Student halls of residence in Budapest

In your search for a place to live while you study, if a student residence in Budapest is among your options, this article is for you! We will explore the key aspects to consider when choosing a residence, including the advantages and disadvantages, the differences between private and university residences, tips for finding affordable options, and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Budapest

These are some of the most relevant advantages and disadvantages of this type of accommodation in the Hungarian capital:

Pros of living in student dorms in Budapest

Electricity, water, heating, gas, and Internet costs are included in the rental price, so you won't have to add any extra expenses at the end of each month.
They usually have common areas that make daily life much more enjoyable, such as rooms to relax with your friends, to play different games or to study, a terrace to enjoy the outdoors and even a restaurant.
The common areas are maintained by the residence, as well as the cleaning of all shared spaces. In addition, they have security at all hours.
You don't have to worry about the language, because you’ll surely live with people of different nationalities, with whom you can communicate in English or even in your own language. This allows you to enter a very enriching international environment.
It’s normal that they only ask for proof of enrollment in a university, but not documents such as payroll, that can be requested in a private apartment.

Cons of living in student dorms in Budapest

It’s common for rooms to be shared, and you won't be able to meet your partner until you get there.
Some residences, especially university ones, don’t have sheets, towels or kitchen utensils.
You have to share common spaces with a lot of people, which means that you can’t have much privacy or quiet time outside your room.
Having lots of activities makes it fun, but it can also make it difficult to concentrate on studies when necessary.
It’s common for residences to have many rules of coexistence, and that they are stricter than private apartments in terms of hours and reception of visitors.

Private student residences in Budapest

There are a wide variety of private student residences in Budapest. Many of them are found downtown, close to the most frequented leisure places by students, and others are in proximity to different campuses of the universities. Take a good look at the location, both of the residence and of your university, so you can see clearly what route you have to take to get to classes.

Among the most common facilities, the ones they usually have are: a games area, a terrace to enjoy the outdoors, a gym, a garden, a living room with sofas and a television, and study rooms. Some also have a small supermarket and restaurant in the building.

One feature you have to pay attention to is what each room or studio apartment that you choose includes. Most have the basic furniture to move into, but it may be that they don’t include sheets, towels or kitchen utensils. Some residences have packs that you can purchase for a single payment, and, if not, you can choose between bringing them from home or buying them somewhere in the city.

Other types of private accommodation that you’ll find in the Hungarian capital are the so-called “coliving”. These are large apartments or houses shared between several students who sleep in individual rooms but share the use of common areas. They are similar in operation to residences, but they don’t usually have as many amenities and facilities.

University student halls of residence in Budapest

With university residences we refer to those that belong to the universities based in Budapest. Please note that there are usually waiting lists, so institutions can’t ensure that everyone who applies for a place gets one.

The type of accommodation offered by university residences are rooms shared between two or three people. They are furnished with the basics necessary for each of their residents. Furthermore, in many cases they also have a small refrigerator so that each student can store their food, so there’s no confusion in the shared kitchens.

Keep in mind that it’s common that these residences don’t include the sheets, but they do include the pillow and the duvet. Likewise, each student has to bring their own kitchenware and kitchen utensils to use.

The common areas in the university residences usually have living rooms and gyms. Activities and events are also frequently organised by the members of the residence and the students themselves.

University Residences of Eötvös Loránd University

The ELTE offers accommodation to its students through the ELTE Dormitory Centre. Be careful what you choose, since rooms are shared and can have room for up to four people.

If you want to know about the accommodation near Eötvös Loránd University, read this article.

University Residence Halls of Corvinus of Budapest University

This institution doesn’t have its own residences for its students.

If you want to know about the accommodation near Corvinus University Budapest, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Budapest

One of the best ways you can find affordable student residences in the Hungarian capital is through our Erasmus Play search engine. You’ll be able to compare between all verified and available options, filtering through all your preferred features, including price and type of accommodation. Additionally, through our platform you can make the reservation 100% online and totally securely. Do it as soon as you can when you find your ideal residence! This way you can move on to organising other important things about your stay in Budapest, like finding all the hot spring sites you want to try.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Budapest

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Budapest?
To live in a student residence in Budapest, you generally need to be enrolled in an educational institution, present documentation proving financial solvency, and in some cases, a deposit is requested as a guarantee. It’s important to keep in mind that only students of legal age can access this type of accommodation.
How much does a student residence in Budapest cost?
The minimum cost of a shared room between three people in a university residence is 50,000 Hungarian forints (approximately €126). However, the average cost of a single room in Budapest varies between €250 and €500 per month, depending on the location and services offered.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Budapest?
Generally, a shared apartment is usually cheaper than a student residence in Budapest, due to the flexibility in prices and locations. Student residences tend to have higher prices because they offer additional services such as security, cleaning, and meals.
When to book a student residence in Budapest?
We recommend you start your search and make the reservation as soon as you can. Surely, like you, there are many students who choose to live an experience in this wonderful Hungarian city. This means that demand is very high, and remember that the number of places available is limited. Ideally, you should start in mid-August for the fall semester and late December or early January for the spring semester.
Are there female and male university residences in Budapest?
Although they are less common than mixed residences, you’ll find some exclusively female or male residences in the Hungarian capital. However, most student accommodation options tend to be mixed, but, in them, both rooms and shared bathrooms are usually divided between female and male.