Exchange Report

Preparing for an exchange at Corvinus University is highly straightforward, especially for students coming from Vienna. The administrative onboarding from the host university is well-organized, and you will receive all necessary information regarding course registration and orientation well in advance. In terms of travel, Budapest is exceptionally accessible from Vienna. You can easily reach the city via a direct train (such as the ÖBB Railjet or RegioJet) or by bus (FlixBus). The journey takes only about 2.5 to 3 hours, making it incredibly convenient not just for the initial move, but also for traveling back or receiving visitors during the semester. Because of this close proximity, packing and logistics are very manageable.

Finding accommodation in Budapest is highly affordable and a very relaxed process compared to other major European cities. I opted for a private room in a shared apartment (WG-zimmer), which is a very popular and vibrant setup for exchange students. On average, the rent for a flatshare here is incredibly cheap, you can expect to pay roughly half of what you would normally pay for a similar room in Vienna. The city is generally very safe, and the public transport network is seamless, making it easy to commute to the campus even if you do not live right next door.

The academic life at Corvinus University of Budapest is excellent and highly welcoming for international students. The university offers a great and diverse selection of courses, all of which are taught entirely in English, making it seamless to integrate into the lectures and follow the material. The professors and teaching staff are highly competent, approachable, and professional. In terms of academic culture and workload, the examination process is very fair and transparent. The university's overall teaching style and organization make it easy to manage your studies alongside exchange life. A massive highlight is the campus itself: it boasts a top-tier infrastructure and an unbeatable premium location situated right on the banks of the Danube River, which makes spending time at the university incredibly enjoyable.

Daily life in Budapest is incredibly dynamic and student-friendly. A massive highlight is the public transport system: as a student, you can get a monthly nationwide travel pass for around €5, which grants you unlimited access to all trains and public transit networks across the entire country of Hungary. This makes exploring the country and commuting within the city exceptionally cheap and convenient. The city is generally very safe and offers an outstanding quality of life. Gastronomically, Budapest is amazing, featuring an extensive variety of great and affordable food options. The social and leisure scene is where the city truly shines. The nightlife and "Ausgehkultur" are second to none, with legendary ruin bars and cultural events happening every day. Combined with an incredibly vibrant, international, and open-minded community of students from all around the world, it is effortless to meet cool people, socialize, and find exciting activities outside of university hours.

My exchange at Corvinus University was an unforgettable experience that perfectly combined academic growth with an incredible social life. The absolute highlights were the breathtaking city itself, the outstanding and highly affordable quality of daily life, and the remarkably vibrant, global Erasmus community. Meeting open-minded people from all over the world and experiencing Budapest's unmatched social and nightlife culture made this semester truly special. It is a fantastic place for international students, and a semester where the music of the future is definitely playing.