Living in Romania – Postgraduate Guide

If you decide to study a Masters in Romania, you’ll quickly realise that this Eastern European nation is full of surprises, with a diverse landscape that encompasses the urban sprawl of Bucharest, the Danube Delta and the dense Transylvanian forests.

This page will give you information on what to expect from student life in Romania, from accommodation and living costs to transport and culture.

Romania occupies an important position at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, sharing a border with no less than five other countries (Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia and Moldova). Beach-lovers can take advantage of its 275km-long Black Sea coastline, which is home to several popular holiday resorts.

Romania’s capital and largest urban centre is Bucharest, a dynamic city with a rich history. From stunning 17th-century Orthodox churches to elegant Art Nouveau buildings and the colossal Palace of Parliament, the architecture of Bucharest never fails to fascinate. In north-western Romania, the university town of Cluj-Napoca has a bohemian atmosphere and a lively student population.

The Romanian countryside is home to some of the great European wildernesses. Nestled in the Transylvanian mountains you can find Bran Castle (supposedly the inspiration for Count Dracula), while the Danube Delta is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

Accommodation in Romania is very affordable with the option of hostel, university or private accommodation on offer to students. Hostel accommodation is the cheapest at around €50 per month and apartments ranging from €100-400 a month.

The cost of living in Romania is low, particularly by Western European standards. These are some of the typical costs you’ll encounter while studying a Masters in Romania:

• Food: €150-250 per month
• Internet: €8.32 per month
• Transport: €18.10 per month
• Afforadable restaurant meal:€9

International students are allowed to work during their studies in Romania without an additional work permit (they just need a valid residence permit). The number of hours you can work per week depends on your nationality.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can work without any restrictions on the number of hours.

Other international students can work up to four hours a day without needing an additional work permit.

Hopefully you’ve got a good idea of what to expect from student life in Romania. These are a few other practicalities you should take into account when planning you postgraduate adventure there.

Health insurance

If you’re under 26 years old, you’re eligible to receive free healthcare while studying in Romania.

If you’re 26 or older, you’ll need to pay a monthly insurance fee of around €10.

Banking

Opening a local bank account in Romania is a good idea if you want to avoid unnecessary international transaction fees. There are lots of commercial banks to choose from, so try and find one with a local branch to your accommodation.

These are the documents you’ll usually need to bring with you when opening a bank account:

• Passport
• Proof of address
• Previous bank statements

In Romania, the local currency is the Romanian leu / lei.

Transport

Romania is a pretty big country, but its extensive bus and rail network helps make it relatively easy to travel between cities and regions. The InterCity (IC) trains are usually the fastest and most modern option.

Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest is the busiest airport in the country, with many long-haul and low-cost flights arriving there.

Bucharest has an efficient and affordable underground metro system, while other major cities usually have a decent network of buses and trams.