Top 5 student cities in Romania
Discover the favourite cities for university students in Romania and what makes them unique.
The top 5 student cities in Romania have become an increasingly attractive option for international students seeking a university experience in Europe with an affordable cost of living. This Eastern European country stands out for its growing education system, universities with programmes in English, and active student life, especially in its major university cities.
Throughout this article, you’ll find clear and practical information to help you choose your ideal destination: the pros and cons of studying in each city, the most prominent universities, and average rental prices for students. Furthermore, as an online student accommodation platform, we help you compare rooms, flats, and verified residences so that you can easily find somewhere to live during your academic career in Romania.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the main academic, economic and cultural centre of the country, and one of the most attractive options among the top 5 cities to study in Romania. It has a very active university life, good international connections and a more affordable cost of living than other European capitals, making it a good destination for international students.
Pros and cons of studying in Bucharest
Living and studying in Bucharest offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.
Pros of studying in Bucharest
- Wide range of universities and programmes in English.
- Low cost of living compared to other European capitals.
- Intense cultural life and varied nightlife.
- Good public transport network for travelling around the country.
Cons of studying in Bucharest
- The journeys can be long and the traffic very heavy during rush hour.
- Some areas show marked urban contrasts, appearing more unsafe.
- Language can be an initial barrier outside the university environment.
Top Universities in Bucarest
The Romanian capital is home to some of the country's most prestigious institutions.
Universitatea din București (University of Bucharest)
The University of Bucharest is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the country, highly recognised for its contribution to Romanian research and intellectual life. The campus spans several locations in Bucharest and includes iconic sites such as the Botanical Garden.
Student housing in Bucharest
Rent for students in Bucharest is usually cheaper than in other European capitals, but it’s often the highest in the country. As a reference, a room in a shared flat usually costs between €200 and €400 per month, depending mainly on whether it’s shared or private.
Are you looking for accommodation in the capital of Romania? Read our guide to student accommodation in Bucharest, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is one of Romania's most important university cities and a favourite among foreign students. In fact, it has a population of around 320,000, of which 80,000 are students. As a result, it has a youthful atmosphere, a very active cultural life and a high academic standard, particularly in the fields of technology, medicine and social sciences.
Pros and cons of studying in Cluj-Napoca
Studying in Cluj-Napoca can be a great experience because of its advantages, although it also involves some challenges.
Pros of studying in Cluj-Napoca
- Very good student atmosphere.
- It has many cultural and social events throughout the year.
- High academic standards and international recognition of its universities.
- A safe and well-organised city, easy to get around on foot or by public transport.
Cons of studying in Cluj-Napoca
- The cost of living is slightly higher than in other smaller Romanian cities.
- High demand for accommodation at the start of the academic year.
- Cold and long winter, especially for those who are not accustomed to this climate.
Top Universities in Cluj-Napoca
One of Romania's most prominent institutions is based in this city.
Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai (Babeș-Bolyai University)
Babeș-Bolyai University is another of the country's most prestigious institutions and one of the largest. It stands out for its wide variety of programmes in different languages, including Romanian, English, German, and Hungarian.
The UBB has several buildings scattered throughout Cluj-Napoca, including in neighbourhoods such as the historic centre, Hasdeu, and Grigorescu. Learn all about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the Babeş-Bolyai University.
Student housing in Cluj-Napoca
Rental prices in Cluj-Napoca are usually higher than in other cities in the country. They’re also similar to those in Bucharest. For example, the average cost of a room in a shared flat is usually between €200 and €350 per month.
If you’d like to see all the available options, please consult our guide to student accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.
Iaşi
Iaşi is one of the main university centres in eastern Romania and a city with a strong academic and cultural identity. Its student atmosphere is very pronounced, with a quiet lifestyle, affordable prices and an educational tradition that attracts both Romanian and international students.
Pros and cons of studying in Iaşi
Iaşi offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.
Pros of studying in Iaşi
- Lower cost of living than in cities such as Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca.
- High student presence, with a very active academic environment.
- A city with a rich history, libraries, theatres and cultural venues.
- A more relaxed and peaceful life than in large cities.
Cons of studying in Iaşi
- It’s far from other cities, so it’s more difficult to travel around the country.
- Fewer international flights compared to larger cities.
- More limited job opportunities for foreign students who do not speak Romanian.
Top Universities in Iaşi
Iaşi is home to some of the oldest and most renowned universities in the country.
Universitatea „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University)
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University is a renowned Romanian institution and the oldest in the country. The university campus is located north of the city centre, on Copou Hill. If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near Alexandru Ioan Cuza University.
Student housing in Iaşi
Rent for students in Iași is quite affordable compared to other Romanian cities. A room in a shared flat usually costs between €200-300 per month, depending on the area and the conditions of the accommodation.
Are you planning to study in Romania? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Iaşi, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.
Oradea
Oradea is a city in western Romania that often goes unnoticed, but offers a peaceful, affordable university experience with a good quality of life. It’s an interesting option for students who prefer a relaxed environment, affordable prices and a city without too much chaos.
Pros and cons of studying in Oradea
Being a student in Oradea has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.
Pros of studying in Oradea
- Living costs are generally lower than in other university cities in Romania.
- A safe, orderly, and easy-to-navigate city.
- It’s close to the Hungarian border, which makes it easy to travel around Central Europe.
Cons of studying in Oradea
- The academic and cultural offerings are more limited than in larger cities.
- The nightlife isn’t particularly varied, often depending on plans organised by the students themselves.
- Fewer activities aimed at international students.
Top Universities in Oradea
A highly renowned institution is based in this city.
Universitatea din Oradea (University of Oradea)
The main institution is the University of Oradea, a public university offering programmes in areas such as engineering, economics, medicine, and social sciences.
Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the guide to housing close to the University of Oradea.
Student housing in Oradea
Rent for students in Oradea is among the most affordable in Romania. For reference, a single room in a shared flat typically costs between €180 and €300 per month, depending on the location and condition of the accommodation.
If you’re going to study in this Romanian city, check out our guide to student housing in Ordea, with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.
Timisoara
Timișoara’s one of the most dynamic cities in western Romania and an increasingly popular destination for international university students. It has a strong technological profile, a good quality of life and an active cultural scene, with Central European influences.
Pros and cons of studying in Timisoara
The academic experience in Timisoara has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.
Pros of studying in Timisoara
- Good academic level, particularly in technical and engineering fields.
- An international and student atmosphere that’s growing.
- Lower cost of living than in Bucharest.
- A modern, green city that’s easy to get around.
Cons of studying in Timisoara
- Less nightlife than other large university cities.
- Fewer international flights than Bucharest.
- Some degree programmes have fewer courses offered in English compared to Cluj-Napoca.
Top Universities in Timisoara
One institution in particular stands out in Timisoara.
Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara (Polytechnic University of Timisoara)
The Universitatea Politehnica Timişoara is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in engineering in the country. Its main building is a beautiful old building in the city centre.
Student housing in Timisoara
The cost of student accommodation in Timisoara is quite affordable compared to other European cities. For example, a room in a shared flat usually costs around €200–300 per month, while a studio flat may cost slightly more.
Find accommodation in Romania with Erasmus Play
Choosing between the top five student cities in Romania will depend on what you’re looking for as a student: large capital cities with a wide range of academic opportunities and urban life, or quieter cities with a lower cost of living and a close-knit university atmosphere. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Oradea and Timișoara stand out for their universities, the presence of international students and more affordable rental prices than in many other European destinations, making Romania an increasingly attractive option for studying abroad.
Whichever city you choose, finding suitable accommodation is a key part of the experience. Through our online student accommodation platform, you can compare rooms, flats and verified residences in each destination, filter by price and location, and book 100% online and securely before you arrive. That way, all you have to do is focus on enjoying your time at university and making the most of your experience in Romania.
Other guides on studying and living in Romania
Below you can find more information about studying in this European country.