Experience in Sofia, Bulgaria by Iva

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

I believe that Sofia is a great place to live while you are a student. There are so many opportunities for party and the prices, compared to the EU are quite affordable.

Living of a work to raise a family here would be harder, however, Sofia is a perfect destination for a student.

It has about 1. 5 million population, it is located close to an airport, at the northern foot of the Vitosha mountain- where you can go skiing, hiking etc. The city has a rich history and you may visit the ancient city walls in the center of Sofia, next to the underground station Serdika. There are other places of tourist interest in the center, as well as out of the city in the close neighborhood. We also have some mineral water springs, one of which is also located in the center of the city.

As I have lived here most of my life, I can say that Sofia has something to offer to anyone, however, it would be best to have some research before visiting, in order to make sure you will not miss something of particular interest.

There also some Free City Tours.

What is the student lifestyle like in Sofia?

We have more than 5 universities, as well as some colleges in the city, which means that there are many students and many opportunities to make friends and get to know people. Most students are living in the "Studentski grad" a district where are some of the universities and most of the housing facilities. This place has lots of cafes, restaurants, clubs and bars to offer at sometimes shockingly low prices. Students in Sofia have easy and 24/7 access to all sorts of entertainment.

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How much does it cost to live in Sofia?

Living in Sofia will appear very affordable to anyone from the EU.

The currency is called Lev and 1 Lev is equal to more or less 0. 50 euro.

The cost of living in a student residence is about 30 euros per month for Bulgarian students and not much more expensive for foreign students. The residences however do not offer the best quality of living, so you may opt for hiring a flat or looking for a room. The prices for a flat of 75 square meters is about 200-250 euro monthly, depending on the location.

The monthly utility expenses may be up to 75 euro in the winter, again depending on the location and whether you are using gas, electricity or other central heating.

Having a 3 course meal in Studentski grad would cost you between 0. 75 euro at the university canteens up to 15 euro at the most expensive restaurants in the district.

In the center you may find more refined restaurants with of course, higher prices.

The public transport card for one month is 25 euro and a single ticket is 0. 60 euro and is valid for 1 trip.

Cinema and theater tickets are between 3 euro/almost all cinemas have 3 euro tickets on Thursdays/ to 25 euro for opera and ballet.

Most clubs and discos do not require entrance fee, and when they do, it is usually up to 5 euro.

The average salary in Bulgaria for 2012 is 365 euro, so with about 400 euro you may live quite well.

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

It would be best to ask the International student department at the univeristy prior to coming to Sofia whether they are providing accommodation in the student residences for foreign students and at what price. In case they do not or you would prefer to find something different, you may try contacting the student organizations, such as ESN, or AIESEC who could look up something for you or of course contacting students, who are currently living here.

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

You may find all sorts of food in Sofia.

Most of the kiosks are selling mainly pizza, hot dogs, and doner.

There is a place, called Manja street in Studentski grad, where you may check out the typical student food for Sofia.

In case you would opt out of the exotic culinary experience, you may simply visit the restaurants where you may find food from all over the world, and most have menus in English as well.

I would suggest trying the Bulgarian yogurt and cheese, which are very delicious. You may also look for banitsa, kebapche, Shopska Salad, etc.

You can try the pizza, which usually includes more ingredients than the Italian pizza.

You may always find all sorts of international food

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What places would you recommend visiting in Sofía?

I would recommend a walk in the center of the city, where you can see many of the most popular sight-seeing spots, also check out the parks - Borisova gradina, Iujen park, go to the Vitosha mountain.

You can find some ideas here.

as well as tripadvisor and many other touristic websites.

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

For beer lovers, I would suggest the Ale House where you may try some live beer and great food.

A nice place to eat in Studenstki grad is called Stacey.

You may actually find quite a lot of information online - there many websites which can help you, like: sofia. zavedenia.com › bar & dinner; cafe.bg; infozone.bg, etc.

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

There are plenty of clubs, bars and discos in Studentski grad.

Depending on the type of music and prices you may find many different places in Sofia.

I would suggest to ask some of the local students for help.

Just beware of the so called "chalga" clubs, which are definitely not suitable for everyone. However, if you feel like checking out something "typical", go for the Cotton Club or something like it... you will most probably think you are at some kind of a gypsy strip club.

In case you prefer rock music, then you can visit Rock’N’Rolla in the center of Sofia.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Sofía?

I would advise to have in mind that we have quite a cold winter, especially if you are coming from Spain, Portugal or Italy.

Young people mostly speak English, however, it would be best to have someone to take you around in the first days of your stay.

Remember that Sofia may be the biggest city in Bulgaria, but it does not fully represent it, so plan a visit to other places as well.

And of course, enjoy your stay!