From boxing gyms and Buda hills to bus trips - Budapest was anything but boring!
Hey, I’m Robert, and I spent my winter semester 2023/2024 at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Budapest, Hungary. I completed my bachelor's degree in European Cultures and Society and took some really interesting courses while abroad at ELTE.
Getting ready
To avoid diving in completely unprepared, I took a few steps in advance:
- Read experience reports and talked to friends
- Visited Budapest six months before the semester started
- Booked my flight
- Submitted my Learning Agreement
- Took out international health insurance
- Bought an ISIC card for student discounts
My accomodation
I lived alone in a spacious apartment that some Hungarian friends helped me find.
A shared flat or student dorm would’ve been much cheaper, but the location in the 5th district (Pest side, near Kálvin tér) was unbeatable — close to the university and all the international student parties!
My day-to-day in Budapest
The professors at ELTE were all super friendly and approachable. There was a wide range of courses (including psychology, anthropology, law, and politics), and the workload and exams were totally manageable.
At first, the campus felt like a maze — but I got the hang of it, and eventually I could find any room without a problem.
One big highlight was joining the university’s sports program, where I got deeper into boxing. It was a great way to balance out my studies and meet local students.
Events like Welcome Week were also the perfect chance to connect with locals and fellow internationals.
My personal highlights
The Buda Hills
Perfect for hikes and the best views of the city.
Boxing training
Sports connect people — even if you don’t speak a word of Hungarian.
Spontaneous trips
Flixbus made it cheap and easy to visit Slovenia, Serbia, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Austria.
Budapest nightlife
Endless bars, clubs, and movie nights for around 6 euros — a student's dream!
International friendships
I made lots of friends starting with Welcome Week — and many of those friendships are still going strong!
Final thoughts
Looking back, I can say Budapest truly changed and inspired me—culturally, athletically, and personally. I’m always happy to go back!
Budapest offered the perfect balance of engaging courses, vibrant city life, stunning nature, and friendships that last.
If you’re open to new challenges and personal growth, I can highly recommend doing a semester abroad!