Hungarian Student Housing: Dorms & Apartment Guide

For years, Hungary has been a top choice for students from abroad because of its elite universities, lively culture, and reasonable tuition fees. Cities such as Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged are filled with prestigious schools that draw in students from every part of the world. Yet, after choosing to study in Hungary, one crucial factor that every student needs to consider is finding a place to live. Where will you stay? How much will it cost? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in dormitories compared to renting a private apartment? This guide aims to offer a detailed overview to assist international students in understanding their choices and making well-informed decisions about where to live while studying in Hungary.

#Choosing Student Housing in Hungary:

For students looking for a place to live in Hungary, there are three main choices: university dormitories, private apartments, and shared housing. Each choice comes with its pros and cons, which vary based on your budget, lifestyle, and the university's location.

a) University Dormitories

A lot of universities in Hungary provide dormitory living for both local and international students. These dorms are often located close to the university, making them a convenient choice for those who want to reduce their travel time.

Pros of University Dormitories:

• Cost-Effective: Dorms are usually the most budget-friendly option for housing. On average, a dorm room costs between €80 to €150 per month, depending on where it's located and what facilities it offers.

• Community Environment: Dorm living offers a sense of community, making it easy to meet other students and form friendships. Many dorms also organize social gatherings, making it a great choice for students who like a vibrant social life.

• Close to Campus: Being in a dorm means you're just a short walk or bus ride from your classes, the library, and other parts of the university.

• Included Utilities: Most dorms take care of utilities like electricity, water, and internet in the rent, so you don't have to worry about extra bills.

Cons of University Dormitories:

• Shared Facilities: Dorms usually have communal bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas, which can lead to less privacy and varying cleanliness levels depending on your roommates.

• Small Living Space: Dorm rooms are typically small, and in some cases, you might have to share a room with one or more people.

• High Demand: Due to their lower cost, dorms often fill up fast, making it challenging for international students to find a room, especially in popular cities like Budapest.

b) Individual Units

Securing an individual unit for rent is a favored choice among students who value their own space and solitude. Although this option is pricier than residing in a dormitory, it provides a higher level of autonomy and comfort.

Benefits of Individual Units:

• Solitary Space: Owning an individual unit means you'll have a dedicated area, which can be a significant benefit if you seek a peaceful setting for studying and unwinding.

• Autonomy: You have the freedom to establish your own rules regarding guests, study schedules, and daily activities, without the constraints of dormitory policies.

• Personalization: Typically, individual units are furnished, allowing you to personalize and arrange your living area according to your preferences.

Drawbacks of Individual Units:

• Expense: The cost of renting an individual unit is much higher than that of living in a dorm. For instance, in Budapest, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit in the city's center can range from €400 to €800. Outside the city center, the price can be as low as €300 to €600.

• Additional Expenses: Unlike dormitories, apartments usually do not include utilities in the rent. You'll need to account for extra costs such as electricity, water, heating, and internet, which could increase your monthly expenses by €100 to €150.

• Dependency: Owning a unit means taking on more responsibilities, including dealing with the landlord, maintaining the property, and ensuring rent and bills are paid on time.

c) Co-Living Spaces

Co-living spaces are a comfortable option that sits between the simplicity of dormitory living and the independence of owning a private home. A lot of students, particularly those from abroad, opt to share a home with fellow students to lower their expenses.

Benefits of Co-Living Spaces:

• Financial Savings: By sharing a home with others, you can greatly reduce your expenses for rent and utilities. For instance, in a three-bedroom home, the cost per person for rent can be as low as €200 to €350.

• Social Engagement: Being with roommates provides a more secluded living situation compared to dorms, yet it still allows for socializing and support from others.

• Additional Features: Co-living spaces usually feature bigger kitchens, living areas, and sometimes even outdoor spaces like balconies or terraces, providing a more comfortable living environment than dormitories.

Drawbacks of Co-Living Spaces:

• Getting Along with Roommates: Living with others means you'll need to be flexible and communicate well. If there are differences in lifestyles or habits, disagreements can occur.

• Sharing Duties: In a co-living space, you'll have to split up tasks such as cleaning and grocery shopping. The responsibility for paying utilities and maintaining the property is often shared as well.

#Expenses in Hungary:

While paying for a place to live is a big part of the cost, it's also important to think about the total expenses involved in living in Hungary. Luckily, Hungary is considered one of the more budget-friendly options for studying in Europe, especially when compared to countries like Germany or France.

a) Housing and Expenses

As previously mentioned, the cost of housing depends on the kind of place and its location. Generally:

• Dormitory: €80-€150 per month

• Flat with roommates: €200-€350 per month per person

• Renting a private home: €400-€800 per month

• Expenses for utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) usually add an extra €100-€150 to the monthly rent for apartment dwellers.

b) Eating and Shopping

Hungary provides budget-friendly food options. A typical budget for groceries each month is between €150 and €250. Dining out is also quite economical, with meals at average restaurants costing between €7 and €12. Many students save money by preparing meals at home or by eating in the university dining halls, where the cost of meals is even lower.

c) Getting Around

Hungary has a reliable and pocket-friendly public transport system. A pass for public transport in Budapest for students costs about €10 to €12 monthly, making it convenient and affordable to navigate the city. For students residing in smaller towns like Debrecen or Szeged, the cost of transportation is usually lower because the distance between student housing and university campuses is shorter.

d) Fun and Extras

Hungary is celebrated for its lively social scene, and there are numerous ways to enjoy your leisure time without breaking the bank. Cinemas, museums, and cultural events offer discounts for students, and a night out at a bar or club is likely to be much more affordable than in cities like London or Paris. Students can anticipate spending between €100 and €150 each month on activities and entertainment.

#Advice for Securing a Place to Stay in Hungary:

Securing a suitable place to stay in Hungary can be a bit tricky, particularly if you're not well-acquainted with the country or its housing market. Here are a few suggestions to simplify the process:

• Rely on Reputable Sites

There are numerous websites online that feature listings for apartments and shared living spaces, but it's crucial to rely on reputable platforms like Student Housing Budapest, Otthontérkép, and RoomMates Budapest to steer clear of any fraudulent activities. Moreover, many universities offer their housing solutions or have agreements with trustworthy housing providers, so it's worth checking with your university for support.

• Engage with Student Communities

Social media groups and other platforms for students are excellent tools for finding a place to live. Numerous international students share information about available spaces, and you can also meet potential roommates or seek guidance from current students.

• Arrange a Visit to the Property

Whenever feasible, arrange a visit to the property before committing to any agreements. This step ensures that the accommodation aligns with your needs and allows you to discuss any details with the property owner.

Plan Your Study Abroad Journey on a Budget

#Final note:

Finding student housing in Hungary might appear intimidating initially, but with the proper knowledge and strategy, it can become an easy and controlled journey. Whether you opt for budget-friendly dormitories, the self-sufficiency of individual apartments, or the sociable atmosphere of co-living spaces, Hungary provides various housing alternatives to accommodate diverse requirements and financial capabilities. By grasping the expenses, advantages, and obstacles associated with each choice, you'll be more prepared to select the best option and fully immerse yourself in your academic journey in Hungary.