Erasmus Experience in Zilina, Slovakia by Rimas

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Why did you choose to go to Zilina, Slovakia?

I had very good recommendations from other people who were here and from my university also. One more reason that the trains are for free in this country for students. Of course the nature is so beautiful and especially the mountains. Last reason, the Slovakia is in the middle of Europe so you reach others countries for not so high prices.

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

300 euros per month. With that amount is possible to travel in the weekends and pay for dormitory. It depends which dormitory you live, but it's about 100 euro and 200 euros is for your partying, travelling and food.

What is the student lifestyle like in Zilina?

In my Erasmus it was like 10/10. There many clubs in the city center. Pubs in center and near dormitory. Many activities: basketball, volleyball, table tennis, tennis, gym for everything 8 euros per semester. ESN guys organizing a many event during the week so there will be no time for sleep. You won't get bored here.

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

Definitely yes. You will feel real Erasmus here.

What is the food like?

The food is cheap here. You can buy a hot meal in the canteen with soup and drink for 1, 90 €!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Zilina?

No. From Žilina university you will get a email where are you living and when the semester start. So don't worry.

How much does it cost to live in Zilina?

Always depends on the person what he want to do. But 300 euro is enough to live good student life.

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

If you know Polish so will understand them 85%, but if you know Russian you can sometimes understand some words. Yes there is a language course at the university. You will learn here the basics to "survive".

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

Bus(Liux express) about 20-35 euros from Kaunas to Bratislava and from Bratislava to Žilina 10 euros the cheapest way.

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

Enjoy club the famous one and other clubs, bar Gladiator working 24 h per day and lots of other pubs.

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

Paladeo pizza near Vielky Diel dormitory. Sultan kebabs best kebabs in Žilina(this is students restaurants).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Žilina main church, Budatin castle, but the whole country have a lot of castles, historic places to visit.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Zilina in the future?

Go to Erasmus in Žilina and the main thing if you want get a lot of experience from here don't be shy, just do it! Really take the opportunities that Erasmus are offering to you and you will feel that here is whole life in one semester. Peace always remember: Don't be shy!

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