International Blog

Look, we all love Budapest. It’s got the architecture, ruin bars, and more thermal baths than we know what to do with. But sometimes, you just need a break from the overpriced lattes and the never-ending crowds of the 4-6 tram. Luckily, Hungary has so much more to explore beyond its capital. Whether you’re after history, nature, or small-town charm, these spots are budget-friendly and totally insta-worthy for a perfect weekend getaway. Here are five must-visit places that will show you a whole new side of Hungary. 1. Lillafüred If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature, Lillafüred is the perfect spot. Located in Bükk National Park, this picturesque resort town is famous for the Palace Hotel, which looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on Hámori Lake, explore the Anna and Szent István Caves, or take in the breathtaking views

Subject registration period is always an experience — some plan ahead, some refresh the page frantically, and somehow, it all works out in the end! In our latest vlog, we take a quick look at what the average registration process feels like and share some tips to help you navigate it more smoothly. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning pro, a little preparation can go a long way. Check out the vlog below, and let us know your own registration strategies in the comments!

Studying abroad or moving away from home for college is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its challenges, one of the biggest being homesickness. No matter how independent or adventurous you are, missing home, family, and familiar surroundings is completely normal. To help you navigate these feelings, we asked international students to share their best tips on overcoming homesickness. Here’s what they had to say. 1. Stay Connected, but Not Too Much One of the hardest parts of being away is not seeing your family and friends as often as you’d like. While regular calls or video chats can help bridge the gap, too much contact can actually make you feel worse. Nostalgia can sometimes taste more bitter than sweet. So try scheduling weekly check-ins rather than calling every day, so you have something to look forward to without constantly dwelling on what you’re missing. “I call my

Hello! It’s Leo here, a Master’s student in Economic Analysis at Corvinus and a Management Trainee at Wizz Air, ready to share how Corvinus helps students like me access amazing work opportunities! As a student at Corvinus University, you are already setting yourself up for success with one of Hungary’s most prestigious academic programs. But did you know that your university has taken extra steps to ensure you’re not just learning in the classroom but also gaining a competitive edge in the job market? Thanks to strategic partnerships with some of the world’s leading companies, Corvinus students and graduates often find themselves in prime positions when it comes to exciting work opportunities.   Corvinus has built close relationships with industry giants like EY, KPMG, ExxonMobil, Procter & Gamble, OTP Bank, UniCredit, MOL Group, and many more. These partnerships mean more than just names on a list—they actively create pathways for students. For example, professionals

Starting a new semester means more than just new classes — it’s also the time to take care of essential paperwork. In our latest vlog, we walk you through the student services area, where you can handle every administrative question, all with a little help from the friendly coordinators. Watch our vlog, and don’t hesitate to stop by — the student services team is always here to help. Wishing you a great semester ahead!

Thrifting is not just a way to find cheap clothing. It’s an adventure, a personality trait, and an opportunity to curate a wardrobe full of unique and statement pieces. Being a student in Budapest, whether you’re on a budget or simply love the thrill of vintage fashion, the city offers some fire second-hand and vintage stores to explore. So let’s dive into the ultimate thrifting treasure map: 1. Humana Vintage, Cream, and Hada chains Affordable Second-Hand Chains. If your wallet is crying but your fashion dreams are thriving, Humana Vintage, Cream, and Hada are your go-to spots. These stores frequently rotate their stock, offering a mix of vintage finds and contemporary second-hand clothing at unbeatable prices. Humana Vintage, in particular, serves retro realness on a budget, making it a favorite among broke but stylish students. While affordable, these places require a bit more experience and patience to find something really

Budapest is a city of contrasts, where every part tells its own story and reflects a different way of life. So let’s explore the inner districts and see which one speaks your language. District I (Várkerület) Personality traits: Intellectual, Introverted, Sophisticated, Escapist. Major: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Zodiac sign: Capricorn, Pisces You were probably the popular kid back in school, effortlessly liked for your elegance and cool demeanor. Yet, beneath the polished and amiable exterior, you’re more reserved, preferring solitude over the chaos of modern life. You find comfort in history and timeless beauty, often escaping to the hilltop with a book in hand and grand views around. As the eldest sibling, you’ve grown to be responsible, carrying a deep sense of duty toward your heritage. You’re a contemplative introvert with deep interests in life and what it means. District V (Belváros) Personality traits: Charming, Sociable, Hard-working, Diplomatic Leader Major: International Business and Relations

We’ve all been there: doom-scrolling TikTok or watching “just one more” YouTube video instead of tackling that important task. But procrastination isn’t just laziness — it’s your brain stuck in a battle between emotion and logic. You might be overwhelmed by work anxiety and turn to simple pleasures to soothe yourself, but then get crushed by guilt and your sense of responsibility. But with the right approach, we can break the cycle. Instead of the usual vague advice, this post shares some insights from the renowned book The Art of Procrastination by John Perry, with our personal twist, to help you finally overcome procrastination and actually get things done. And be fr… You’re probably procrastinating even now by just reading this post. Time to close the tabs, grab some water, and actually start. You got this! 1. Productive Procrastination In The Art of Procrastination, John Perry reveals that the key to

The mid-term season is upon us, and it’s the time when students rise and shine to squeeze an entire semester’s worth of knowledge into their brains asap. But prepping for exams isn’t just about skimming PowerPoints — it’s a whole ritual, a delicate choreography of productivity, logistics, and, for some, sheer superstition. To get a closer look at what fuels academic success (or at least minimizes panic), we gathered insights from students about their study rituals. From the logical to the ludicrous, here’s how students summon focus, calmness, and some extra luck. 1. Sleeping Notes The night before an exam, I typically review the notes I’ve taken and add more to make sure I’ve covered everything I might need. I’ve read that reviewing before sleep can help with memorization. But there’s also an old belief from my childhood that if you place a knife under your pillow, it will ward

In this economy, students really have to lock in to survive. Otherwise, say goodbye to matcha lattes and spontaneous Flixbus trips. But finding a job and clocking shifts isn’t exactly easy, especially if you’re an international student juggling morning seminars and random 2 a.m. night outs. So we asked some fellow part-time warriors for their insights on landing a gig that covers your daily sweet treat and still lets you hit those midnight deadlines. 1. Step up your LinkedIn game Take LinkedIn seriously. It’s your social media that can be way more important, especially if you’re an international student. It’s basically your creative portfolio. Start connecting, look for jobs early, and if you’re in the creative world, help your friends out with small projects to build your portfolio.  I’d also focus on joining clubs and workshops that actually add to your CV and relate to your major. It might take

When most people think of art in Budapest, their minds jump to the grand halls of the Hungarian National Gallery or the Museum of Fine Arts. While these institutions are undeniably impressive, there’s another side to the city’s creative spirit that thrives in basements, studios, abandoned buildings, and converted warehouses. It’s raw, evolving, and deeply local. The city blends classical influences with a strong undercurrent of experimentation, giving rise to an art culture that’s both refined and radically alternative. From polished exhibition venues to raw, independent spaces, here’s where to find the pulse of creativity in Budapest today: Galleries and Exhibition Spaces These venues are dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, offering a mix of established names, experimental approaches, and cross-disciplinary practices. Artist Collectives and Associations Driven by artists themselves, these collectives support independent voices, emerging talent, and unconventional artistic paths. Cultural Centers These vibrant hubs combine art with nightlife, music,

Sometimes you just don’t have the luxury of time or the budget for a proper student-fancy lunch in between your academic weapon duties. That’s when campus classics like Kalvin Kebab, Pizza Manufactura, and Smart Kitchen come through with their quick, cheap, and takeout-friendly options — perfect for devouring on the way to your next lecture. But we don’t stop there! The area around Corvinus is packed with food spots, and the real foodies here know tons of good ones. So here’s your go-to guide to tasty, affordable bites, all just 10 minutes away from your class 😋 Street Foods & Fast Bites Smashy Burger – ★4.7 True to its name, this place serves California-style smash burgers done right. A hit for cheat-day cravings. EPOCH Vegan Burger – ★4.6 Plenty of vegan-friendly options! Definitely try their signature Epoch burger and the mushroom one. Beriko Gyros – ★4.6 Quick, juicy gyros with great toppings. Ideal

In this economy, students really have to lock in to survive. Otherwise, say goodbye to matcha lattes and spontaneous Flixbus trips. But finding a job and clocking shifts isn’t exactly easy, especially if you’re an international student juggling morning seminars and random 2 a.m. night outs. So we asked some fellow part-time warriors for their insights on landing a gig that covers your daily sweet treat and still lets you hit those midnight deadlines. 1. Just walk in, seriously During the holidays, I printed about 20 copies of my CV and walked around tourist spots, handing them out in person, just walking in and asking if they were hiring. Only three places called me back, but by then, I had already found a job at a bakery through a friend who was leaving and needed someone to replace them. I messaged the manager directly, sent my CV, and started working

Summer break is the time to slow down and enjoy it for real, not just scroll through everyone else’s version of it. If you’re in the mood for something therapeutic, creative, and a little offbeat, these hobbies are the perfect way to make the most of longer summer days. 1. Flower Pressing Collect wildflowers, press them between the pages of books, and turn them into bookmarks, collages, or framed art. It’s calming, beautiful, and brings a little bit of nature’s magic into your space, all while expanding your botanical knowledge as you learn about different plants and their stories. You’re literally preserving tiny pieces of summer. 2. Alt-Tea Blending Start crafting your own herbal tea mixes using dried flowers, citrus peels, spices, and herbs. Brew them cold or hot, bottle them, and give them chaotic names like “Peach Anxiety” or “Lavender Delusion.” It’s a hobby and a whole personality that comes

Summer is the time to romanticise your life. If you’re tired of clocking your daily 10k steps along the good old Danube and catching every sunset from Liberty Bridge, this one’s for you. These spots are scenic, refreshing, and perfect for either some solo “main character” time or an intimate walk with your pookie. 1. Károlyi Garden Tucked away in the city centre, Károlyi Garden feels like a slice of Paris dropped in Budapest. Neat flowerbeds, benches under shady trees, and that quiet hum of the city in the background. It’s ideal for reading, people-watching, or just holding hands in peace. 2. Mansfeld Péter Park Start your trip from Gül Baba Street, heading uphill through a neighbourhood that feels like an entirely different city and timeline. The climb opens up to Mansfeld Péter Park, where the wide city view is pure goosebumps. 3. Garden of Philosophers A hilltop hangout with

Hungary has plenty of small traditions that locals barely think about, but will definitely notice if you miss them. Some might leave international students confused, laughing, or even side-eyed at dinner. So here are five quirks every Hungarian knows, and you should too. 1. Skip clinking beer glasses In Hungary, people traditionally avoid clinking beer glasses when toasting. The custom dates back to 1848, when Austrian generals reportedly celebrated Hungary’s defeat by banging their beer mugs together. Hungarians swore off clinking for 150 years, and while that’s long over, many people (especially older ones) still avoid it. Younger crowds don’t really care, but simply raising your glass is enough to dodge an awkward history lesson. 2. Don’t sit at the table corner Superstition says that sitting at the corner of a table will bring you seven years of bad luck in love. Hungarians often jokingly warn their friends to switch

When you’re new to Budapest, the first thing you’ll clock is that the city’s split in two. Before the Danube made them roommates in the 19th century, Buda and Pest were separate cities, each with its unique role, landscape, and overall vibe. But if you were apartment hunting and trying to figure out which side’s cooler, we’re gonna settle it now. Ding-ding, round 1! Round 1: Scenery Buda: Hills. Castles. Views that make you want to pretend you’re in a Wes Anderson film. Fisherman’s Bastion is basically Disney World for Instagram, and Gellért Hill sunsets? Chef’s kiss. Pest: Parliament is an absolute diva, it’s on the cover of every postcard. Andrássy Avenue is a great Paris cosplay. Cute, but if we’re honest, Pest is the main character only when photographed from Buda. Score: 1/0 Round 2: Nightlife Buda: A couple wine spots, but unless you’re an “early bedtime” type of

Whether you’ve been here for a couple of years or just a couple of weeks, you probably already survive an Aldi trip with a confident szia and köszönöm. But if you want to flex outside your Duolingo streak and spice up your daily interactions with peers, it’s time to level up. So…  Welcome to Hungarian Slang 201!  Everyday Fillers & Exclamations   Forget plain szia. Hungarians have a buffet of casual hellos:  csáó, csá, hali.   Mizu (mee-zoo) – What’s up?  Short for mi újság? Used like “sup?” Example: “Mizu, tesó?”  And if you’ve taken Hungarian Slang 101, you already know tesó means “bro”!  Köszi / Szivi – Thank you / You’re welcome.   Cute, playful, often in texts.   Hallod?! (ha-lod) – You hear?!  Used like “dude!” or “you know?!” — the go-to way to start spilling some tea. Example: “Hallod?! That class was brutal.”   Azt vágod?! (ast va-god) – You get that?!  Similar to “you know what I mean?” but with extra punch. Example: “Azt vágod?! He actually