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Festivals and Events You Cannot Miss in Budapest
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary Studying in Budapest is more than just lectures and libraries, this city knows how to celebrate. Whether you’re here for a semester or a full year, experiencing its festivals and celebrations will leave you with a lasting impression on Hungarian culture. From traditional folk events to cutting-edge music festivals, here are some of the best festivals and events in Budapest you should not miss. 1. Sziget Festival (August) If there’s one event Budapest is internationally known for, it’s Sziget. Held on Óbuda Island in the Danube, this week-long music festival transforms the city into a bustling place for music lovers from all over…
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How to Master Budapest’s Public Transport (Without Losing Your Mind)
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary. When I first arrived in Budapest, I was more concerned about not getting lost; than getting to my actual destination. But quickly, I realised that Budapest’s public transport system is not only everywhere—it’s actually pretty amazing. That said, the network of metro lines, trams, buses, and trolleybuses can look like a maze when you’re new. But once you become familiar, you will see why they are considered as one of the best public transport systems in Europe! So if you’re heading to Budapest for study, travel, or just to soak in the views along the Danube, hopefully this blog will be able to…
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Hungarian Superstitions & Traditions You’ll Run Into as a Student in Budapest
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary. Living in Budapest as a student is an adventure: new places, new people, and a lot of traditions and superstitions that might not expect. Hungarians have a long history of folklore and while some of their superstitions are just fun quirks, others are taken pretty seriously. Here are a few you will probably encounter while living here: 1. Do not Clink Beer Glasses! If you’re out for drinks with some new Hungarian friends, do not clink your beer glasses together. Back in 1849, Austrians celebrated the execution of Hungarian revolutionaries by clinking their beer glasses. Hungarians swore not to do it for 150 years…
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Living in Budapest as a Student: A General Guide
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary. Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, offering many who visit a unique and memorable experience. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, Budapest provides an ideal backdrop for students looking to balance academic pursuits with an exciting lifestyle.
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Solo Travelling in the Balkans:
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary.) The Balkans is an infamous area of Eastern Europe, where there is not universal definition on what it consists of. But it is widely known as the belt of post-Yugoslavian and newly established countries: like Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and so on. Many of which who belong to the ‘balkans’ hold negative connotations. Where war, ethnic instability and political turmoil overshadow the beauty of many of these countries.
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An idiots guide to living abroad:
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest. Going to university in general is a big step for forward for anyone. However, finding out you are going to study abroad can feel like being thrown into the deep end. No support system; no friends; new language; different culture and many, many nationalities. It is a lot to get used to and it is not for the faint hearted. But it is an opportunity only a small handful of people will get to do. So, I present my best tips and advice to ensure your time abroad is one that will have a lasting impression on your years at university. Social Life:…
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Your Likely First Impressions
By Louis Hazeldine-Cosgrove, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest. Having visited Budapest last year whilst inter-railing. It does not compare to the realisation that you are actually living here. Arriving with a lack of sleep from an early flight and witnessing, first hand, the hustle and bustle of the city can be very overwhelming. Language Being honest, within the first 6 hours of arriving, I had been shouted at a handful of times by the Hungarian public. Which was shortly followed in a flourish of murmured Hungarian words. Which I still do not understand, despite taking language courses! However, with the few Hungarian words I did know beforehand, life does get easier.…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
