Brașov

Set in the curve of the Carpathians, Brașov blends medieval charm with a modern university ecosystem that’s easy to navigate and friendly to budgets. Home to Transilvania University of Brașov (UNITBV) — one of Romania’s largest comprehensive public universities — the city attracts students for its strong engineering, IT, medicine, and economics programs taught in Romanian and English, and for quick access to outdoor life (skiing, hiking, biking) without sacrificing urban amenities. The municipality promotes Brașov as a cultural and tourism hub; geographically, it sits at 45°45’ N, 25°30’ E with an average altitude near 600 m, which keeps summers mild and winters properly snowy for mountain sports. Brașov is the county seat of Brașov County, centrally located in Romania at 45°45’ N / 25°30’ E, approx. 160–170 km north of Bucharest by road/rail (3–4 hours depending on service). The municipality lies in a mountain basin at ~600 m elevation...
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Population

237,589

Area

#267.3 km²

County

Brașov

Language

romanian

Region

Central part of Romania(Transilvania)

Everything You Need to Know

Overview

Set in the curve of the Carpathians, Brașov blends medieval charm with a modern university ecosystem that’s easy to navigate and friendly to budgets. Home to Transilvania University of Brașov (UNITBV) — one of Romania’s largest comprehensive public universities — the city attracts students for its strong engineering, IT, medicine, and economics programs taught in Romanian and English, and for quick access to outdoor life (skiing, hiking, biking) without sacrificing urban amenities.

The municipality promotes Brașov as a cultural and tourism hub; geographically, it sits at 45°45’ N, 25°30’ E with an average altitude near 600 m, which keeps summers mild and winters properly snowy for mountain sports.

Brașov is the county seat of Brașov County, centrally located in Romania at 45°45’ N / 25°30’ E, approx. 160–170 km north of Bucharest by road/rail (3–4 hours depending on service). The municipality lies in a mountain basin at ~600 m elevation with surrounding peaks rising above 1,700 m, shaping a cool continental climate and a compact, walkable core.

The city’s international accessibility improved significantly with the opening of Brașov–Ghimbav International Airport (GHV), ~12 km from the historic center, complemented by direct RATBV buses.

Key points

  • Recognized national study destination anchored by UNITBV’s 18 faculties. (UNITBV)
  • International programs and services for foreign students are active and expanding. (UNITBV)
  • Municipality and county coordinate airport, transport and tourism efforts that directly support student mobility. (Aeroportul Internațional Brașov-Ghimbav)

Ready to start your journey in Brașov? Contact Stinwo International Agency today for expert guidance on studying, living, and thriving in the city!

Basic Specifications

Specification
Details
Population
237,589
Area
267.3 km²
County
Brașov
Region
Central part of Romania(Transilvania)
Timezone
EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3, DST)
Climate
Cool continental, mountain-influenced
Average Temperature
Summer ~18–20 °C; Winter ~−3–0 °C (indicative; check ANM for station normals)
Languages
romanian
Monuments
The White Tower, The Council Square, Diaconul Coresi

Districts and neighborhood

Brașov offers diverse student neighborhoods, from the lively Centrul Vechi to quiet areas like Astra–Răcădău. Key districts include Colina Universității for campus proximity, Tractorul–Coresi for modern flats, and Bartolomeu–Avantgarden for shared apartments, with rental prices and atmospheres to suit different budgets and lifestyles.

Major areas for students

Brașov offers diverse neighborhoods to suit different student lifestyles, from lively historic streets to quiet green areas. Each district varies in atmosphere, amenities, and rental prices, giving students options that match their budget and preferences.

Below is an overview of the major areas where students commonly live, along with their key features, best fit, and estimated rental costs.

Colina Universității (Colina Campus) – University Quarter

  • Characteristics: Cluster of dorms, sports halls, labs; quick shuttle/bus access to city.
  • Best for: First-year & exchange students seeking proximity to classes.
  • Average rent: €230–350 (shared), €350–500 (studio) — estimate; confirm via university housing / licensed agencies.

Centrul Vechi (Historic Center)

  • Characteristics: Medieval streets, cafés, museums; premium pricing, vibrant nights, walkable.
  • Best for: Erasmus/arts students prioritizing culture and short rides to faculties.
  • Average rent: €450–700 (studio/1-bed) — estimate.

Tractorul – Coresi area

  • Characteristics: Newer apartments, mall & services; good bus links to campus and airport bus.
  • Best for: Groups sharing modern flats with amenities.
  • Average rent: €350–550 (1-bed), €500–700 (2-bed) — estimate.

Astra – Răcădău

  • Characteristics: Residential blocks near the forest; quieter, green access, solid bus coverage.
  • Best for: Budget-minded students who like nature.
  • Average rent: €300–450 (1-bed) — estimate.

Bartolomeu – Avantgarden

  • Characteristics: Large new developments; value for money; direct lines to center.
  • Best for: Shared apartments, long-stay students.
  • Average rent: €320–500 (1-bed) — estimate.

Academic landscape

Brașov’s higher-education ecosystem is led by Transilvania University of Brașov (UNITBV) — a comprehensive public university of 18 faculties with modern infrastructure concentrated in the Colina campus and historical buildings downtown.

The 2025 Rector’s report lists 21,711 students in 2024–2025. English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs exist across engineering, civil, forestry, economics, and humanities; a Romanian preparatory year is available.

Major universities

Brașov hosts major universities like Transilvania University of Brașov, offering Romanian and English programs in Engineering, Medicine, and Economics, and AFA “Henri Coandă,” specializing in Aeronautical Sciences and Air Force training. The city’s academic community includes over 21,700 students and 722 staff across 21 buildings.

Transilvania University of Brașov (UNITBV)

  • Type: Public
  • Languages: Romanian / English
  • International Students: ≈500 (2023–24; newer figures pending)
  • Notable Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Economics, Forestry, Civil Engineering

AFA “Henri Coandă”, Brașov

  • Type: Public (defence)
  • Languages: Romanian (select programs in English)
  • International Students: N/A
  • Notable Programs: Aeronautical Sciences, Air Force Officer Training

Total academic community

  • Students: 21,711
  • Academic staff: 722
  • Buildings: 21 (10 in Colina, 7 in the historic center, 4 elsewhere)

Cost of Living

Subject
Cost
Accommodation
€250–500 (shared/1-bed)
Food & Groceries
€160–260
Transportation
€6–15
Utilities
€60–110
Entertainment
€60–120
Healthcare
€10–30
Total Monthly
€540–1,035
Transportation
Status
Metro (Metrorex)
No
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB)
Yes
Taxi/Ride_hailing
Yes

Connectivity

  • Airport: Brașov–Ghimbav International Airport (GHV) — ~12 km from center; RATBV bus access. (Aeroportul Internațional Brașov-Ghimbav)
  • Train Station (Gara Brașov): National intercity links to Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj, Iași, etc. (use CFR for timetables).
  • Highways: DN1/E60 corridor; A3/A13 segments (under development) connect to national network.

Safety and Security

  • Emergency number: 112 (police/medical/fire) – National system
  • Police: Brașov County Police Inspectorate (IPJ Brașov) – politiaromana.ro (county inspectorate)
  • Campus security: University buildings & dorms use controlled access and local security – UNITBV

Brașov’s touristic core is well-patrolled and well-lit. For current crime indicators and precinct contacts, consult IPJ Brașov and municipal safety communications; use 112 for emergencies. (Use DJS bulletins for crime-justice series if needed.

Accomedation options

Options
Cost
University Dorms
€80–180 (Shared rooms, study areas, campus sports (Colina))
Private Student Dorms
€200–350 (En-suite options, modern amenities)
Shared Apartments
€250–400 (per person) | 2–4 students, furnished, bills extra
Studios
€350–600 (Independent living, central costs higher)
Host Families
€350–500 (Cultural immersion, meals by arrangement)

Accommodation Application

Dorm prices vary by room type/subsidy; check UNITBV “Cazare & masă” ahead of allocation.

Application:

  • University dorms: apply through UNITBV student portal (summer, after admission lists).
  • Private accommodation: use licensed agencies; verify owner ID & contract registration.
  • Docs: admission letter, ID/passport, proof of funds, immigration status (for non-EU).

Recommended areas: Colina campus, Tractorul–Coresi, Avantgarden, Astra/Răcădău for value + bus coverage.

Must Visit landmarks

  1. Piața Sfatului & Biserica Neagră – historic core; year-round events.
  2. Tâmpa Nature Reserve & Promenades – panoramic city views.
  3. Schei & Șcheii Brașovului – ethnographic layers and old townscapes.
    (See municipal “Attractions” for official overviews.)

Entertainment: multiplex cinemas, municipal theatres, museums, live venues; frequent festivals in summer/autumn.

Entertainment options

Brașov offers a lively mix of entertainment options, from cozy cafés, pubs, and live music venues in the historic center to modern cinemas, shopping malls, and bowling alleys. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, ski slopes, and seasonal festivals, while cultural events, theaters, and museums provide year-round activities for all tastes.

Student life

Student life in Brașov is vibrant and diverse, blending academic pursuits with social and cultural experiences. Students can enjoy campus clubs, sports, cafés, and local events, while exploring historic streets, outdoor activities, and a welcoming community. Affordable housing, accessible transport, and active student networks make it easy to balance studies, leisure, and new friendships.

Climate overview

Brașov experiences a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons, offering a variety of activities throughout the year. Spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures and ideal conditions for campus life and cultural events, summers are warm with occasional thunderstorms, and winters are cold with snow, perfect for nearby skiing and winter sports.

Spring (Mar–May)

  • Temperature: 7–17°C
  • Precipitation: Moderate
  • Student Activities: University fairs, hiking ramps up

Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Temperature: 18–27°C (cool nights)
  • Precipitation: Thunderstorms
  • Student Activities: Festivals, internships

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

  • Temperature: 6–16°C
  • Precipitation: Moderate
  • Student Activities: Academic year start, harvest events

Winter (Dec–Feb)

  • Temperature: −6–2°C
  • Precipitation: Snow common
  • Student Activities: Skiing/boarding nearby (Poiana Brașov)

Note: Temperatures are indicative for the ~600 m basin; check ANM for official station normals before packing.

Best time to visit

  • Apartment hunting: July–September
  • University applications: per UNITBV calendar (spring/summer intakes). (UNITBV)
  • Budget travel: late autumn, late winter shoulder weeks.

Digital Facilities

  • Fixed Internet: High-speed FTTH widely available – Student promos from Digi, Orange, Telekom
  • Mobile Coverage: City-wide 4G/5G corridors – Prepaid bundles, eSIMs
  • Wi-Fi: Campus & cafés – Eduroam on campus
  • Co-working Spaces: Multiple city locations – Occasional student rates

Food & Dining

Traditional Transylvanian cuisine meets café culture. You’ll find robust soups, polenta-based mains, game dishes, and Saxon/Hungarian influences; vegetarian and international options are expanding:

  • University Cafeterias: €4–6/meal – On/near Colina & faculties
  • Local Restaurants: €7–12 – Center, Schei, Astra
  • International Food: €9–14 – Center, Coresi
  • Fast Food: €4–8 – City-wide
  • Street Food: €3–6 – Center & event sites

Job Market

  • IT/Tech & Engineering: High – €800–1,200 – Internships via UNITBV, local firms
  • Healthcare: Medium – €900–1,200 – Resident/clinical pathways (RO speakers)
  • Tourism & Services: Medium – €600–900 – Seasonal/part-time roles
  • Manufacturing: High – €700–1,000 – Production/QA internships

Sports & Recreation

  • Gyms: Campus & private – University/private memberships – €15–35/month
  • Swimming Pools: Municipal & private – Public access – €4–8/entry
  • Sports Centers: Colina & city clubs – Teams & clubs – Varies
  • Outdoor: Parks, mountain trails – Free

Day-in-the-Life Student Experience

Morning
Morning

Breakfast near Colina (€3–5); bus to classes (10–20 min with student pass); lectures/labs.

Morning
Afternoon
Afternoon

Lunch at cafeteria (€4–6); study at library; admin errands (IGI, bank) if needed.

Afternoon
Evening
Evening

Dinner with flatmates or in center; cafés and student events; tram-free city means late buses/ride-hail for returns.

Evening
Weekend
Weekend

Old Town walks, Tâmpa trail, Poiana ski/bike; day trips to Bran/Râșnov fortified sites.

Weekend

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