Erasmus Experience in Zagreb, Croatia by Alisa

Why did you choose to go to Zagreb, Croatia?

I came to Zagreb with my parents. We have always had some connections with Croatia and one day I found a wonderful art school which is similar to Bauhaus in Germany and is 135 years old. I am very happy that I enrolled in it 3 years ago and that I am here in Zagreb spending one of the best times of my life.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I do not have a scholarship. I am a Russian citizen and this is a long story why I do not have it... But for students Zagreb is not so expensive so if you are like me, without the scholarship, do not give up!

What is the student lifestyle like in Zagreb?

It is wonderful! I enjoy my everyday here! Well, it is also because of the school I am at - a true Art School with all this artistic atmosphere and people. When I first saw all the students from my school I was shocked! I could not imagine that everything what we see in movies can be in our real life but it can! Outside the school Zagreb is a bit grey and boring, but anyway you can find something interesting.

There are a lot of museums with interesting exhibitions (I love The Museum of the Contemporary Art, The ORIS House of Architects, Klovicevi dvori, The Lauba Gallery), one of the best cinemas - "Europa", where you can watch some rare movies and another favourite cinema is in the Captol centre. Also Zagreb is a very compact city so you do not need to have a car and you can walk a lot! I love walking with friends at nights, such a magic atmosphere! There have been opened a lot of new places for the last year (restaurants, cafés) - this makes me really happy, because now I can find my favourite Wok, sushi, some small cafés with interesting food (like if I am in Moscow).

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Zagreb to other students?

If you want to come and see Croatian culture than Zagreb is definitely a good city! I do not know nothing about the University of Zagreb.

What is the food like?

Croatian food is tasty, but for me is a bit fat. I prefer Italian or Asian food. Here in Zagreb you can find some really good and tasty places, so I recommend you to visit some Italian restaurants: "Boban" (very good food, but not cheap), "Capuciner" (very good pasta and good prices), "Pizza Karijola" (the best pizza in Zagreb), sushi (Teslina street - the best sushi in Zagreb), the best wok is in the main square (I do not remember the name of the place) and so on so on. Just walk around and visit small and nice places.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Zagreb?

I live with my parents. But you can find a lot of apartments without paying to agency on Njuskalo.

How much does it cost to live in Zagreb?

It depends. 700HRK per week for one person is good! Plus accommodation.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Well, for me it was easy to learn Croatian, because my first language is Russian - they are very similar. To my friend who is Australian it was very difficult to learn it. But people are very friendly here and they always want to help you.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Zagreb from your city?

I think by plane.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Zagreb?

"History", "Peppermint", "Khala", "Best", and central bars situated on Cvijetni trg, Tkalciceva.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Zagreb?

"Boban", "Chocolat", "Orange", "Velvet" (the most beautiful café in Zagreb), sushi place (Teslina street), "Wow" (the main square), "Capuciner" (near Cathedral), "Kava Tava" (Tkalciceva and Britanski square where is antique market every Sunday morning), "Good food", pizza "Karijola".

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Cathedral
• The old town (Gornji grad)
• Maksimir park
• Maksimir zoo
• Zrinjevac
• Tuškanac
• Museums: The Oris House of Architects, Klovicevi dvory, The Museum of the Contemporary Arts, ŠPUD, Paviljon umjetnikov
• Cinemas: Europa and Captol centre
• Art Clubs: Močvara, Tvornica kulture