First Impressions of Budapest by Lionel
Article published on 27 February by Lionel
Moving to a new country is always an adventure, and my arrival in Budapest for my Erasmus exchange was no exception. I landed in the Hungarian capital in the afternoon and quickly had to put my English skills to use when taking a taxi to my accommodation in the city center. Fortunately, the transition felt smooth, and I did not experience any culture shock. Surprisingly, Budapest reminded me of a medium-sized French city like Angers rather than a bustling European metropolis.
An my very first evening, I had the chance to explore the city. A group of us went to see the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, one of the most stunning landmarks in Budapest. While walking through the city, we stumbled upon what seemed to be a film set, adding an unexpected cinematic touch to our first night here.
Student Life in Budapest
One of the biggest differences I have noticed compared to France is the number of classes. At Óbuda University, there are significantly fewer lectures, which means students spend less time interacting with each other. This makes it harder to build connections with local students, which is a bit disappointing. However, there are still ways to engage in student life.
For example, I got an Erasmus student card, which offers discounts at bars and nightclubs. This helps make Budapest’s nightlife more accessible and enjoyable for students. Additionally, I took advantage of my free time to visit the WestEnd Cinema, a large movie theater located inside one of the city’s biggest shopping malls.
Getting Around and Exploring Budapest
One of the most convenient aspects of life in Budapest is the public transport system. The city is well-connected, making it easy to move around using buses, trams, and the metro. This has been particularly useful for exploring different areas and getting to know the city beyond the tourist attractions.
Although I have only been here for three weeks, I have already had a great first impression of Budapest. The mix of historical architecture, vibrant nightlife, and efficient transport system makes it an exciting place to live. There is still so much more to discover, and I look forward to experiencing more of what this city has to offer.
