Erasmus Experience in Zagreb, Croatia by Pilar

Why did you choose to go to Zagreb, Croatia?

The weather is the same as in my home country, and the Balkan people ca be very interesting if you're from Western Europe.

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

The grant covered 5 months, they paid me €250 each month you spend in the country.

What is the student lifestyle like in Zagreb?

Zagreb is a university city, there are a lot of students and lots of things there are made specifically for students or they have offers for them.

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

The city is very pleasant and so are the people, the students aren't so much, but I think that it depends on which faculty you're at. Zagreb is definitely a great places to do your Erasmus experience.

What is the food like there?

Meat, cheese and confectionery are the order of the day here, if you like these three things, you won't be going hungry. There's also an assortment of ecological products and things for vegans, but it's more expensive. The fruits are seasonal and the ones grown locally are incredible.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Zagreb?

I didn't find it difficult at all, people will offer you help immediately. I'm in a private flat with other Erasmus students. But I wouldn't recommend the residences, they're far away and I don't think you actually really get to know the culture there, you always end up hanging out with people from your residence.

How much does it cost to live in Zagreb?

The food is pretty cheap, there is a food service for students that lets you can get a menu for one euro. Everything else (clothing, partying, leisure activities) costs the same as in Spain (which I understand is cheaper than the rest of Europe).

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

The language is pretty much impossible to learn for those coming from a Romance language, not for Germans or other Slavic people. The courses offered by the university aren't worth going to, they're expensive and you can learn just as much if you get good contacts there.

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

By plane, although if you go outside of the high season, you won't be able to get a direct flight.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Zagreb?

Clubs like Hollywood, Peppermint and Lemon are usually good for Erasmus students. There are a lot of clubs next to the lake and they're pleasant to go to. Zagreb also has places for alternative music and other genres for those who don't like clubbing. If you want to listen to Spanish music, go to Roko and Turbofolk (I wouldn't recommend it).

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And to eat in Zagreb? What are some of your favourite places to go?

At least initially, you don't go to restaurants very much, you just get a slice of pizza or a burek from the thousands of take away places that there are. As for restaurants, the cheapest ones are in the city centre, like Nokturno.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Zagreb has a lot of culture, you can get around the whole city by foot in one day,

it's a small place. But there are a lot of interesting museums and parks that you need to pay a longer visit to. The architecture is predominantly from the Austro-Hungarian Empire (it's incredible), but there are also a lot of socialist hints left over, which are a bit more restrained.

Do you have any advice for students coming to Zagreb in the future?

There are a lot of possibilities and interesting places in Zagreb and around it, travel a lot and don't just shut yourself up in your flat. The people are lovely and they're help you out, getting to know the right people can help you a lot, so talk to everybody.