Guide for foreign students in Budapest

The university cut-off points will be published soon. This will tell you who has been admitted to which university. After that, the next stage is for students to start planning the next stage of their lives. This is particularly difficult for students coming to Hungary from abroad. They are surrounded by a new country, a new city, a new culture. They have to find a place to live, get to know the city, where to shop, how to get around. Here’s an article to help you find your way around.

Sublease

Where you live depends a lot not only on the university but also on what you study. Some buildings of Corvinus, ELTE, BME are close to each other, others are further away. Moreover, many institutions are not even located in the city centre. However, it is a good starting point if you are looking for rent in the city centre.

Many people think that Buda is somewhat quieter and calmer than Pest. It is certainly typically more expensive. Rents are going up anyway because of the high demand, so it’s worth finding out as soon as possible. Also, it is advisable to contact the university for information on which buildings are used for teaching and where dormitories are available. Nearly 100,000 students will apply for higher education in 2022. In this article, you can find out more about property prices in the capital.

Transport

Wherever the university is located, you should look for a location that is either close to tram lines 4-6 or close to one of the 4 metro lines. Public transport in the Hungarian capital is often criticised. However, Budapest has tram, bus, trolleybus, metro and HÉV. This makes it easy and quick to get from almost anywhere to anywhere. The pass costs 3450 HUF (EUR 8.6) for students and 9500 HUF (EUR 23.6) for adults.

Public transport is not only cheap, it also makes it easier to get around and explore the city. Use the BKK phone app or Google maps to help you navigate. You will also be informed about possible traffic changes and can save your favourite places.

Read alsoThe most popular Hungarian universities among international students

Shopping, eating out

The Hungarian capital can cater for all needs. Whatever your taste in cuisine, there’s a restaurant to suit you. Whatever your food intolerance or personal preference, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit you.

It’s worth visiting the markets of the Hungarian capital. Here you can get fresh products at a lower price. There are also several small restaurants and takeaways around the city where you can eat cheaply. Also, prices in shops are cheaper than in most European countries, partly due to the weak exchange rate of the forint against the euro.

Entertainment

Budapest is a multicultural city in this respect too. Lots of museums, spas, English-language films in cinemas. There’s practically no sport you can’t play in Budapest. If you have no other ideas, explore the city. The Fisherman’s Bastion, Margaret Island or Andrássy Avenue are just some of the many treasures you’ll find in Budapest.