134,309
#121 km²
Sibiu
Transylvania
Sibiu is one of Romania’s most student-friendly mid-sized cities: historic, walkable, and plugged into a growing innovation and cultural scene. As a study destination, Sibiu balances academic depth at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (ULBS) with an international calendar of festivals and museums—great for students who want a compact city that still feels global.
The local economy is anchored by IT & services, automotive suppliers, tourism, and public institutions, offering varied internship pathways while you study. The city’s architectural core—its Upper and Lower Towns—sits 10–15 minutes from most university facilities, compressing commutes and costs.
According to Romania’s official census (RPL 2021), Sibiu Municipality is among Transylvania’s larger urban centers, a scale that supports strong services without big-city prices.
Sibiu is the seat of Sibiu County, in Romania’s Centru development region, set on the Transylvanian Plateau at the foot of the Southern Carpathians. The municipality is connected to national corridors by rail, national roads (DN1/E68), and an international airport 10–15 minutes from the center.
The city’s official population baseline comes from RPL 2021 definitive results (municipal level), published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 134,309 |
Area | 121 km² |
County | Sibiu |
Region | Transylvania |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2) |
Climate | Cool temperate (continental influence); four seasons (ANM) |
Average Temperature | Typical: warm summers, cold winters (ANM) |
Monuments | The Large Square, Brukenthal Palace, Council Tower, Small Square |
Sibiu’s higher-education ecosystem centers on Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (ULBS)—a comprehensive public university with programs in Romanian and select tracks in English/other languages—complemented by the “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy (AFT), a nationally accredited military institution. National statistics for 2024–2025 confirm stable student volumes country-wide, with ULBS maintaining a strong regional intake and international partnerships.
National higher-education reports (Ministry of Education) and ULBS’s institutional data underpin Sibiu’s student community size; consult the 2023–2024 Higher Education Report for system-level figures and ULBS rectorate publications for exact campus numbers by faculty.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €80–140 (ULBS dorm) / €300–500 (private 1-bed) – Dorm range based on ULBS guidance; private rents indicative |
Food & Groceries | €150–220 – Track prices via ANPC – Monitorul Prețurilor. |
Transportation | €16–20 – Student bus pass (see §7). |
Utilities | €60–100 – Usage-dependent (heating season |
Entertainment | €60–120 – Student museum/theatre reductions (see §12). |
Healthcare | €10–30 – Medications/copay; see §11 for insurance. |
Total Monthly | €380–990 – Dorm vs. private split drives variance. |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | No |
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | ~€80–140 – Shared rooms; utilities included; proximity to faculties |
Private Student Dorms | €200–300+ – Enhanced amenities; limited stock. |
Shared Apartments | €180–250 per student – 2–4 students; common in Hipodrom/Ștrand. |
Studios | €320–450+ – Independent living; lower utility usage. |
Host Families | €350–500 (full board) – Cultural immersion; not common—check faculty notice boards. |
ULBS publishes annual cazare calendars, online platform access, and rules (Aug–Sept windows for 2025 intake). Private rentals: use faculty/student associations and reputable agencies; always request a registered contract.
Cinemas in major malls; seasonal festival calendar; live music venues around the Historic Center.
Campus & Student Facilities, Nightlife & Social Life ,Culture & Events, Free Time & Outdoor Life, Cost of Living
Spring (Mar–May):
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Winter (Dec–Feb):
City and national digital services support e-payments (ghiseul.ro), transport apps (STB/Metrorex updates), and 112 mobile app for emergencies via STS.
Bucharest blends Romanian classics (sarmale, ciorbă, mici) with international cuisines. Student-friendly canteens operate on or near campuses; central districts host cafés and affordable lunch menus.
Student Work Rights: Non-EU students with temporary residence for studies can work without an employment permit, part-time up to 6 hours/day, with an individual labor contract. EU/EEA students may work without restrictions. Always confirm your status with IGI.
The National Sports Agency lists national clubs/complexes; universities run intramural leagues.
Breakfast near Piața Mare (~€4–6), short bus ride on TURSIB to class (or walk from Centru).
Lunch at a campus cafeteria (€4–6), study at the library, errands at Promenada or Shopping City.
Dinner with friends in the Old Town (€8–12), theatre night at TNRS or museum late events.
ASTRA Park & Museum, mountain day trips, volunteering at cultural institutions.
