My name is Alexis, and I am an International Relations BA student at ELTE who has lived in Budapest for nearly three years. I have stayed in dorms, flats, and even with friends, and I am here to give you all the information you need to find the perfect accommodation for your studies here at ELTE!
For those of us in Budapest who are looking beyond dorm accommodation, finding a place to stay during our studies can be difficult. Often, you are looking while still abroad, without the knowledge of the city to help navigate your choices. Luckily for you, I am here to help.
Let's start with where to find listings. Facebook is your greatest ally in this area. There are many Facebook groups, both in English and Hungarian, where you can find listings of rooms or flats to rent. For those who don't speak Hungarian, I would only use the Hungarian sites if you had a friend to help translate. Just search the platform for groups like “Budapest Accommodation” or “Albérlet Budapest”. There is also a housing office here at ELTE, where you can receive assistance in finding accommodation. You can find their website at: https://www.elte.hu/en/housing-office
To find out which listings are a fit for you, think about what you are looking for in a space. Some flats have many roommates; some are ‘studios’ with none. Pay close attention to the location of the apartment to important locations like your campus, grocery store, the inner city, etc. Some districts are louder than others, some are farther but quieter. Each accommodation also has differences in interior. Kitchen and Bathroom appliances can vary (size of the oven, shower, or bathtub, is there a dishwasher, etc.). The perfect accommodation for you relies on what you specifically need to succeed.
Once you have found a few listings you like, reach out to the lister to set an appointment for a walk-through. If you are abroad, a digital tour or sending a friend in your absence are options. It is always good at this stage to bring questions you have concerning the space.
If you have decided on the space, then it is time to sign the lease agreement. They will require a deposit (usually 1-2 months’ rent), which you will get back when you move out after they have confirmed that nothing was damaged during your stay. You will need an ID as well. Make sure there is a copy of the contract for both you and your landlord. Once you pay the first month’s rent and deposit, they should hand over the keys. Pay very close attention to whatever contracts or agreements you sign, and always ask for a receipt or signature when handing over the rent. This step is important for both the tenant and owner, so don’t be afraid to ask.
I have some personal tips for these issues, since I have moved quite frequently. When choosing a specific apartment, there is always a give and take. I myself have traded a larger room for the lack of a common space. I live closer to my university, which comes with more foot traffic and a bit of noise. I have multiple roommates, but we also have multiple bathrooms to fit us all. Lots of these factors have to do with your individual needs. I would recommend paying rent in forints unless the landlord insists on euros. I would always recommend touring the apartment before signing anything and bringing a local friend if you have one available.
Hopefully, this guide and some of these tips will help make your transition into living in Hungary a little easier. It's a scary process living on your own, but many of us have had to deal with the same issues and were always here to help!
Pictures used:
Street Scene in Budapest, Hungary. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - CIRCA APRIL 2019: View on daily life as People pass by in the centre of the city, circa April 2019, in Budapest, Hungary.
https://jooinn.com/budapest-street.html