237,589
#267.3 km²
Brașov County
Transylvania, Romania
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.
Administrative status: county capital (municipality). Geographic context: “heart of Romania” positioning in the Carpathian arc; coordinates and altitude as per the municipal site.
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 237,589 |
Area | 267.3 km² |
County | Brașov County |
Region | Transylvania, Romania |
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) |
Monuments | The White Tower, Monumentul Eroilor, Statue of the Unknown Soldier |
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.
Students: 21,711 • Academic staff: 722 • Buildings: 21 (10 in Colina, 7 in the historic center, 4 elsewhere).
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €250–500 (shared/1-bed) – Dorms cheaper; private varies by district |
Food & Groceries | €160–260 – Cooking at home lowers costs |
Transportation | €6–15 – RATBV student discounts; see policy links below |
Utilities | €60–110 – Seasonally higher in winter (heating) |
Entertainment | €60–120 – Cinemas, cafés, events |
Healthcare | €10–30 – Basic meds; insurance required for non-EU students |
Total Monthly | €540–1,035 – Conservative estimate |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Student Transport Benefits (2025): By Government decision in June 2025, 90% rail discount applies broadly for students enrolled at accredited HEIs; use your student ID and follow operator instructions. Local transport discounts apply in the city of your university; check RATBV for exact implementation.
Emergency Number
Police
Campus Security
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.)
Emergency Contacts:
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 |
Recommended areas: Colina campus, Tractorul–Coresi, Avantgarden, Astra/Răcădău for value + bus coverage.
multiplex cinemas, municipal theatres, museums, live venues; frequent festivals in summer/autumn.
Student life in Brașov combines academic opportunities with the charm of one of Romania’s most picturesque cities. Home to Transilvania University of Brașov, the city attracts both local and international students who enjoy a balance of study and leisure. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov offers outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking, while its historic center provides cafés, cultural festivals, and vibrant nightlife. Affordable living costs, reliable public transport, and a welcoming student community make Brașov an ideal destination for those who want both quality education and an active lifestyle in a scenic environment.
Spring (Mar–May):
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Note: Temperatures are indicative for the ~600 m basin; check ANM for official station normals before packing.
Fixed Internet
Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi
Co-working Spaces
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
Local Restaurants
International Food
Fast Food
Street Food
IT / Tech & Engineering
Healthcare
Tourism & Services
Manufacturing
Work rights:
Gyms
Swimming Pools
Sports Centers
Outdoor
Popular: football, basketball, climbing; hiking/cycling routes around Tâmpa & Poiana; winter sports 12 km away.
Breakfast near Colina (€3–5); bus to classes (10–20 min with student pass); lectures/labs.
Lunch at cafeteria (€4–6); study at library; admin errands (IGI, bank) if needed.
Dinner with flatmates or in center; cafés and student events; tram-free city means late buses/ride-hail for returns.
Old Town walks, Tâmpa trail, Poiana ski/bike; day trips to Bran/Râșnov fortified sites.
