Experience in Tbilisi, Georgia by Maya

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

Tbilisi is a culturally rich city with beautiful architecture and scenery. The people are very friendly and welcoming. Although the majority of the population neither speaks or understands English, they are quite eager to help foreigeners and make sure you get to where you need to go safely! Central and old Tbilisi has a quintessential European vibe to it with its small cafes and restaurants to its cobble stone streets.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tbilisi?

In recent years Tbilisi has seen a gradual growth in international student population especially due to its affordable medical degrees. Even students from western European countries are starting to come into Georgia making it all the more multicultural. The student life is quite laid back and enjoyable with a multitude of activities to keep you occupied in your down time.

How much does it cost to live in Tbilisi?

The cost of living in Tbilisi is relatively cheap. On an average a student can get by on $600-$800 per month which includes accommodation, transport and food expenditure (the amount might vary depending on personal preferences).

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

Finding accommodation in Tbilisi is quite easy and most of the landlords i talked to said that they prefer renting to foreigners rather than locals. And if you do need some assistance all you need to do is ask and even a complete stranger would most likely come to your aid and might even help you move in!

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

The local cuisine is delicious and quite cheap. Their main specialties are meat dumplings and cheese bread. And if you like wine this place is heaven as its a well known fact that Georgia is one of the oldest producers of wine in the world. You can purchase a decent bottle of wine with just 5-6 lari (less than 3 pounds).

What places would you recommend visiting in Tbilisi?

Old Tbilisi is the historical part of the city some of the churches and buildings there are nearly 1500 years old and have been preserved very elegantly. The streets are lined with small cafes with live music and outdoor seating. If your more of a nature lover you can go hiking up the mountain to the statue of "mother of Georgia" to get a birds eye view of the city.Or you can hire a car and be on the beach in Batumi in a few hours.

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

Eating out in Tbilisi is quite cheap and costs on an average of $5 (in a nice restaurant). But the best food can be found in small bakery sort of shops that sell the local dishes, these can be found in the corner of every street even in the most remote areas.

PS: almost every supermarket and convenience store in Tbilisi is open 24/7.

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

Places like Rustaveli Ave. and freedom Square are quite lively with a lot of pubs and bars that stay open through the night. The city is beautifully lit at night and from what i can tell its quite safe to be out and about at odd hours.

What advice would you give future students heading to Tbilisi?

Its a beautiful and very relaxed city, people seldom have problems getting adjusted here. The weather in summer is good (too hot for me!) and people spend time socializing in the local parks and pubs, and everyone here is very friendly!!!!