1.7–1.8 million
#228 km²
Bucharest
South-East Part of Romania
Romania’s capital is the country’s largest academic hub and a gateway to the Balkans and EU. With historic universities, broad English-taught offerings, and a lively tech-and-creative economy, Bucharest attracts international students looking for strong programs, internships, and a dynamic city life. Flagship institutions include the University of Bucharest (UB), Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB), the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), and the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMFCD).
The city center blends Belle Époque architecture with post-war and contemporary districts, while student neighborhoods stretch along the Dâmbovița River and into green areas like Tineretului. As the national capital, Bucharest concentrates cultural venues (museums, theaters, festivals), national archives and libraries, and the headquarters of major employers—ideal for part-time work and internships. Population data from Romania’s official statistics and city portals place the capital as Romania’s largest urban area, underscoring its role as the country’s academic and economic heart.
Bucharest sits in southeastern Romania (Wallachian Plain), at approximately 44°24′49″ N, 26°05′48″ E, on the Dâmbovița River. It is about 64 km north of the Danube, ~100 km south of the Carpathians, and ~250 km west of the Black Sea. The municipality is divided into six administrative sectors and functions as the seat of Ilfov County’s metropolitan area while being a distinct administrative unit itself. Elevation is low and terrain is generally flat, with lakes and parks peppering the urban fabric (notably Herăstrău/King Michael I Park and Tineretului).
Climate is temperate-continental with hot summers and cold winters (see Section 13). Bucharest’s official portals provide geographic coordinates and distances, and national open-data repositories list the city and sector codes used in administration (SIRUTA).
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 1.7–1.8 million |
Area | 228 km² |
County | Bucharest |
Region | South-East Part of Romania |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3, Mar–Oct) |
Climate | Temperate-continental |
Average Temperature | Summer highs often > 28–30°C; winter averages around/below 0–2°C |
Monuments | Memorial of Rebirth, Arcul de Triumf, Monument to the Heroes of the Air |
Bucharest leads Romania by number of public universities and research institutes. Major public universities include University of Bucharest (UB), Politehnica University of Bucharest (UPB), Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), Carol Davila University of Medicine & Pharmacy (UMFCD), plus specialized arts institutions. Ministry of Education reports (“Starea învățământului”) provide national higher-education statistics for the 2024–2025 cycle; universities publish their own yearbooks and rector reports.
Bucharest hosts Romania’s largest student population; consult the Ministry’s annual report and each university’s 2024–2025 pages for final figures.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €150–€220 (university dorm, shared) / €350–€650 (private room/studio) |
Food & Groceries | €160–€240 |
Transportation | €3–€10 after national student discounts (see Section 7) |
Utilities | €60–€120 |
Entertainment | €60–€120 |
Healthcare | €10–€25 |
Total Monthly | €450–€1,150 |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | Yes |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Crime coefficients by sector (DGPMB, 2024):
National Police Annual Report (2024):
Emergency Number:
Emergency Contacts: Police/Fire/Ambulance 112; Bucharest Local Police: 021 539 14 00 / 021 9752.
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | €150–€220 – Shared rooms, utilities included, proximity to campus (UB/UPB/ASE). |
Private Student Dorms | €300–€450 – Modern facilities; vary by operator (check licenses/permits). |
Shared Apartments | €250–€400 (room) – 2–4 students; contracts required |
Studios | €400–€650 – Independent living; verify heating type |
Host Families | €400–€600 – Cultural immersion; limited supply |
Multiplex cinemas, national theaters/opera, and live music venues sit across central sectors. ARCUB and MMB maintain calendars with student-friendly programming.
Student life in Bucharest is vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunities. As the capital of Romania, the city combines a rich cultural heritage with modern urban energy, offering students access to museums, theaters, music festivals, and a lively nightlife. Universities like the University of Bucharest attract international students, creating a multicultural environment where learning goes hand in hand with social experiences. Affordable public transport, student discounts, and countless cafés and coworking spaces make everyday life easier. Living in Bucharest means being part of a dynamic European capital where tradition and innovation meet, making it an ideal place to study and grow.
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:
Minimum Wage (2025): 4,050 RON/month gross (Government communiqués).
The National Sports Agency lists national clubs/complexes; universities run intramural leagues.
Grab a pastry/coffee; metro to lectures (M1/M3/M5 serve major campuses). Travel with a discounted pass (see Section 7).
Lunch near campus; study at faculty libraries; museum stop (Palatul Suțu) on lighter days.
Affordable dinners around Universitate/Tineretului; film or theater; late tram/bus connections home.
Străzi Deschise walks, municipal museum circuit, or train day-trip via CFR Călători.
