Experience in Szeged, Hungary by John

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

Szeged, located in south/southeast Hungary, is the fourth largest city and sunniest city in Hungary with temperatures easily reaching 30 Celsius / 86 Fahrenheit in the middle of summer. It is known as the Sunshine City because of the number of sunny hours it has per year; hence its popularity with sun-seekers. It is also described as 'Britain in the 1970s' - A very relaxing, quiet, peaceful, crimeless, noiseless, family orientated place where locals and strangers respect each other; making life 'very easy-going' and 'chilled out'.

Szeged City is very walkable. It should only take you 30 Minutes to get from one side to the other. And even if your apartment is located just outside the city centre, it should still only take you 15-20 Minutes to walk into the city centre. It will take longer in the summer though simply because you will be 'taking it easy' as you admire the surroundings, soak up the sunny atmosphere and visit the various festivals and events.

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A Brief History Of Szeged

Although Szeged is known for its Paprika, Pick Salami and University (twinned with Cambridge University, UK) it is also known as a Cultural Hub and Tourist Destination - There are enough sights, attractions, events and leisure activities to visit and take part in to make Szeged an ideal place to live and study.

Szeged sits on the river Tisza, which is a main river within Central Europe that flows through Ukraine, Romania, Hungary (Szeged) and Serbia. In 1879 the river flooded many parts of Szeged whereby the majority of the city had to be rebuilt due to the flood only leaving 265 or so buildings intact. These days Szeged is split into 'old Szeged' and 'new Szeged' where the buildings in 'new Szeged' are generally less than 40 years old.

What About THE PEOPLE?

I am fortunate enough to have a Hungarian girlfriend and therefore have been able to see the culture first hand - I have visited her Godparents, In-Laws, Family Members and Friends, some in their homes and some in the street Wine Festival, which gave me a good insight into the different personalities of the Hungarian people.

Upon reflection I would say the Hungarians I met so far, especially the older generation, are very humble, hospitable, intelligent, family orientated, thoughtful, generous, fun-loving people; just like other nationalities of the world.

As you learn more languages, meet different cultures and visit more countries you get to realise all countries and nationalities have the same types of people in them - Good, Bad, Happy, Sad, Kind, Passionate, Boring, Lazy, Hard Working, Intelligent, etc. So when meeting Hungarians for the first time just be yourself and treat them like you would your fellow countrymen; with respect.

What About THE FOOD?

Hungarian Food and the staple diet are primarily made up of pasta, vegetables and meat in the form of a stew (known as Goulash, which is like a soup-stew). This is normally accompanied with bread. They also eat fish soup, fruit, pizza, cakes, chocolates and cheese based snacks and have take-aways, outdoor food bars and supermarkets. So do not worry if you miss certain foods from "back home" as the supermarkets and take-aways should have something you like.

If, like me, you prefer to try the local food when abroad I can recommend a visit to the Mars Square Market, which opens from 11pm to 8am selling a variety of local foods and snacks to the night-shift workers. It is places like this where you will taste "proper" Hungarian Food. And if you want a nice, traditional, local restaurant I can also recommend the Csepp A Tengerben Restaurant just around the corner from my apartment. Super Hamburger on Kálvária Tér is also worth a look if you want to try a traditional Hungarian hamburger.

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What About THE WEATHER?

Although the winter weather in Szeged, and Hungary, can easily go past the bitterly cold -10 Celsius, it rarely does. I have stayed in Szeged throughout a whole year, including a second winter period, whereby the average lowest temperature during those winters months was -2; but felt a lot colder. And on some late nights out I experienced -5 Celsius, which meant wearing gloves, a scarf, a hat and heavy weatherproof coat.

Szeged Winter

The winter weather in Szeged can bite, but nothing the British cannot handle!

In my apartment the radiators did the job perfectly. The heating company and housing association made sure the boiler system within the building (basement) was constantly on. They also turned up that boiler system to produce more heat during the -1 Celsius, -2 Celsius, etc days and nights; which meant my apartment was always at room temperature and higher when/if required.

If you come from a cold, wet, windy place such as Nottingham (like I do), the cold, wet, windy Hungarian winter weather should not pose a problem for you.

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What About THE LIFESTYLE?

The average Hungarian in Szeged will either be poor, living on a minimum wage of around 101, 500 HUF (£260. 25) per month or be in a good job with wages of around 203, 000 HUF (£520. 50). The poorer people do not receive Housing Benefit, Unemployment Benefit and so on like in the UK, they have to survive through relatives sending them money from abroad for example. Here is more information about the Hungarian Lifestyle in terms of its financial/property markets. The good thing about the Szegedi's is that even though they know life can be cruel, harsh and difficult they still remain humble, determined and loyal throughout it.

For those that can afford: They go swimming, cycling, play snooker, visit the museums/theatre, take walks along the riverside, eat out, drink in bars, dance in nightclubs, hang out with family/friends and enjoy the sunshine during the summer. All the 'normal things' we do in the UK. Szeged is split between a population of young students and the older generation, with many in the middle (25-50) working abroad to support their families.

Keep in mind that Hungary is no poorer or richer than the next country. Meaning, do not let the above realities put you off from buying an apartment in Szeged or anywhere else in Hungary. Szeged is a very nice place to live with many sightseeing attractions and leisure activities to keep you busy. It is also a place to enjoy relaxation, peace and quiet.

What is the student lifestyle like in Szeged?

Student life is excellent. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs to keep you entertained throughout the week.

How much does it cost to live in Szeged?

Depends on your living standards. 500 to 600 euros per month should be fine.....

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

NO. Look on the estate agent websites and uni campus boards.

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

I cook for myself and rarely eat out, but a Sándor pizza sometimes helps! Buy your own food to cut down on the costs.

What places would you recommend visiting in Szeged?

The museum, acqu centre, Játe club, Anna Wellness spa, szeged zoo, etc.

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

Csepp A TengerbenCsepp A Tengerben Restaurant and Super Hamburger.

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

There are various clubs around the main square as well as outer-city.

What advice would you give future students heading to Szeged?

Relax, take in the sun, go swimming, cycling and enjoy the music scene and countryside.