Information and tips for Erasmus students in Cluj-Napoca

Would you like to do your Erasmus in Cluj-Napoca? This Romanian city is an increasingly popular destination among international students. It’s known as the "capital of Transylvania" and has a large university community thanks to Babeș-Bolyai University, one of the most prestigious in the country. Its youthful atmosphere, history and location in a region surrounded by nature make it a very attractive option.

The cost of living in Cluj-Napoca is quite affordable for students. Although it has increased in recent years, it’s still cheaper than many Western cities. Transport is efficient and affordable, but most students prefer to get around on foot or by bicycle. Discover everything Cluj-Napoca has to offer!

Cost of living in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

The cost of living in Cluj-Napoca varies depending on each student's lifestyle, but in general it’s possible to live on a tight budget. The most significant expense is usually accommodation. Renting a room in a shared flat costs between RON 1,000-2,000 (approx. £200-400) per month, depending on the location and conditions of the place. The price of a room in a hall of residence is between 130-220 RON (approx. €26-45), usually consisting of rooms shared between two, three, four or even five people.

Transport is very affordable. A monthly pass for students, with 120 trips, costs approximately 44 RON (approx. €8) and allows you to get around the city with ease. However, Cluj-Napoca isn’t a very large city, so many students choose to walk or cycle to get around.

As for food, eating out is quite inexpensive. A meal in an affordable restaurant costs between 25-40 RON (approx. €5-8), although cooking at home is still the cheapest option.

In total, including accommodation, transport, food and leisure, a student can live in Cluj-Napoca on a budget of between 2,990 and 3,980 RON (approx. €600-800) per month.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is a university city with a lively nightlife. There are bars and nightclubs to suit all tastes, but the most popular among Erasmus students are Club NOA, DELIRIO Club Cluj-Napoca, After Eight, and Form Space.

In addition, the city hosts renowned music festivals, such as the UNTOLD Festival and Electric Castle, which attract international artists and thousands of visitors every year.

If you prefer more peaceful activities, you can stroll through Simion Bărnuțiu Central Park, relax by Lake Gheorgheni, or have a picnic in the Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden. There’s also a wide range of cultural activities on offer, with theatres, museums and events throughout the year.

Culture and gastronomy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj-Napoca is a city with a wide range of cultural attractions. If you like history, you can visit Unirii Square (Piața Unirii), where you’ll find St. Michael's Church (Biserica Sfântul Mihail), a Gothic icon of the city. Another interesting site is the National Museum of Transylvanian History (Muzeul Național de Istorie a Transilvaniei), where you can learn about the region's past. Also, if you like castles, you can take a trip to Bánffy Castle (Castelul Bánffy), known as the "Versailles of Transylvania".

As for gastronomy, in Cluj-Napoca you can try traditional Romanian dishes such as "sarmale" (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice), "mici" (spiced grilled sausages) or "ciorbă de burtă" (tripe soup with cream and garlic).

If you’re looking for affordable options, there are highly recommended restaurants for students such as Connection Food, Magic Coco, or Souper.

Advantages and Disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Cluj-Napoca

Doing an exchange in Cluj-Napoca has some pros and cons that will influence your stay.

Advantages

• The city’s an important university centre, so there’s a very active student atmosphere.
• You'll be able to discover Romanian culture and traditions in one of its most important cities!
• The cost of living is more affordable than in other Erasmus destinations, allowing you to enjoy the experience without spending too much.
• Cluj-Napoca is also a compact city, making it easy to get around without relying on public transport.
• Its location in Transylvania makes it easy to travel to other Romanian cities or nearby countries.

Disadvantages

• The climate in winter is quite cold, with sub-zero temperatures and frequent snowfall.
• Although many people speak English, Romanian is the main language and can be challenging for those who do not speak it.
• As a growing city, rent prices have risen in recent years, although they remain affordable compared to other European destinations.

Cheap student accommodation in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Do you need accommodation in Cluj-Napoca and don't know how to find it? On Erasmus Play, you can find the best flats, rooms and student residences in Cluj-Napoca.

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Cluj-Napoca

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