Erasmus Experience in Sofia, Bulgaria by Kata

Why did you choose to go to Sofia, Bulgaria?

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Actually I chose Sofia, because I had been there many times before. I spent all my summers in the seaside and I really started to be interested about Bulgaria, but I've never been in Sofia before. I wanted to know the people, and more about their culture and habits.

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

My scholarship was 5 months, but I was living there 7 months. My uni gave me 1200 euros which was more than enough for everything!

What is the student lifestyle like in Sofia?

It's a hard question because the first period I had only foreigners friends, not so much from Bulgaria. I knew my classmates but I haven't got strong friendship with them. So the foreigners were very open, of course, because they had Erasmus there, but finally I met Bulgarians also, and I believe they are totally similar than the other countries students. I mean, during the day they re in the school, they spent many times in the studio (cos I was in the Art Academy… ) and then they usually went out like all the student everywhere.

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All the Bulgarians are very nice, and really friendly people. I enjoyed every time with them, they are really nice, helpful and wonderful!

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

Of course! My school was the Art Academy in Sofia, close to the main University. I believe this University is really cool, the Masters are very open, and friendly, also the students. Sometimes the language was hard, cos they didn't speak in English well, I just mixed the languages, cos I speak in Russian too, and because of this, I could understand them easily than just if I use my "bad" English.

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The uni was really great so, with exhibitions, I had place to paint, and my Master was really cool.

About Sofia. I really fall in love with the city, I love Studentski Grad where I was living, I love the city life, the places there, this city was less expensive than Budapest, so I could also live there without a lot of money. We had chance to travel a lot, cos it's also not expensive, everybody should travel a lot!

Sofia has nice programs, and nice nightlife as well, I love the shops and the restaurants.

What is the food like?

The food is just amazing! They have many salads what I liked, many really healthy food, the vegetables are cheap there, so I just love every Bulgarian food! They have also nice traditional meals. U should try Sopska salad, or Bulgarian salad, Kavarma, the soups there. They use many vegetables, and spices as well, really tasty!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Sofia?

I was living in Studentski Grad in my uni's dorm.

How much does it cost to live in Sofia?

My room, which was almost a flat, cost almost 180 euros, but it was quite expensive for dorm. But it was looks like a flat, I had a big own room, only one flatmate who has also own room, and we have beautiful bath room, little hall, and small kitchen to cook. But in Studentski grad there is a big Erasmus dorm too, which is really cheap, but they hadn't got kitchen and own room. But all the people were there, and also the best company.

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

For me it wasn't hard, cos I speak in Russian, which is also a Slavic language, the alphabet is the same almost, and many words are similar. In my uni it wasn't any language courses unfortunately…

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

By bus. Euroline has buses between Budapest and Sofia for 33 euros. It's 12 hours by bus, but it's the cheapest one, and its not horrible actually.

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

I spent the best parties in Studentski Grad, in the student town… I haven't got favourite pub, I just enjoyed every place there, but in Studentski you'll enjoy every night, I'm sure!

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

Graffy, Ugo, and some Turkish pubs was what I really liked! Also there is a vegetarian restaurant in the beginning of Vitosha street, in the upstairs in one building.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Koprivstica,
• Rila Monastir,



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• Veliko Tarnovo,
• Trijavno,
• Varna.



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

If you'll arrive to Sofia in winter, bring a good boots! And also many pullovers, cos it was really cold in the winter period! :D

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