Experience in Tirane, Albania by Mirela

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

Living in Tirane is like being sorrounded by a colorful mosaic full of energy and chaos.The city is not too big,so you have the chance to be connected with different parts of it,without being concerned about the time and distance.Tirana is a city with a population of 1 million inhabitants,and this leads to tight opportunities,no jobs and low entertainment possibilities(although this depends on every person's preferences).We would recommend this city especially for young students,who want to know an unknown and interesting culture,and for students that want to contribute to building an active society(depending on the fact that Albania is a country where there's no social reaction on issues that affect its society,exept few young activists).

What is the student lifestyle like in Tirane?

University of Tirana lacks a united corpus.Students have very few common facilities,like libraries,reading rooms ore sport facilities.Faculty libraries are very small in space,have very few materials and books,but some of them have online access on international libraries.The bigest librarie is The National Library(http://www.bksh.al/)University schedules are suitable for the students,as they can alternate their work,study and entertainment.Tirana has a dormitorie campus,called Qyteti Studenti(http://www.qytetistudenti.gov.al/index.php/al/rreth-nesh),but the conditions are not good enough.The city was build during the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha.It inculdes 29 buildings where you can find reading rooms,library and cafeteria with low prices.Qyteti Studenti is the only place where you really feel like a student

How much does it cost to live in Tirane?

For a common student it is difficult to live in Tirane without a job,as the prices and lifestyle are high enough.If you have other incomes,which are not connected with Albania,you can make a good living out of this city.A student needs minimally 300 euros per month(if he shares the house rent and other vital expenses with other persons).At the 300 euros per month,we are sorry for not including the nightlife expenses,because one coctail at a club costs 5 euros and maybe more,so you tell us how much a drinker you can be in Tirana.

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

As we mentioned above,student dormitories are not in a proper condition,so we would recommend house renting.In order to find a house,you can look at Celesi Newspaper(http://www.gazetacelesi.al/Oferta_/_K%C3%ABrkesa_Pune/2/lista_e_njoftimeve.aspx).At the moment,the cheapest area where you can rent a house and be easily connected with public transportation,are Astir,Fresku and Sauk.As for me,I can recommend you the area of Astir.And if you don't have money issues,the best places to live are "21 Dhjetori" and the area called "Blloku".

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

Albania is developing agriculture,and in the markets you can find a lot of bio products,which are country products.We are mainly characterized by mediterrian food,a lot of grill houses and traditional food,such as,byrek,fli,trahana,qofte,rosnica,fergese,tave kosi,tave dheu,ect.My favourite food is byrek,and if you are in a hurry,you can easily find a place where byrek is served.

What places would you recommend visiting in Tirane?

Logu i Shkendijes (https://www.facebook.com/LoguIShkendijes/),it is a place founded by left activists.Logu is full of activities,such are,acoustic nights,teorical presentations,improvised cinema,poetical nights,acuality discussions and it is the base for the organization of student protests.
Tulla Culture Center(http://calendar.al/venue/tulla-culture-center) is a place owned by Municipality of Tirana.During the weekend there are always music groups that perform live and also there are some art exhbitions.
Destil(http://destil.al/) is a hostel,where there are a lot of activities during the week.
Rockstock(https://www.facebook.com/RockstockTirana/),a place where you can listen rock muic live.
Blloku(http://www.spottedbylocals.com/tirana/blloku/)
As for the places to visit,I can recommend you:
Dajti Mountain(http://akzm.gov.al/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13:parku-kombetar-mali-i-dajtit&Itemid=370&lang=en)
Maja e Shen Gjergjit(http://www.adadmalore.al/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/harta.pdf)
Liqeni Artificial i Tiranes(http://aprtirana.al/parqe-rekreative/parku-i-madh-i-liqenit-tirane/)
Castle of Petrela(http://www.tirana.al/directory/listing/kalaja-e-petreles)

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

You can find a lot of good places to eat,depending on your food preferences.There is asiatic food,italian,spanish,turkish,mexican,greek, and of course albanian food everywhere.
Sofra e Ariut
Natyra e Qete
Mensa "Fredi"

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

Nightlife in Tirana is good on the average.The area with the most nightclubs is "Blloku".For crazy parties you have to go the suburbs of Tirana.
Places:
Charle's
Tirana Rock
Nouvelle Vague
Hemingway Fan Club Albania

What advice would you give future students heading to Tirane?

I would advice to be careful from pickpockets.Enjoy sunny days in Tirane and don't forget to eat byrek and fergese tironse.Regardless of any bad experience,Tirana is a great experience,worth living it.