Experience in Tbilisi, Georgia by Keti

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

Tbilisi is a modern, cosmopolitan and diverse City, with a very rich and interesting culture.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tbilisi?

Most of the campuses are in the city centre, so students have a lot of opportunities for work and to have fun. I really enjoyed my Student years there, f.ex.there were a lot of events organised from Student self-government and Georgians generally are very open and friendly people. Studying system might be different from other countries, you have to organize everything yourself, you don't really get much help from the university, but it's kind of good experience because you learn how to be more independent.

How much does it cost to live in Tbilisi?

Well, if you got money in euros than it's really cheap. But if you get your salary in Laris, then you might struggle. I think the accommodations are around 200-400 Lari.

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

Many students live outside of Tbilisi, for ex. in a little town called Rustavi, which is around 20 minutes from Tbilisi City centre. Apartments are really good and a lot cheaper there, you also have a good public transport connection to Tbilisi which costs around 1.50 Lari. It is quieter there and not so overcrowded as Tbilisi with a lot of creative young people and with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, etc.

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

Georgian cuisine is AMAZING!!!! And I mean it! Whatever you love meat or you are vegan, you can find a dish for your taste. The favourites are of course Khachapuri, Lobiani, and Khinkali.

What places would you recommend visiting in Tbilisi?

Just google it, but go outside of the city too. There are a lot of amazing places in Georgia. My personal favourite is Kazbegi. Tipp: Try to get Georgian friends, almost everyone has summer houses in different villages of the country which are unique and they will invite you there because will LOVE love guests.

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

Georgians love to eat more than anything, so you will find a spot to eat out almost everywhere. But try to avoid restaurants and cafes in Tbilisi centre and old city, because they are way too overpriced. I have seen that one Khachapuri can cost like 25 lari in the old city, which is ... Never ever pay more than 5 Lari for it.

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

Yes, there are many opportunities to have fun in Tbilisi. I think the hottest spots currently are Stamba, Fabrika and Lolita.

What advice would you give future students heading to Tbilisi?

Just enjoy your experience and eat as more Georgian food as possible, because I promise you will miss it when you are gone. Overall, the country is very safe, but there sure will be some people who will try to take advantage of foreigners, so be careful. Even though don't be afraid to approach Georgians, they are very friendly and always ready to help. Your experience will be a lot easier and fun if you have Georgian friends, connections play a huge role.