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student life in budapest, hungary

Budapest University of Technology and Economics
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The city of Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the most dynamic and picturesque cities in Central Europe. Divided by the Danube River into the historic hills of Buda and the lively streets of Pest, the city offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and student life.

Home to over 1.7 million residents, Budapest has a rich cultural scene, vibrant nightlife, and numerous cafés, museums, and music venues. Students can relax in the city’s famous thermal baths, explore architectural landmarks, or enjoy panoramic views from Gellért Hill.

Budapest is also known for its affordability, making it one of Europe’s best destinations for international students.

Housing in Budapest

BME offers several student dormitories located near the main campus, including Kármán, Schönherz, and Wigner Halls.
Rooms are fully furnished and include access to kitchens, study areas, and laundry facilities.

  • Average rent: €150–250 per month
  • All dormitories include Wi-Fi and 24/7 access

Many students also choose to rent private apartments or shared flats in nearby districts such as District XI (Újbuda) or District IX, where most university buildings are located.

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Visa and Arrival

As the first host institution of the RESCO Master, all students begin their studies at Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) in Hungary.

Visa procedures depend on your nationality:

You must apply before arrival for a “Student – Mobility Programme” long-stay visa, issued under EU Directive 2016/801. This visa is typically valid for up to two years and allows you to:

  • study in Hungary for the first semester,
  • move freely to other RESCO partner countries (France, Spain, Portugal) for the rest of the programme without applying for a new visa in each country,
  • request local residence permits as required by national procedures, without needing a new entry visa.

This is the standard mobility framework for Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in the EU.

No visa is required.  However, students must register their residence with the local authorities shortly after arrival in Budapest. Support from BME: The International Office at BME assists all incoming students with:

  • visa and residence permit applications,
  • administrative steps upon arrival,
  • required documents and appointments.
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Getting to Budapest

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is located around 20 km from the city centre and is well connected by public transport.

  • Take Bus 100E to “Deák Ferenc tér” (downtown Budapest) – about 35 minutes, ticket €3
  • Or take Bus 200E + Metro M3 (cheaper option, around €2 total)

If arriving by train, Budapest has three main railway stations (Keleti, Nyugati, and Déli) with international connections to Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague.

  • Metro Line M4 to “Szent Gellért tér”, or
  • Tram Lines 4 or 6 to “Műegyetem rakpart

The campus is located right along the Danube, within walking distance of the Liberty Bridge.

Health and Practical Information

All students must have valid health insurance covering the full duration of their stay in Hungary.

  • EU/EEA students: can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives access to public healthcare under the same conditions as Hungarian citizens.
  • Non-EU students: must have private health insurance before arrival. The insurance should cover medical costs, hospitalization, and repatriation.

BME also offers information on recommended insurance providers and health services for international students.

Budapest is considered one of the safest capitals in Europe. The university campus and surrounding areas are well-patrolled and safe to walk around, even at night. Students are encouraged to remain cautious in crowded areas and to keep personal belongings secure, especially on public transport. The International Mentor Team and ESN BME help newcomers adapt to local life and can provide assistance in case of any personal or administrative issue.

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