Sun, students, and slow city life: a semester in Hungary
“Pécs is small and calm, but full of student energy, international friendships, and new opportunities.” Daria Aleynikova, a second-year Master’s student in Marketing: Digital Technologies and Marketing Communications at the HSE Graduate School of Business, shares her experience of studying at the University of Pécs in Hungary. Founded in 1367, it is one of the oldest universities in Hungary and a well-known academic center in the region.
Mobility program and timeline: I studied at the University of Pécs in Hungary during the fall semester as a Master’s student in “Marketing: Digital Technology and Marketing Communications” at the HSE Graduate School of Business.
University selection:
My decision to study in Europe for a semester was well planned. I wanted to experience a different academic environment, understand how the study process works abroad, and gain new life experience. When I saw the opportunity to go on exchange to the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pécs, one of the oldest universities in Hungary, I made my decision almost immediately. Reviews from previous exchange students were very positive. They described Pécs as a calm, cozy, and very comfortable student city. This helped me make my final decision.
Departure: The preparation process went quite smoothly. The main difficulties were related to logistics. My trip to Pécs went through Dubai and took almost a full day. After arriving in Hungary, I had to travel from Budapest to Pécs. It was important to check the shuttle schedule in advance and plan the timing carefully to avoid extra stress after a long flight.
First impressions and adaptation:
The first thing I felt when I got off the bus in Pécs was the summer heat, even though it was the beginning of fall. The city was very different from Moscow. It is small and quiet, with beautiful hills and colorful houses. Almost half of the population are students, which creates a special atmosphere. You can walk across the city center in about twenty minutes. It is full of cozy cafes, small parks, and narrow streets. At first, Pécs seemed like a “sleepy” town, but you quickly get used to its slow rhythm, and it gives you a strong feeling of peace.
I lived in an apartment-style dormitory with two rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The conditions were comfortable, but I had to buy all the dishes and small household items myself. The road to the university took about 25–30 minutes by bus, which is normal for Pécs.
Adapting to the new cultural environment was quite easy. Hungarian is the official language and people in stores did not always speak English. However, there was no language barrier at the university. Professors and students communicate freely in English. There is also a very active international student community in Pécs. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organized events almost every week, such as parties, trips, and quizzes. This helped me become part of the social life and quickly make new friends. I met students from Spain, France, Germany, Bulgaria, and other countries.
Some small daily challenges required adjustment. For example, there were often long lines in supermarkets and a different organization of counters. I also had a stressful experience when I broke my finger and had to deal with the local healthcare system. Although it was unpleasant, this situation taught me to be more prepared for unexpected events. It is important to always have insurance and know emergency contacts.
Studies: The study process at the University of Pécs is different from HSE. There are no fixed groups. Students create their own schedules by choosing courses in the Neptun online system at the end of August. This requires good organization to avoid schedule conflicts.
Classes are more interactive. There are many discussions, group projects, and presentations. Professors build a dialogue with students and encourage independence. The grading system is based on 100 points, which, in my opinion, reflects the work done in a fair way.
The campus of the Faculty of Business and Economics is modern and compact. It has coworking spaces supported by partner companies. One interesting cultural detail was a cafe on campus where you could buy not only coffee but also beer.
The most valuable part of my studies was working in international teams. During projects, I worked with students from the Netherlands, Indonesia, Italy, and Spain. Everyone had a different approach to work and deadlines, but we always found common ground and achieved our goals. This experience taught me flexibility, active listening, and effective communication with people from different cultures.
Travel: Hungary’s location offers great travel opportunities. During the semester, I visited Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, and Romania. Most routes went through Budapest, so I had to plan extra time for travel. However, convenient train connections and reasonable ticket prices made the trips affordable and exciting.
Brightest memories and personal growth: One of the most memorable moments was a trip to a concert in Poland with a large group of German students, where I was the only one from Russia. Moments like this, full of intercultural communication, are the true essence of a mobility program.
Living and studying abroad had a strong impact on me. I became more open and tolerant of differences. Constant interaction with people from different cultures taught me not to react emotionally to triggers, but to analyze the reasons behind certain behavior, whether cultural norms or personal traits. I became more flexible and calm. I also realized that if I could adapt to life in a new country and overcome all challenges, I can handle many things in the future.
Description of the experience: My semester at the University of Pécs was a priceless experience. It was a period of intensive personal and academic growth. It was a time full of new friendships, bright travel memories, and a unique student atmosphere. On the one hand, it was sad to say goodbye to new friends and to the life that had become familiar. On the other hand, I felt deep satisfaction because I lived this experience to the fullest.
Advice for Future Students
- Before departure: Try to find contacts of students who have already studied in Pécs and ask about their experience. Study the university website in advance, especially the course section, and arrange reliable health insurance.
- During the first weeks: Be as active as possible. Attend all ESN events. This is the fastest way to make friends and adapt. Do not be afraid to meet new people and step out of your comfort zone.
- During adaptation: Do not compare your new reality with your usual life. Give yourself time to adjust to a different pace and culture. It will become much easier after a couple of weeks.
- Safety: Make copies of all important documents and keep them separate from the originals. Write down important addresses and phone numbers.
If you are thinking about going on a mobility program, my answer is definitely yes. This experience changes your worldview and makes you braver, more flexible, and more open to the world. I did not regret my decision for a single minute. I am sure that the memories of this semester will stay with me for a lifetime.
