🌍 Student Life in Romania: What International Students Need to Know
Romania surprises most international students — in a good way. Here is an honest look at what your daily life will actually look like: housing, food, safety, social life, and everything in between.
The First Impression
Most international students arrive expecting a basic Eastern European experience and find a modern, lively country with fast internet, good infrastructure, excellent food, and a warm social scene. Bucharest in particular is often compared to Berlin or Warsaw in terms of its energy and cultural offer.
Housing: Dorm vs. Private Apartment
| University Dorm | Private Apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost/month | €80 – 150 | €250 – 500 |
| Best for | Year 1 — meeting people fast | Year 2+ — comfort & independence |
| What's included | Bed, basic furniture, shared bathroom | Typically unfurnished or semi-furnished |
| Location | On or near campus | Varies — check transport |
| Social life | Built-in | You need to create it |
| Safety | Good — security guards | Depends on neighborhood |
Food: What You Will Eat
Romanian food is hearty, meat-heavy, and delicious. International students find good variety — supermarkets carry halal products in major cities, vegetarian and vegan options are growing rapidly, and ethnic restaurants (Lebanese, Turkish, Indian, Chinese) are common in Bucharest and Cluj. Cooking your own food is very affordable — €100–150/month covers groceries.
Halal food: Bucharest and Cluj have dedicated halal butchers and several halal restaurants. Students from Muslim-majority countries report no difficulty maintaining their diet.
Safety
Romania consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Europe by crime index. Violent crime against tourists or students is very rare. Standard precautions apply (watch your belongings in crowded areas), but students report feeling safe walking at night in student areas. University campuses have security.
Healthcare
International students need health insurance valid in Romania for their visa and residence permit. Once registered at a university, students can access the Romanian public health system through the university's partnership with public hospitals. Private clinics are affordable (€30–80 for a consultation) and widespread.
Transport
- ✓City transport (bus, tram, metro) is excellent and cheap — €10–20/month for an unlimited pass.
- ✓Uber and Bolt operate in all major cities and are very affordable (€3–8 for most trips).
- ✓National train network connects all university cities.
- ✓Budget flights from Bucharest and Cluj reach Western Europe for €40–150 return.
Social Life & Community
International student associations exist at every major Romanian university (AIESEC, AEGEE, Erasmus Student Network). WhatsApp groups organised by nationality or region connect students before arrival. Romanian students are generally welcoming to international students — especially in universities with large international programs.
Practical Essentials on Arrival
- 1Get a Romanian SIM card (Orange, Vodafone, Digi) — cheap unlimited plans start at €5–10/month.
- 2Open a Romanian bank account (BCR, BRD, or ING) — needed for paying rent and receiving payments.
- 3Register your residence at the local immigration office (IGI) within 30 days.
- 4Get your university student card — opens discounts everywhere.
- 5Join your university's international student WhatsApp/Facebook groups.
Ready to Start Your Romanian Student Journey?
We'll make your first days smooth — pre-arrival checklist, housing guidance, and on-arrival support included.