Some of these tips are very rarely shared online, but they can make a real difference in helping you adapt to Hungary, so I'd recommend reading till the end!

1. Not All Hungarian Cities Feel the Same

When people think of Hungary, they usually think of Budapest. And yes, it’s amazing — but it’s not the whole picture.

Pécs, for example, is smaller, quieter, and has this relaxed, almost Mediterranean vibe. Everywhere is walkable, and it feels like a small, cozy town where you frequently run into the same people. Other similar towns include Eger, Szentendre, and Balatonfüred — each with their own unique atmosphere, architecture, and scenery.

Budapest is the complete opposite. It’s busy, fast, and always feels alive. There’s always something happening — events, nightlife, new places to explore. Neither is inherently “better,” it just depends on what kind of lifestyle you prefer.

Make sure to explore around during your first few weeks in Hungary!

2. The Beauty of Budapest

I’m not exaggerating when I say the city still surprises me.

Walking across the Liberty Bridge at sunset or seeing the Hungarian Parliament Building lit up at night genuinely feels like you’re in a movie. Even on random days, the city just looks good.

It’s one of those places where you don’t really get bored of the scenery, whether you’re taking photos or just travelling home after class.

3. Budapest’s Public Transport

Budapest’s public transport is actually one of the best things about living here. Every corner of the city can be reached by tram, metro, bus, or even public bikes and scooters, so you really won't need a car/taxi.

Pro tip: get the monthly student Hungary pass from the BudapestGO app. It’s incredibly cheap and doesn’t just work within Budapest but also nationwide. This means you can travel to cities like Debrecen on a 2nd class domestic train for free, or in case of further distances like Pécs, pay only a very small surcharge of the original fee.

Most importantly, always validate your ticket if you’re using single tickets. Ticket inspectors do check occasionally, and fines are hefty. It’s a small habit but can save you a lot of money and stress.

4. Avoid This Joke!

Drum rolls please, here’s the joke reveal: “I’m hungry in Hungary!”.

I know it’s tempting, but trust me, locals have heard it approximately one million times. It will not land the way you might expect. Instead, if you want to make a better impression, just learn a couple of basic words like köszönöm (thank you) or szia (hi). It’s simple, but people genuinely appreciate it, and it goes a long way.

5. The Neptun System

Every student here knows the struggle: Neptun (university administration system).

It’s something every student in Hungary has to deal with. It’s where you register for courses and exams, check grades, and manage your entire academic life.The tricky part is that registration is often first-come, first-served. Popular courses and good exam slots can fill up within minutes, so timing really matters.

Also, always check the course requirements carefully. Some subjects have prerequisites or conditions and missing them can stop you from registering.

And most importantly, don’t miss deadlines. Neptun deadlines are strict, but fortunately, mistakes are usually still manageable. For example, if you miss a registration deadline, late registration is sometimes possible for about a week with an additional fee (around €10). Still, it’s much easier and cheaper to stay on top of deadlines from the beginning.

6. Academic Pressure

The workload here can be intense, especially during the exam period. From my personal experience at ELTE, you can’t really rely on last-minute studying. Staying consistent with studies throughout the semester makes a significant difference. Therefore, make sure to manage your time well between studies and personal life.

7. How Useful Facebook Groups Can Be

This one surprised me the most. In Facebook groups, you can find useful things like: