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Dormitory Finder - Which Dormitory Should You Choose in Budapest?
For graduating high school students, the final school year is certainly anything but boring. You have to make decisions about university and college applications, prepare for your final exams, and then pass them successfully. Once you get into your desired university, there’s still one thing left – finding the ideal dormitory for you. As someone from outside the city, however, you may not be familiar with the conditions in Budapest, so the choice isn't easy – and we are now here to offer a little help with that.
The Allocation of Dormitory Placements
Once you've graduated from high school and found out which higher education institution you'll be continuing your studies at, you can finally take a deep breath, as the hardest part is over. Now you can start looking through current student jobs, as the next stage of your life is about to begin, during which your monthly expenses will also increase. During your university or college years, you also need to take care of your housing. Of course, you can decide to move into a rental apartment, but prices have recently risen to such a high level that few can afford to rent their own place, even with a student job. It is therefore understandable that there can sometimes be immense competition for dormitory spots.
Before we get to know the individual dormitories in Budapest or the factors to consider when choosing, it's worth clarifying how the dormitory application process works.
In most cases, spots are allocated on a social-needs basis; in some institutions, only students in state-funded programs can get accommodation, while in others, self-funded (tuition-paying) students can also apply.
To participate in the "competition", you first need to fill out the application form in the student system, such as Neptun or ETR – this also shows that the opportunity to apply only opens up after a successful admission.
On this platform, you will also need to attach your high school diploma, as academic performance often matters in addition to your social situation. You will also need your parents' proof of income, and if you have a younger sibling who is still in school, you must also provide proof of their student status, as this plays an important role in determining the per capita income. You will also need to provide proof of any existing disadvantaged status and the distance between your home and the university – the dormitory places will be allocated based on this information.
On the form, you can freely choose which institutions you apply to, and you must also create a priority ranking. It's important to be aware that every dormitory has a limited number of spots available, so even if it's your dream to spend your university years in one particular place, don't just select a single institution.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing?
Many people know for sure during their high school years which dormitory they want to stay in later, as it's easy to gather the most important information from siblings or older friends. However, if you're not that lucky and you're not familiar with Budapest, it's worth asking yourself a few questions and ranking the available places based on them.
Cost: Dormitory fees can vary — in more expensive places, you often have to share the room and common areas with fewer roommates, so it's worth considering your family's financial capabilities in advance.
Distance: Although Budapest has excellent public transport, if you have long breaks between your lectures, you won't be able to pop home for a few hours from a distant dorm. If you spend the whole day at the university and have a full schedule, it might be easier to commit to a more distant dormitory. Don't forget that free programs and entertainment options in Budapest will also be available to you, which you'll surely want to get to quickly and easily.
Transportation: Of course, it's also important whether there is a metro or tram near the dormitory, or if you have to walk a lot even to the nearest bus stop – when you come home tired in the evening, you might not find a long walk so pleasant while loaded with books.
Neighborhood: Do you long for a quiet residential area where you can take a long walk in the park anytime, or is it more important for you to be close to the bustling city center? This aspect is also worth considering.
Extra Expenses: The dormitory fee must be paid every month, but it varies by institution what kind of – paid – services they offer to residents. Maintenance fees, laundry, gym: calculate the cost of these into your budget as well.
Facilities: Naturally, the condition of the rooms, how many people you live with in one space, and how many roommates share a bathroom also matter – everyone has different needs, so it's worth asking this question when making a decision.
Community Life: Finally, it's also worth looking into what opportunities the given dormitory provides for entertainment, such as whether they organize team-building programs or provide common sports opportunities for the residents.
Dormitories in Budapest
Of course, it would be difficult to list all the available dormitories – let's look at a few great options.
ELTE Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Dormitory One of the largest dormitories, and often chosen as a favorite by students, accommodates 1,147 people, of which 160 places are reserved for international students. The rooms are for 2-3 people, and a bathroom serves one, or occasionally two, rooms. The dormitory is located on Dayka Gábor Street, which you can easily reach with night buses – the current monthly fee is HUF 21,320.
Márton Áron Dormitory and College for Advanced Studies This dormitory, suitable for accommodating 996 people, is equipped with 2-bed rooms, each with its own private bathroom. Besides the almost mandatory Wi-Fi, residents are provided with cleaning supplies and laundry facilities, and quiet study is possible in the study rooms found on each floor – all for a monthly fee of HUF 23,475. The dormitory is equipped with a gym, kitchens, bicycle storage, and also has sports courts. Most universities in Budapest can be reached within an hour from here.
NKE Orczy Úti Dormitory This newly built, only 10-year-old dormitory is located near Nagyvárad Square, on the campus of the National University of Public Service, in a beautiful green area. Every resident receives a magnetic access card, which, along with the 24/7 reception service, guarantees complete security. The rooms accommodate 2 people each, and a unit of two rooms shares one bathroom and a common entrance hall. The rooms, room units, and lockers can all be locked with a key. The laundry room can be used free of charge, and there is cleaning staff working in the building. The bicycle storage is also free for residents, and the dormitory is very easily accessible by public transport.
BME Schönherz Dormitory The Schönherz Dormitory is located in the city center; the tram 4 stops directly in front of the building, so transportation should not be a problem for residents. The 24-square-meter, 4-person rooms have a private bathroom. A kitchen and study area are provided on each residential floor, and most floors also have washing machines and dryers for the students. In the entertainment rooms, table football, billiards, darts, and air hockey await those looking to relax, and first-year students ("gólyák") are housed on separate floors, away from the others. If that's not enough, the gym, table tennis and boxing room, sauna, or even the streetball court can be used as extra services in the building – for just HUF 9,320 per month.
Erdős Pál Dormitory (EPK) Located at Nagytétényi út 162–164, this building can accommodate 798 people. Residents can sleep in 2-3 bed rooms, each with its own private bathroom. The dormitory has a study room, as well as a snack bar, a gym, a table football table, sports courts, and an outdoor fitness park for students.
Martos Dormitory This dormitory for students of the BME Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology is located directly opposite the university building and awaits students on six floors in double rooms. A renovated kitchen, as well as co-ed showers and toilets, are located on each floor. The building has a reception service, and students can enter with a magnetic card. There is also a table football table, a gym, and free bicycle storage, and quiet study is possible in the library.
Find the Best Opportunity for You
The university years offer many exciting adventures and unforgettable experiences, among which dormitory life holds a special place. Many people fondly remember their dorm years even decades after finishing their studies, so there is no reason to worry – wherever you end up, your time in college can be one of the most beautiful periods of your life.
