can change from sun to rain in 1 hour.

That's probably because of mountain Ućka that "collects" the clouds in one place and throws the rain at us... When there is a sun, people are also shining.

I guess you don't have a lot of things to do.

How much does it cost to live in Rijeka?

You can easily find an apartment in Rijeka, and the prices are between 250 euros (apartment for one person) and 400 euros (bigger ones, usually for at least 2 students)... for example, I live with 2 friends and we found apartment 3 min far away (by walking) from my faculty and the price is 300e, but dont expect that.. this is like a perfect situation!

Rijeka has 3 or 4 students restaurants so you will probably save some money eating there... (for 1 meal you usually pay from 1, 50 euro to 2 euro! ).

If you go to other restaurants to it, you will spend a lot, but don't worry, at least the food in Rijeka is pretty good.

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

It is not difficult to find accommodation, but you will probably have to go and see apartment by yourself and you will probably find one for you after you see couple of them.. You can find informations on the internet, just go to page NJUSKALO and write "Stan Rijeka" (apartment Rijeka).

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

Food in Croatia is really really good. At least its better than the food in other countries. Dont trust me, try it!

Try eating our ham (word in Croatian "pršut", you say it like prshoot), olive oil, wine.

After going out you should probably try "burek", that's something like a pie with meat or cheese. We eat it all the time, not before 5 am!

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If you are eating in restaurants, you can choose random food. Everything is quite good.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rijeka?

There are not so many places to visit, but you can go to Trsatska Gradina and have a wonderful view from the hill.

Also, Opatija is near (30 min by bus)and it is known for its beautiful nature.

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

My favourite restaurant there is Tarsa, located on Trsat (part of the city, 15 minutes by bus). They make a lot of traditional food and you can check what Croatia has to offer to you!

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

I guess there are about 3-4 good clubs that you can go to, but also dont expect to go out if it isn't Friday or Saturday...

Crkva, Karolina, Stereo...

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What advice would you give future students heading to Rijeka?

Hmm... go back! Just kidding!

I am not from Rijeka, I am just studying there so I was in the same position as you are... The city for itself, it's not providing a lot of stuff to students, so I wouldn't recommend coming here. Zagreb would be a better option!