Experience in Sofia, Bulgaria by Victor

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

Sofia is a large city and it is hard to describe it briefly. However, for a student it's a great city as there are many activities to participate in and open-minded young people you can meet. Don't ever count on institutions to help you in those as you will be in Eastern Europe and sticking closer to the people and relying less on the institutions is always a smart choice in this part of the continent. Living in Sofia can be either high-paced or peaceful, it's really up to you. As someone who has lived here for seven years, worked for four and studied for six, I can say it's a great city for all of those.

What is the student lifestyle like in Sofia?

The student lifestyle mainly depends on what people you surround yourself with. The city is big enough to offer cultural, partying and studious lifestyles. I would personally recommend trying to hike in Vitosha (the mountain next to Sofia) because otherwise it seems like you're missing the main point in being in the Balkans.

How much does it cost to live in Sofia?

If you come from Western Europe, the city is very cheap. Otherwise, it's normal in terms of prices as long as you follow your common sense and do not go to the posh places. If you live in a student dorm, something like 250 EUR is perfectly feasible, otherwise it depends on your rent. There is a very large range of rent prices in Sofia, so pick what fits you best. 200 EUR for daily expenses throughout the month is perfectly feasible without many restrictions. (Again, it would depend on what you want to do, but both food and alcohol are cheap in Bulgaria).

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

Accommodation in Sofia is offered by all state universities (Sofia Uni, UNWE, Meducal Uni, Technical Uni, UACEG, University of Forestry) in their respective dorms but applying early will give you an advantage. Try to ask the international office to help you, they usually will (you have an advantage as an exchange student) or at least ask someone here, who knows the language, to help you out. The chances that your landlord speaks English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, etc. are so low that it's not worth going down that road.

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

Bulgarian food is great if you're into stews, soups and salads. Generally, Bulgarian cuisine combines many elements of Slavic, Grecian, Turkish and other dishes. Good choices are "Vinen Kebab" (it's a stew, nothing to do with the Kebab you buy at junk food places), "Kavarma", any kind of soup or if you are there during the hotter seasons, definitely "Tarator" - although Bulgarians will probably urge you to try "Tarator" as soon as temperatures go over 20 cels.

What places would you recommend visiting in Sofia?

Most notably, Vitosha - the mountain that you see from most points in the city. During the day, all parks are worth visiting, NDK (that would be the National Palace of Culture) if it's not under construction, "Alexander Nefski", the Winter Palace (it's just a place to skate, don't confuse the name with something spectacular), any of the central districts (especially if you are interested in seeing architectures from different periods coexisting). During the evening, try to find out which of the places hosting cultural exhibitions work or which are currently offering something to see and visit them - usually collections are very diverse.

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

Eating out in Sofia is great and not that expensive, as long as you mind the place you are visiting. Some of the better spots for lunch time are "Divaka", the refectory of UACEG (and don't worry, most people who eat there do not study architecture), "Halbite" among many others.

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

The city center offers a plethora of nice chill bars. Going out with some locals will keep you out of trouble, most likely and it's advisable to do so at least in the start. If you can, try to find "The Muse" - the owners are amazing and the bar is very nice, especially cozy during colder nights; "Halbite" if you like having beers (Bulgarian beer is terrible but they have enough import), wursts, etc.; "Egg bar" if you are just a few people; Architects' Club (again, it's in no way exclusive to civil engineers, architects, etc., it's just the nice people sharing awesome stuff with us plebs); "Roderic" for a more hipster mood; "Terminal 1" if you want to party late night and many many more. Downtown is the place to be if you want to party in any way. Just find your style and frequent your place. On a side note, if you live in student dormitories, you will probably need a cab if you stayed too late (no public transport past 00:00 until 6:30). If you do resort to a cab, try to have a Bulgarian with you and ask them to tell the taxi driver where to go. If the taxi driver finds out you are not Bulgarian, your chances of being scammed go through the roof (or through the future empty bottom of your wallet).

What advice would you give future students heading to Sofia?

Try to meet as many people as possible. Bulgarians are usually welcoming to new people and chances that you will be interesting to your colleagues is pretty high. If you meet someone who you like or don't mind, ask them to help you out, they will most likely squeeze you in somehow. The main difficulty in Bulgaria is that most of the populace who are middle-aged or older don't speak any kind of foreign language (even other Slavic languages). As it stands, you will most likely need someone to translate for you in certain cases, so having a bunch of friends (so that at least one is available for your current situation) would really help you out. Bulgarians are friendly and they like making friends and expanding social circles, so make some use of it and start talking to young people. However, I am sure that it will be great, we are a warm people and Sofia is a great place to be for university students.