308,304
#179.5 km²
Cluj County
romanian
Northwestern Romania
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.
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 (see §13).
Experience Cluj-Napoca’s vibrant student life, top English-taught programs, and exciting culture. Plan your studies and adventures with Stinwo International today!
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 308,304 |
Area | 179.5 km² |
County | Cluj County |
Region | Northwestern Romania |
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 |
Languages | romanian |
Monuments | “Matthias Rex” Monument, Turnul Croitorilor, The Statue of Avram Iancu |
Sibiu’s districts each have a distinct character, from historic city center streets to quiet residential areas and lively student quarters. Exploring the neighborhoods helps students and newcomers find the right balance of amenities, transport links, and atmosphere to suit their lifestyle.
Sibiu offers a variety of neighborhoods suited to student life, each with its own vibe, amenities, and budget considerations. From vibrant dorm-focused quarters and central cultural hubs to well-connected residential districts, students can choose areas that match their field of study, lifestyle, and rent preferences. The following overview highlights the main options for living and studying in the city.
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.
Cluj-Napoca is home to a diverse range of public universities, each offering specialized programs, modern facilities, and dedicated support for students. From technical and medical studies to arts, music, and business, these institutions provide opportunities for both local and international students.
Whether you are pursuing engineering, medicine, design, or music, Cluj’s universities combine academic excellence with practical training, cultural activities, and strong international connections.
Cluj-Napoca, often called Romania’s “university capital,” hosts a vibrant academic community of around 100,000 students across several major institutions. Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB) is the largest, with over 48,000 students studying in multiple languages and programs such as Computer Science, Business, and European Studies.
The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN) enrolls roughly 17,800 students in engineering, automation, and computer science, while Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy trains about 12,000 future health professionals.
The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV) has around 6,000 students focusing on agriculture, veterinary medicine, and related fields. Together, these universities create a dynamic, diverse, and innovative academic environment, supported by modern facilities, student services, and international exchange opportunities.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €150–€250 (univ. dorm) / €350–700 (private) |
Food & Groceries | €180–260 |
Transportation | €0–5 |
Utilities | €60–100 |
Entertainment | €60–120 |
Healthcare | €10–30 |
Total Monthly | €460–1,060 |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Student benefit (2025): Under national law (from 1 Aug 2025), students receive 90% fare reduction, and Cluj-Napoca municipality deconts the remaining 10%, yielding free monthly passes for eligible students via their universities. Page lists standard student monthly (e.g., 95 lei) and the decont process with university partners.
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.
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | €30–€85 (≈150–410 lei) |
Private Student Dorms | €200–350 (Modern amenities, study rooms) |
Shared Apartments | €300–500 per room (2–4 students; furnished) |
Studios | €450–700 |
Host Families | €400–600 (Meals optional; cultural immersion) |
UBB dorm official 2024–2025 fees vary by building/room. Other universities publish similar tariffs. Apply via your university portal before allocation deadlines.
Recommended Areas: Hașdeu (first-years), Mărăști/Gheorgheni (value + buses), Zorilor (medical campus access).
multiplex cinemas, theatres, live music venues; vibrant café culture around the center & Hașdeu.
Cluj-Napoca is one of Romania’s liveliest university cities, offering a vibrant and diverse student experience. With a large academic community of around 100,000 students, the city boasts a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Students can enjoy a variety of cafés, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues, including theaters, museums, and live music events.
The city also hosts numerous student organizations, clubs, and sports facilities, encouraging social, cultural, and athletic engagement. Affordable housing options—from university dorms to shared apartments—make it accessible for both local and international students. Efficient public transport, safe neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere further enhance daily life, making Cluj-Napoca a dynamic place to study, live, and explore.
Cluj has a temperate-continental climate: cold winters (January often sub-zero nights) and mild-warm summers (June–August comfortable to warm).
Ardelenească (Transylvanian) cuisine—sarmale, papanași, ciorbe, and hearty stews—blended with a thriving third-wave coffee and international dining scene:
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.
