Erasmus in Sofia

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Why did you choose to go to Sofia, Bulgaria?

In my case, I didn’t have a lot of destinations available to me and I wanted to get to know a different culture. The economic factor was also important.

How long was the scholarship for? And how much financial support did you receive?

I was there for a semester but I imagine that the time and the money you are given depends on your home university. In my case the money was more than sufficient but I would have stayed a lot longer.

What is the student life like in Sofia?

In Sofia, there are many universities and all the students live in the same area so the atmosphere is amazing. The number of Erasmus students, particularly the Spaniards, is huge.

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

Without a doubt. The Erasmus experience is unique.

How was the food in the country?

It’s a question of getting used to it. It is not bad but you have to forget about fish and traditional meats. Salads (very yummy), spiced meats, Moussaka, etc., are very typical but it is possible to find almost any type of food.

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How did you find accommodation?

Personally, I looked in the university, the Technical University of Sofia. There is an area (Studentski Grad) where all the university students in Sofia live. They live in blocks of bedrooms or mini apartments. I think that all the universities of Sofia manage these buildings.

What are the prices for accommodation like? And the prices of things in general?

The prices are super cheap! Well, at least they were two years ago because it seems that little by little they are rising. For branded products we have here (clothes, technology, alcohol…) there is almost no difference but the Bulgarian products are very cheap.

The accommodation, the food, the drink, the transport and leisure activities, in general, are very cheap

How was the language? Did you go to any classes at the university?

Forget about learning Bulgarian. I went to class the entire semester and only learned the alphabet (very hard), to ask for things and 4 things more.

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What is the cheapest way to arrive in Sofia from your hometown?

The company Wizzair offer very cheap flights from Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. You can also fly with Bulgaria Air but it is more expensive.

What places would you recommend going out in Sofia?

There are tons of bars and clubs in Studentski Grad that are open every single day of the year for students. The clubs (Avenue, Jim Beam, Plazza, Orient…) are very cheap and they offer different atmospheres. In the centre of Sofia, you can find all kinds of places both cheap and more expensive.

Where were your favourite places to eat?

The student area (Studentski Grad) has many restaurants that serve food at a very affordable price. I recommend that you try all that you can as it is possible to eat out and dine almost every day. In the centre, you can find restaurants of all sorts and all price ranges.

What cultural activities are there?

Sofia as a city isn’t very interesting, culturally speaking. All that it has can be seen in a short space of time. The country is much more interesting and has loads of places and towns that you can visit. I recommend the monastery of Rila, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv…

Do you have any advice for future students in Sofia?

Don’t judge Sofia by your first sight of it, it’s a bit shocking. Give it time and I am sure you will like it.

With regards to the climate, prepare yourself for a cold Winter and quite a warm Summer.

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