Living as a Student Expat in Romania 2025
Student Expat Guide to Living in Romania 2025: Costs, Cities, and Daily Life
As a student expat in Romania 2025, expect affordable vibes (€300-€600/month living), vibrant cities, and a welcoming scene—over 30% of students are international. With fast internet (3rd globally) and EU access, it's perfect for studies and fun. Bucharest, Cluj, and Iași top expat picks for balance of costs/jobs. This guide covers essentials: costs, cities, culture, and tips from real expats.
Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly, Single Student)
| Category | Bucharest | Cluj-Napoca | Iași | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Dorm/Shared) | €150-€250 | €100-€200 | €80-€150 | University dorms subsidized. |
| Food (Groceries + Eating Out) | €150-€250 | €120-€200 | €100-€180 | Markets cheap; student meals €3-€5. |
| Transport (Pass + Bike) | €20-€30 | €15-€25 | €15-€20 | Efficient trams/buses. |
| Utilities/Internet | €50-€80 | €40-€70 | €40-€60 | High-speed free in dorms. |
| Entertainment/Books | €50-€100 | €40-€80 | €30-€70 | Festivals, clubs discounted. |
| Total | €420-€710 | €315-€575 | €265-€480 | Health insurance €10-€20 extra. |
- Annual Total: €4,000-€8,000 + tuition.
- Part-Time Jobs: English teaching/tutoring (€5-€10/hour); up to 20 hours/week.
Best Student Cities
- Bucharest: Capital buzz; 1.8M pop; jobs in IT/finance. Nightlife, museums; higher rents but diverse expat community.
- Cluj-Napoca: Youthful tech hub; Transylvania charm; Babeș-Bolyai uni. Affordable, cultural festivals; ideal for remote work.
- Iași: Intellectual vibe; low costs; historic sites. Great for humanities; calm pace.
- Timișoara/Brașov: Cultural (Timișoara) or nature-focused (Brașov); €250-€500/month.
Daily Life and Culture
- Safety: Top 15 safest in Europe; low crime, but watch pickpockets in crowds.
- Food/Health: Traditional sarmale/mici; vegan options growing. Public healthcare free for insured; private €20/visit.
- Social Scene: Join ESN clubs for events; English widespread in unis (70% urban youth fluent). Winters cold (-5°C); summers warm (25°C).
- Challenges: Bureaucracy (e.g., registration); learn basic Romanian via free apps.
- Perks: UNESCO sites, Black Sea beaches; easy EU travel. Expats rave about kindness—e.g., "Locals treat you like family" (US student in Cluj).
Register residence within 30 days; get student ID for discounts. Connect via Reddit/r/Romania or expat Facebook groups. Romania's magic? Affordable adventure with lifelong friends—welcome home!
