Living in Budapest
Welcome to Budapest! – Moving to a new city is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of practical questions. As you begin your studies at Corvinus, this page will help you find your feet in your new home city. We will continue to update and expand this guide with practical information, recommendations and useful resources throughout the academic year.
Whether you’re here for a semester or a full degree programme, these tips will help you settle in and make the most of your Corvinus experience!
Everyday life in Budapest
Budapest is a welcoming and student-friendly city, but everyday life may work a little differently from what you are used to. Here are a few practical tips to help you navigate your new surroundings and settle in more easily.
What should you know?
- Tap water is safe to drink. Feel free to refill your water bottle from the tap.
- Hungary has four seasons. Summers can be hot, while winters are often cold. Check the weather forecast regularly and pack accordingly.
- Greetings are important. A simple greeting when entering a shop, office or classroom is considered polite.
- Want to learn a few Hungarian words before your first day? Even basic expressions are appreciated by locals and can make everyday interactions easier. Here is your first kit:
- Szia – Hello
- Köszönöm – Thank you
- Kérem – Please
- Viszlát – Goodbye
- Beszél angolul? – Do you speak English?
Getting around in Budapest
Budapest has an extensive and affordable public transport network, making it easy to travel between campus, accommodation and the city centre.
For the best experience, we recommend downloading the BudapestGO app or using Google Maps to plan your journeys and check real-time schedules.
What should you know?
- Students are eligible for discounted public transport passes once they have received a valid student ID.
- The metro, tram and bus network operates throughout the city.
- Most destinations can be reached quickly by metro, tram, bus or suburban railway.
- Budapest’s public transport system operates throughout the night on selected routes.
Public Holidays
Hungary has several national and religious holidays throughout the year. On these days, universities, public offices and most shops are closed, and public transport usually runs on a holiday schedule.
National and public holidays
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 15 March – National Holiday (Memorial Day of the 1848–1849 Revolution and War of Independence)
- Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Monday – (movable, March/April)
- 1 May – Labour Day
- Pentecost (Whitsun) – (movable, May/June)
- 20 August – St. Stephen’s Day (Foundation of the Hungarian State)
- 23 October – National Holiday (Memorial Day of the 1956 Revolution)
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day
- 25–26 December – Christmas
What should you know?
- Always check the university academic calendar for teaching breaks and exam periods.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies may have reduced opening hours before holidays.
- Plan travel and shopping ahead of long weekends.
- Public transport usually runs on a holiday or Sunday schedule.
Healthcare & Pharmacies
Understanding how healthcare works in Hungary can make everyday life much easier and help you feel prepared in case you need medical assistance during your stay.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have valid health insurance covering your stay in Hungary.
- EU/EEA students can generally use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU students should arrange appropriate private health insurance before or shortly after arrival. Scholarship holders may have additional insurance arrangements depending on their programme.
Important emergency numbers
- Emergency services: 112
- Ambulance: 104
- Police: 107
- Fire Brigade: 105
Carry a copy of your insurance information and emergency contact details with you, especially during your first weeks in Hungary.
Mobile phone & internet
Staying connected is essential when you start your studies in a new country. Getting a local SIM card or eSIM is one of the first practical steps after arrival, helping you use mobile data, maps and communication apps without interruption.
You can get a Hungarian SIM card easily after arriving in Budapest:
- You can choose between a prepaid or monthly plan, depending on how long you stay.
- A SIM card is usually activated immediately after purchase.
- You will automatically receive a Hungarian phone number once your SIM is active.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with European networks.
Where to get a SIM card?
SIM cards are widely available in Budapest. You can purchase one at:
- Mobile provider stores in the city
- Shopping centres
- Convenience stores and kiosks
- Budapest Airport upon arrival
- Registration and documents
Please note: To purchase a SIM card, you will usually need:
- A valid passport or ID card
- Basic personal information for registration (required by Hungarian regulations)
Internet on campus
Wi-Fi is available across Corvinus University buildings, allowing you to stay connected for studying, enrolment and everyday tasks.
Roaming in the EU
Hungary is part of the EU “Roam Like at Home” system, which generally allows you to use your Hungarian SIM card in other EU countries at domestic rates, subject to fair usage policies.
Waste and recycling
Budapest uses a selective waste collection system designed to support recycling and reduce environmental impact. In Corvinus, most residential buildings, household waste is sorted into different categories.
What should you know?
Main waste types:
- Paper – newspapers, cardboard, paper packaging
- Plastic & metal – plastic bottles, packaging, cans, metal containers
- Glass – glass bottles and jars
- Mixed waste – general household waste that cannot be recycled
- Batteries & small electronics – usually collected separately at designated collection points
Recycling bins are available at Corvinus and usually in residential buildings or nearby collection points.
You can return eligible bottles and cans at recycling machines (reverse vending machines) in supermarkets or at the University.