Romania has become an increasingly interesting option for international students who want to study in Europe without automatically taking on the living costs associated with some Western European destinations. The country combines relatively accessible tuition and living costs with a growing international student population, English-taught programmes, established universities and a diverse choice of student cities. The official Study in Romania portal says students from 121 countries are currently studying in Romania.

But choosing Romania is about more than tuition fees. For an international student, the real question is what everyday life will feel like after arrival: Where will you live? How much will groceries cost? Can you use English? How easy is it to make friends? Can you work part-time? What happens in winter?

This guide looks at Romania student life in 2026 from that practical perspective, including accommodation, food, transport, university culture, safety, healthcare, employment and the challenges students should prepare for.

What Is Student Life Like in Romania?

Student life in Romania varies considerably by university and city, but the general experience combines structured university study with an active social and cultural environment.

typical week can include lectures, seminars, laboratory or practical classes, independent study and assignments. The balance depends heavily on the programme. Engineering, medicine and science courses, for example, may involve substantially more scheduled practical work than some humanities programmes.

International students generally study alongside Romanian students, while universities and Erasmus-style organisations provide opportunities to meet students from other countries. Outside classes, student life tends to revolve around cafés, sports, cultural events, university activities and city entertainment.

Weekdays are usually focused on classes and studying. Weekends provide more freedom for socialising, exploring the city, visiting nearby destinations or simply catching up on university work.

Romania also has a substantial higher-education network. The official Study in Romania portal lists almost 90 accredited public and private higher-education institutions and programmes taught in Romanian, English, French, German and Hungarian.

Best Student Cities in Romania

Bucharest

Bucharest is the country’s capital and by far one of the largest academic centres. The official Study in Romania city profile lists 31 universities/institutions offering programmes locally and more than 186,000 students. It also describes the city as having a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.

The advantage is choice: universities, programmes, internships, businesses, restaurants and entertainment are abundant. The trade-off is cost and the faster pace of capital-city life. Bucharest suits students who want the widest range of academic and career opportunities.

Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is one of Romania’s strongest student cities. The official portal lists almost 89,000 students and describes it as an important academic, cultural, industrial and business centre.

It has a particularly strong student atmosphere and nightlife, but accommodation and everyday expenses can be comparatively high. It is a good choice for students who prioritise a dense university community and modern urban lifestyle.

Iași

Iași is a major academic centre in northeastern Romania, with more than 57,000 students across seven universities/institutions listed on Study in Romania.

It can appeal to students looking for a large university environment without choosing Bucharest. Its strong technical and academic traditions also make it relevant for STEM students.

Timișoara

Timișoara has a cosmopolitan character, substantial student population and active cultural scene. The official city profile lists more than 45,000 students and six universities/institutions offering programmes locally.

Its western location also makes it attractive for students interested in travelling around Central Europe.

Brașov

Brașov offers a smaller student environment with access to the Carpathian Mountains. The official profile lists around 22,000 students and four universities/institutions.

It is particularly appealing to students who prefer a scenic, less metropolitan environment and enjoy outdoor activities.

Constanța

Constanța offers something different: life on Romania’s Black Sea coast. The official portal lists more than 21,000 students and six universities/institutions.

It suits students who enjoy coastal surroundings, summer activities and a more seasonal lifestyle.

Cost of Living for Students in Romania

Romania is relatively affordable compared with many Western European destinations, but “affordable” does not mean identical costs everywhere.

The official Study in Romania portal currently gives broad reference figures of €60–€85 per month for university dormitories, €80–€150 for shared housing and €130–€300 for private accommodation, while food is estimated at €100–€300 monthly. It also gives approximately €20–€40 for phone and internet and €10–€30 for public transport.

A practical planning table is:

Food/groceries. €100–€300

Transport. €10–€30

Mobile/internet. €20–€40

Entertainment. €50–€150+

Utilities/other expenses €40–€100+

Typical student budgetroughly (€400–€800+)

These are planning ranges rather than guaranteed prices. Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca can require a higher budget, particularly when renting privately. The official city profiles currently show estimated monthly costs excluding rent of about €680 in Bucharest, €598 in Timișoara, €587 in Iași, €632 in Brașov and €650 in Constanța; these figures should be treated as city-level indicators rather than fixed student budgets.

Accommodation

University dormitories are usually the first option worth investigating. They can be substantially cheaper than private rentals, but places and room types are limited. Study in Romania recommends arranging accommodation early because universities may not be able to satisfy every student’s preferred option.

Shared apartments are a middle ground. Splitting rent and utilities with other students can make private housing more manageable and can also make social integration easier.

Private accommodation offers more independence but normally requires attention to deposits, contracts, utilities and landlord arrangements. Never transfer significant money simply because an online listing looks attractive. Ask for a written contract, confirm who owns or legally manages the property and understand exactly which bills are included.

For international students, university accommodation can therefore be particularly useful during the first semester while they become familiar with the city.

Food and Everyday Lifestyle

Romanian food has a strong regional character. Students may encounter dishes such as sarmale, mămăligă, ciorbă, mici and cozonac, alongside the international restaurants and fast-food options common in larger university cities.

Students on a budget can reduce costs by cooking at home and shopping at supermarkets or local markets. University canteens can also be useful where available.

Vegetarian food is increasingly easy to find in larger cities. Halal food and South Asian restaurants are more concentrated in major urban centres, so students with specific dietary requirements should check availability around their university before choosing accommodation.

Transportation

Romanian cities use combinations of buses, trams, trolleybuses, metro systems, trains and other local transport. Bucharest has a metro, while other cities rely more heavily on surface public transport.

Student concessions are significant, but the exact benefit depends on current national and local rules. Study in Romania states that students can receive at least a 50% discount on domestic public transport during the academic year, subject to the applicable conditions.

Local schemes can be even more generous. For example, Cluj-Napoca’s public transport operator currently lists a free 120-trip monthly student subscription for eligible students.

Walking and cycling can also be practical in compact student areas, while ride-hailing services are useful when public transport is less convenient.

University Culture and Academics

International students should not assume that every Romanian university operates in exactly the same way.

Depending on the programme, teaching may include lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, practical work, presentations, assignments and examinations. Attendance expectations, assessment methods and professor-student interaction vary by institution and faculty.

Students should expect to take responsibility for independent study rather than relying exclusively on classroom teaching. Group projects and presentations may also form part of assessment, particularly in business, computing and other applied programmes.

Before enrolling, read the university’s curriculum, assessment rules and student regulations rather than relying solely on general descriptions of Romanian education.

Social Life and Making Friends

The easiest way to avoid feeling isolated is to participate early.

International students can meet people through university societies, Erasmus organisations, sports, student events, academic clubs, volunteering, cafés and cultural activities.

Making Romanian friends can take more effort if an international student stays exclusively inside an English-speaking international group. Learning a few Romanian phrases, joining mixed student activities and showing interest in local culture can make integration easier.

Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest and Timișoara are particularly strong options for students seeking large and active student communities, while Iași and Brașov also offer established university environments.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Romanian student cities offer much more than clubs. Students can choose from cafés, restaurants, cinemas, museums, parks, concerts, festivals, sports and cultural events.

Bucharest has the widest metropolitan entertainment selection, while Cluj-Napoca is particularly known for its student-oriented nightlife and festival culture. Timișoara has a strong cultural scene, Brașov provides easy access to mountain activities, and Constanța becomes particularly lively during the summer season.

Students should still use normal urban safety precautions, particularly when travelling at night.

Language: Do You Need Romanian?

Can international students live in Romania without speaking Romanian? Yes, especially in university environments and larger cities.

The official Study in Romania portal says many young Romanians speak English and that English proficiency is generally more common in towns and cities.

However, English cannot be guaranteed everywhere. Romanian becomes particularly useful when dealing with local administration, older residents, landlords, small businesses or situations outside international university environments.

Learning basic Romanian is therefore strongly recommended.

Useful phrases include:

Bună! — Hello!

Mulțumesc. — Thank you.

Te rog. — Please.

Scuzați-mă. — Excuse me.

Cât costă? — How much does it cost?

Unde este…? — Where is…?

Nu înțeleg. — I don’t understand.

Vorbiți engleză? — Do you speak English?

La revedere! — Goodbye!

O zi bună! — Have a good day!

Safety

Romania is generally considered a safe place to live and study, according to the official Study in Romania student guidance. Nevertheless, students should use ordinary precautions: protect valuables in crowded places, be cautious with unfamiliar accommodation arrangements and stay aware when travelling at night.

International students should save 112, Romania’s emergency number. It can connect callers with police, ambulance or fire services, and the official student portal says English and French assistance is available.

Safety is ultimately a combination of the country’s general conditions and sensible personal behaviour.

Healthcare

Healthcare arrangements depend partly on age and insurance status.

The official Study in Romania portal states that students under 26 can benefit from free medical care and psychological assistance through the public system and university facilities, while CNAS confirms that students aged 18–26 studying full-time can remain insured without paying the contribution, subject to the applicable conditions.

Students should still complete the required registration and documentation and identify a family doctor where necessary. Private clinics are available but normally involve payment unless covered by applicable insurance.

Part-Time Work and Student Jobs

International students should understand the legal position before accepting employment.

Romania’s General Inspectorate for Immigration currently states that foreigners with temporary residence for studies can work without a separate work permit under a part-time individual employment contract, with a maximum of six hours per day.

There is an important reason to check the current rule directly: some older IGI pages still display a four-hour limit, so students should rely on the latest applicable IGI guidance and their residence status rather than outdated articles.

Possible student jobs include customer service, hospitality, tutoring, administration, technology-related roles and other part-time positions. English can be enough for some international-facing jobs, but Romanian substantially expands the local job market.

Part-time employment should be treated as supplementary income rather than the foundation of a student’s financial plan.

Weather and Lifestyle

Romania has a temperate-continental climate with four distinct seasons.

Spring can be mild and changeable, summers can become hot, autumn is generally cooler and winter can bring freezing temperatures and snow.

Students arriving from Pakistan and other parts of South Asia should prepare seriously for winter.

Proper insulated clothing, waterproof footwear and an appropriate winter jacket are not optional luxuries in colder regions.

Weather also affects commuting, outdoor activities and daily routines, particularly during winter.

Challenges International Students Should Know

Romania can offer good value, but students should not overlook the adjustment period.

The language barrier can become frustrating outside university environments. Bureaucratic procedures can require patience and multiple documents. Accommodation may be competitive in popular cities, and private rental costs can vary significantly.

Homesickness is another normal challenge, particularly for students travelling far from family for the first time. Winter weather may also take adjustment, while academic expectations can differ from those in the student’s home country.

Finally, finding part-time employment is not guaranteed. Students should arrive with enough funding to support themselves without immediately depending on employment.

Student Life for Pakistani and South Asian Students

For Pakistani and South Asian students, Romania can be manageable, but preparation matters.

Halal food, mosques and Muslim communities are easier to find in larger cities than in smaller towns. Bucharest and other major university centres provide broader international food and religious-community options, although availability should be checked around the specific campus.

Cultural adjustment can involve food, language, social customs and the colder climate. Students travelling from Pakistan should also consider the distance from family and the cost of returning home during university breaks.

The best approach is to research the specific university’s international student community, accommodation location and nearby facilities before accepting an offer.

Monthly Student Budget Example

Consider a student living in a moderately priced city such as Iași or Timișoara and sharing accommodation:

Category. Example

Shared accommodation. €150

Food/groceries. €180

Transport. €20

Mobile/internet. €25

Personal/entertainment. €70

Utilities/miscellaneous. €75

Estimated total. €520/month

This is an example rather than a universal Romanian student budget. Actual spending can be substantially higher or lower depending on rent, lifestyle and city.

Pros and Cons of Student Life in Romania

Pros

Relatively accessible living costs compared with many Western European destinations.

A broad range of student cities.

English-taught programmes are available.

Large international student communities.

Rich cultural and historical environment.

Student discounts and transport benefits may reduce everyday expenses.

Good opportunities to experience life in an EU country.

Cons

Romanian is still important for many everyday situations.

Administrative procedures can require patience.

Housing costs vary considerably between cities.

Popular cities can be more expensive.Winter may be a significant adjustment for students from warmer countries.

Part-time work opportunities can be easier for students who speak Romanian.

FAQ

1. Is Romania good for international students?

Yes. Romania offers accredited universities, programmes in several languages, established student cities and comparatively accessible living costs. The right choice depends on the university, programme and student’s budget.

2. Is Romania cheap for students?

Romania can be relatively affordable, particularly with university accommodation and careful budgeting. Costs rise considerably when students rent private accommodation in major cities.

3. How much does student life cost in Romania per month?

A realistic broad planning range is around €400–€800 or more per month, depending heavily on accommodation and city.

4. Which Romanian city is best for students?

Bucharest is strongest for scale and career opportunities; Cluj-Napoca for an intense student atmosphere; Iași for a major academic environment; Timișoara for cosmopolitan culture; Brașov for mountains and a smaller setting; and Constanța for coastal life.

5. Is Romania safe for international students?

Romania is generally considered safe, but students should use normal precautions and remain aware of their surroundings.

6. Can international students work part-time in Romania?

Eligible students holding temporary residence for studies can currently work without a separate work permit under a part-time contract, subject to the applicable six-hour-per-day limit.

7. Can I study in Romania without speaking Romanian?

Yes, particularly in English-taught programmes and larger cities. Romanian is nevertheless valuable for administration and everyday communication.

8. Is Romania good for Pakistani students?

It can be, especially for students who value European education at comparatively manageable living costs. Pakistani students should research halal food, Muslim communities, accommodation and winter conditions in their chosen city.

9. Is accommodation expensive in Romania?

University dormitories can be inexpensive, while private accommodation is considerably more variable. The official Study in Romania estimates dormitory accommodation at approximately €60–€85 monthly and shared housing at €80–€150, although actual 2026 prices depend on location and university.

10. What is student life like in Bucharest?

Bucharest offers the largest selection of universities, entertainment, cultural activities and potential employment opportunities, but it also has the pace and costs of a major capital city.

11. Is Romania good for Master’s students?

Yes. Romanian institutions offer Master’s programmes across fields including engineering, business, sciences, medicine and humanities, with programmes available in several languages.

12. How much money should I budget each month?

For planning purposes, €500–€700 can be a reasonable starting target in a moderately priced city if accommodation is controlled, while students renting privately in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca may need considerably more.

Final Verdict

Romania student life in 2026 is best understood as a balance rather than a bargain advertisement. The country offers internationally oriented universities, multiple student cities, relatively accessible living costs and an opportunity to experience European life in a culturally distinctive environment.

At the same time, students need to plan for accommodation, bureaucracy, language differences, winter weather and the realities of finding part-time employment.

For a student who researches the university carefully, arrives with a realistic budget and makes an effort to integrate beyond the international-student bubble, Romania can provide a rewarding and practical study-abroad experience.