286,598
#179.5 km²
Cluj
Transylvania
Cluj-Napoca is the academic and innovation capital of Transylvania, a lively university city where centuries-old institutions meet a booming tech scene. International students choose Cluj-Napoca for its broad English-taught offer (notably at Babeș-Bolyai University, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy), its safe, compact urban core, and outstanding student benefits (including free local public transport for students via decont, see §7).
The city hosts major cultural events and has a strong startup ecosystem supported by the municipality’s integrated development strategy. Proximity to mountains and national parks adds weekend adventure to a rigorous academic life.
Key data point (verified): Average city altitude ~363 m above sea level (municipal document).
Cluj-Napoca sits in north-western Romania, in the Someșul Mic valley, encircled by low hills (Hoia ~507 m; Feleac ~759 m). The city’s average altitude is ~363 m, with residential and economic areas expanding along the river corridor.
Bucharest lies roughly 450 km to the southeast by road; regional links radiate to Oradea, Târgu Mureș, Alba Iulia and Baia Mare. Cluj-Napoca is the county seat of Cluj County and the core of the Cluj Metropolitan Area. Climate is temperate-continental with cold winters and mild-warm summers.
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 286,598 |
Area | 179.5 km² |
County | Cluj |
Region | Transylvania |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3 in summer) |
Climate | Temperate-continental |
Average Temperature | Summer daytime often mid-20s °C; winter daytime near 0 °C (national climatological characterization; city station used operationally). |
Monuments | Matthias Rex” Monument, Turnul Croitorilor, Carolina Obelisk, The Shot Pillar Monument |
Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s densest university hub after Bucharest, hosting comprehensive research universities and specialized academies. Major institutions publish English-taught programs and guidance for international admissions, with strong Erasmus+/bilateral mobility.
Use Ministry of Education / university statistical reports (2025) for consolidated student/staff counts; institutions publish annual figures and dorm capacities.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €150–€250 (univ. dorm) / €350–700 (private) – Dorm fees per UBB list; private market varies by area/season. |
Food & Groceries | €180–260 – Cooking reduces costs; markets in Gheorgheni/Central Park. |
Transportation | €0–5 – Local public transport decont for students |
Utilities | €60–100 – Split in shared flats; dorms often include basics. |
Entertainment | €60–120 – Cinemas, clubs, festivals. |
Healthcare | €10–30 – Co-pays/OTC; EU EHIC accepted; see §11. |
Total Monthly | €460–1,060 – Conservative range for dorm vs. studio living. |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Cluj’s municipal report emphasizes quality-of-life gains and very low unemployment (0.3% in 2024), correlates often associated with urban safety. City center and campus areas are well-patrolled and lit. For incident statistics by category, consult Cluj County Police (IPJ Cluj) and the municipality’s annual reporting.
Emergency Contacts: 112 (Police/Ambulance/Fire). Municipal communication & public services in §25.
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | €30–€85 (≈150–410 lei)* – Shared rooms; utilities included/low |
Private Student Dorms | €200–350 – Modern amenities, study rooms |
Shared Apartments | €300–500 per room – 2–4 students; furnished |
Studios | €450–700 – Independent living |
Host Families | €400–600 – Meals optional; cultural immersion |
multiplex cinemas, theatres, live music venues; vibrant café culture around the center & Hașdeu.
Spring (Mar–May):
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Local specialties: Ardelenească (Transylvanian) cuisine—sarmale, papanași, ciorbe, and hearty stews—blended with a thriving third-wave coffee and international dining scene.
Municipal report underscores high employment prospects and innovation clusters supporting internships.
Popular: football, basketball, climbing; hiking/cycling to Făget forest; winter sports in Apuseni.
Breakfast near Hașdeu (€4–6), walk or free (deconted) bus to class; lectures at UBB/UTCN/UMF.
Campus cafeteria (€4–6); study at central libraries; coffee break in Centru (€2–3).
Cook at home or dine out (€8–12); student events, society meetings, or a concert.
Hike to Cheile Turzii/Apuseni; museum visits; festival outings in season.
