Information and tips for Erasmus students in Ljubljana

Are you thinking about doing Erasmus in Ljubljana? The capital of Slovenia is an increasingly popular destination amongst Erasmus students. Its youthful atmosphere, the quality of its university and its location in Europe make it an excellent choice for an international experience.

The University of Ljubljana, founded in 1919, is the most prestigious in the country and offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degrees in English. In addition, its international student community is growing year after year, which facilitates the integration of Erasmus students.

The heart of the city is full of charm, with its Baroque-style old town, the iconic Ljubljanica River and historic bridges that create a picturesque atmosphere. What's more, its proximity to countries such as Italy, Austria, and Croatia allows you to travel easily during your stay.

If you’re thinking of choosing Ljubljana as your Erasmus destination, here we'll tell you everything you need to know about the cost of living, leisure, culture, and the advantages and disadvantages of living here.

Cost of living in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is one of the most affordable capitals for Erasmus students compared to other European cities. Adding up accommodation, transport, food, and leisure expenses, the total cost of living in Ljubljana is usually around €600-800 per month.

As far as accommodation is concerned, the price of a room in a shared flat ranges from €200 to €700 per month, depending on the location. There are also student residences managed by the university, with prices starting at €200 per month.

Public transport in Ljubljana is efficient and inexpensive. A monthly pass for students costs €20 and allows unlimited use of buses. However, many students prefer to travel by bicycle, as the city has an excellent network of cycle paths and a public bicycle hire system (BicikeLJ), which costs €3 per year.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana has a lively nightlife scene that’s well suited to students. The Metelkova area is one of the best-known places, with alternative bars and nightclubs in a space full of graffiti and urban art. Other popular spots are Klub K4, Cirkus Klub, and TROJA lounge bar & club.

For more peaceful plans, you can stroll through Tivoli Park, one of the city's green lungs, or have a drink on the terraces along the Ljubljanica River.

In summer, concerts and an open-air cinema are organised in Kongresni trg (Congress Square). In addition, every Friday in spring and summer, Open Kitchen (Odprta Kuhna) is held in the Market Square, with food from around the world and a great atmosphere.

One of the best associations for meeting people and trying different activities is ESN Ljubljana. It organises events for Erasmus and international students, such as excursions, game nights and trips to other cities in Slovenia.

Culture and gastronomy in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is a city with a rich history and culture. Its old town is full of interesting spots, such as Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad), which offers panoramic views of the city. It's also worth visiting Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) and the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most), one of the city's symbols.

If you enjoy art, the National Museum of Slovenia (Narodni muzej Slovenije) and the National Gallery (Narodna galerija) are must-see attractions. For something more modern, the Metelkova Contemporary Art Centre hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Ljubljana also has many interesting festivals throughout the year. The Ljubljana Summer Festival offers outdoor concerts and theatre, while the Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe) is a great opportunity for lovers of independent cinema.

In terms of cuisine, Slovenia combines influences from Italian, Austrian, and Balkan cooking. Some typical dishes you should try are:

• "Kranjska klobasa": a very tasty Slovenian sausage.
• "Štruklji": a type of pasta filled with cheese, nuts or apple.
• "Prekmurska gibanica": a multi-layered cake with walnuts, poppy seeds, apple and cottage cheese.

If you're looking for restaurants where you can eat cheaply, we recommend Klobasarna, Čevabdžinica Sarajevo '84 – Ljubljana or Fari's.

If you want something even cheaper, you can take advantage of the student voucher system, which allows students to eat at many restaurants at reduced prices.

Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Here are some of the pros and cons of studying abroad in the Slovenian capital.

Advantages

• The city's landscapes are breathtaking, with views of the mountains and rivers. Ljubljana was named European Green Capital in 2016.
• The University of Ljubljana has many international students and a good programme of activities.
• Compared to other European capitals, it has a low cost of living.
• The location is perfect for travelling. You can visit many nearby cities and countries. An incredible opportunity!

Disadvantages

• Although most people speak English, Slovenian can be challenging if you need to carry out official procedures.
• Winters can be cold with frequent rainfall.
• Ljubljana is compact and quiet compared to other European capitals. If you’re looking for a more urban atmosphere with lots of leisure options, you may find it lacking.

Cheap student accommodation in Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you’re looking for accommodation in Ljubljana, check out our Erasmus Play platform! Quickly, easily and securely compare prices for flats, rooms and residences for students in Ljubljana. Find the best deal for you and start your Erasmus experience without any complications. We’ll help you with whatever you need!

FAQ about doing Erasmus in Ljubljana, Slovenia