Good to know about Hungary & Budapest

Tradition and Modernism at the same time!

Hungary is a beautiful country in the heart of Europe. This country has very warm-hearted people who are truly friends for other nations as well. You can find very affable friends among them.

Hungary has a long tradition and lots of attractions which make it pleasant for its visitors and foreign residents. The country has a rich historic past of more than thousand years and is listed among historic lands and many parts of this country are registered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO since they are highly valued for their specific beauty and background. Living and studying in this country provides a valuable experience along with prosperity.

Hungary is unique.This small country is home to over 10.5 million people, and is one of the oldest European countries, situated in the middle of the continent in Central Europe.The country boasts a rich and varied history, one that stands apart from those of its neighboring countries.

This is the country

• which boasts one of the world's most beautiful cities: Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube"
• where 2000 year old Roman ruins and 400 year old Turkish monuments can be found side by side
• where Central Europe's largest fresh water lake - Balaton - is located, providing natural paradise for its visitors
• where hundreds of therapeutic mineral springs gush up from the depths.

Safety 

Safety in Hungary is bolstered by a highly organized infrastructure that consistently ranks the country among the top 10 safest travel destinations globally. A standout feature is the unified 112 emergency hotline, which provides rapid, 24/7 access to police, ambulance, and fire services with English-speaking operators readily available for international visitors. The friendly and peaceful Hungarian culture is a great reason for the matter of safety that keeps this country on top of all even in Europe as well.

Budapest, the capital city with approximately - two million inhabitants, lies on both sides of the river Duna - (in English: Danube) and is home to many cultural events, performances, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year. The inner city on the Pest side is more crowded. Buda lies on hills with panoramic views over the city. Thanks to its unique geographical position, it is rich in natural mineral water springs that it has deserved the name of  ‘spa‘ for offering a great number of baths both for cure and for amusement.

Climate

Hungary enjoys a classic continental climate with four distinct, beautiful seasons that cater to every type of traveler. One of the best features is the long, sunny summer of that. The country is also famous for its mild and colorful autumns, ideal for exploring and excursion. While winters bring a magical atmosphere with festive Christmas markets and occasional snow, the transition into a blooming spring is rapid and refreshing. This predictable weather pattern, combined with an average of over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, makes Hungary a reliable destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing year-round.

City & intercity transportation

City transport in Hungary is exceptionally efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate, particularly in Budapest, which boasts one of the densest and most reliable transit networks in Europe. The system seamlessly integrates a historic metro (including the continent's oldest underground line), iconic yellow trams, and a comprehensive bus and trolleybus network that runs 24/7. Modern tools like the BudapestGO app make purchasing digital tickets and planning routes incredibly simple, while the nationwide "County" and "Hungary" passes offer tourists and locals an amazingly cheap way to travel across different cities and regions using a single ticket. Whether you are riding the world's longest trams through the city center or taking the clean, frequent MÁV trains between major towns, the punctuality and extensive reach of the Hungarian transport system make it a standout feature of the country.

Health systems

Hungary’s healthcare and pharmacy system is anchored by a highly accessible network of 24-hour pharmacies and a strong tradition of medical expertise. One of the best features is the Electronic Health Service Space, a digital system that allows doctors to upload "cloud prescriptions" which patients can conveniently pick up at any pharmacy across the country using just their ID card. For travelers and locals alike, major cities offer specialized "duty" pharmacies that remain open all night and on holidays, ensuring that essential medication is never out of reach. Additionally, Hungarian pharmacists are known for being highly trained professionals who often speak English and provide expert consultations on over-the-counter remedies, while the country's public health infrastructure is supported by over 110 Health Promotion Offices that offer free preventive screenings and wellness counseling to the community. 

Duna College students get full health insurance for the entire time of their studies at the college as well.

Budapest

 

For a student, Budapest is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It combines all characteristics, that an educated young adult would prefer.

With its rich history, that contains many remains from different ethnic groups, the city possesses a very interesting mixture of cultural features. The ancient roman population left unbelievable ruins and structures behind, during the 14th century Budapest was the center of the human renaissance and thanks to that, the Buda Palace was built. 150 years of Turkish occupation made it possible for a little eastern frame of mind to make its way into the city, so today baths and restaurants etc. remind us of that. From 1867-1918 Hungary was part of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. In this period, the city made a leap towards modernization and so it was named „Paris of the East”, because it ensured a high standard of education, entertainment and so on.

As we can see, Budapest is one of a kind both historically and culturally. But when it comes to education, it is also unique. There are many scientist, engineers etc., that  changed the world with their knowledge they received in Hungary.

Accommodation  

Your Perfect Student Home in Budapest – Welcome to Duna College Living!

Starting your journey at Duna International College means more than just academic success—it’s about feeling at home from the very first day. That’s why Duna College offers a range of comfortable, flexible, and student-friendly accommodation options designed especially for international students.

Upon arrival, students are accommodated in a dormitory, giving them time to settle into life in Budapest before choosing their long-term home. Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of a student residence or the independence of a private apartment, Duna College supports you every step of the way.

Students can enjoy modern living at Móricz Student Living, located in one of Budapest’s most dynamic areas. With excellent public transport, nearby cafés, shops, and even a shopping center within walking distance, everything you need is right at your doorstep. Fully furnished rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, study spaces, security services, and community areas ensure both comfort and convenience.

For those seeking more independence, Duna College partners with trusted real estate services to help students find high-quality apartments across Budapest. From stylish studios to shared flats, students can choose accommodation that fits their lifestyle and budget, with rents starting from around €500 per month. Even better, these services are provided completely free of charge for Duna College students.

Additionally, students can access platforms like Uniplaces with exclusive discounts, making it even easier to secure safe and reliable housing before or after arrival.

At Duna College, your comfort is our priority. With personalized support, diverse housing options, and a welcoming international environment, you can focus on what truly matters—your studies and your future.

Living Costs

In average a student needs minimum €1000/month in order to have a comforting way of living in Hungary.

This amount would cover the rental costs, the catering, the public transportation and all kinds of additional costs.

Food & groceries

Food and grocery shopping in Hungary is defined by a deep appreciation for seasonal, high-quality ingredients and a vibrant market culture. Whether you are exploring the iconic Budapest Cental Market Hall or a neighborhood venue, you will find an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce like luscious apricots, plums, and the world-famous Hungarian walnuts. The country's culinary soul is built on staples like rich sour cream, various types of paprika, and high-quality meats such as chicken, turkey, beef and pork. Beyond the traditional markets, the grocery landscape offers a convenient mix of international chains like Tesco and Spar alongside budget-friendly options like Lidl and Aldi, ensuring that both artisan delicacies and international brands are easily accessible at generally affordable prices.

Spa Culture

Whether you just want to relax or you're looking for a gentle cure for a specific ailment, a spa with natural spring thermal water is a perfect holiday choice.With little exaggeration, you could say that all you need to do is push a stick into the ground anywhere in Hungary and up would come thermal water, most likely with some kind of curative properties.

Currency

The currency in Hungary is Forint (HUF). The current exchange rate of 1 Euro = 390 HUF and 1 USD= 340 HUF.

Credit Cards

Banks accepts Eurocard/Mastercard, VISA, American Express, Eurocheque.