Constanța

Constanța is Romania’s largest Black Sea city and a dynamic study destination that blends seaside lifestyle with a strong academic footprint. Home to Ovidius University of Constanța and the Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy, the city attracts students interested in medicine, engineering, IT, maritime studies, and business. A major port economy, Constanța offers internships in logistics, tourism, energy services, and creative industries, while its seafront promenades, historic peninsula, and nearby seaside resorts make student life feel like a permanent summer. According to the 2021 population census (definitive results), the municipality hosts ≈263,700 residents, giving it a large-city feel with approachable neighborhoods. International students choose Constanța for English-taught programs, practical placements with port-linked employers, and lower living costs than many EU seaside cities—plus fast rail links to Bucharest and ferry-adjacent regional connections. Constanța sits on Romania’s southeastern Dobrogea coast (approx. 44.18°N, 28.63°E) facing the Black Sea, with a municipal area of...
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Population

263,700

Area

#124.89 km²

County

Constanța County

Language

romanian

Region

South-East of Romania

Everything You Need to Know

Overview

Constanța is Romania’s largest Black Sea city and a dynamic study destination that blends seaside lifestyle with a strong academic footprint. Home to Ovidius University of Constanța and the Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy, the city attracts students interested in medicine, engineering, IT, maritime studies, and business.

A major port economy, Constanța offers internships in logistics, tourism, energy services, and creative industries, while its seafront promenades, historic peninsula, and nearby seaside resorts make student life feel like a permanent summer.

According to the 2021 population census (definitive results), the municipality hosts ≈263,700 residents, giving it a large-city feel with approachable neighborhoods. International students choose Constanța for English-taught programs, practical placements with port-linked employers, and lower living costs than many EU seaside cities—plus fast rail links to Bucharest and ferry-adjacent regional connections.

Constanța sits on Romania’s southeastern Dobrogea coast (approx. 44.18°N, 28.63°E) facing the Black Sea, with a municipal area of ~124.9 km² that includes beaches, lakes (Siutghiol, Tăbăcărie), and a compact historic core on the peninsula. It lies about 24 km northwest of Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport and roughly 220–225 km by road from Bucharest via the A2 “Sun” motorway.

The city is the county seat of Constanța County and anchors Romania’s maritime economy through the national port administration. Climate-wise, Constanța is in a temperate-continental with maritime influence zone: hot, breezy summers; mild, drier winters; and lower rainfall than most Romanian regions, characteristic for Dobrogea.

Start your academic journey in Constanța today with Stinwo, your trusted partner for international student admissions. Explore English-taught programs at Ovidius University and the Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy, secure internships in logistics, tourism, and maritime sectors, and enjoy a vibrant seaside student life. Apply now with Stinwo and make Constanța your home for study, adventure, and career growth!

Basic Specifications

Specification
Details
Population
263,700
Area
124.89 km²
County
Constanța County
Region
South-East of Romania
Timezone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 summer)
Climate
Temperate-continental, maritime influence
Average Temperature
Summer ~24–28 °C; Winter ~0–3 °C (Dobrogea multiannual pattern)
Languages
romanian
Monuments
Victory Monument, Ovidius Statue, Mihai Eminescu’s Statue

Districts and neighborhood

Constanța offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different student lifestyles, from lively historic districts to quiet coastal areas. Each district provides unique amenities, atmospheres, and rental options, allowing students to find housing that fits their budget, academic needs, and personal preferences.

Major Areas for Students

Constanța offers a range of neighborhoods to suit different student lifestyles, from lively historic districts to quiet residential areas near the coast. Each area varies in atmosphere, amenities, and rental prices, giving students options that match their budget, academic needs, and personal preferences.

Campus – Tăbăcărie / Campus Universitar

  • Characteristics: Near Ovidius campus, Tăbăcărie Park, City Park Mall; fast bus access.
  • Best for: First-years & science/medicine students.
  • Average rent: €280–400 (shared/studio; varies by season).

Centru & Peninsulă (Old Town)

  • Characteristics: Historic core, cafes, museums; walkable to seafront; limited parking.
  • Best for: Students who value culture and walkability.
  • Average rent: €350–500 (studios/1-bed).

Tomis Nord – Campus / Mamaia Boulevard

  • Characteristics: Student-heavy, supermarkets, direct bus lines; summer demand spikes.
  • Best for: Budget-minded; easy access to beaches.
  • Average rent: €300–420.

Faleză Nord

  • Characteristics: Quiet residential near the coast; good for runners & beach lovers.
  • Best for: Upper-years, couples.
  • Average rent: €350–550 (view premiums apply).

Inel I / Inel II

  • Characteristics: Deeper residential belt; best prices; frequent buses.
  • Best for: Value seekers willing to commute 15–25 min.
  • Average rent: €250–350

Academic landscape

Constanța’s higher-education ecosystem is anchored by Ovidius University of Constanța (UOC)—a comprehensive public university with medicine, engineering, economics, humanities, and sciences—and by the Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy (ANMB), a public military/civil maritime university with accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs in navigation, marine engineering, and port logistics. Both institutions run international programs and mobility (Erasmus+).

Major universities

Constanța hosts top universities like Ovidius University and Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy, offering diverse programs in medicine, engineering, IT, economics, and maritime studies for local and international students.

Ovidius University of Constanța

  • Type: Public
  • Languages: Romanian / English (selected faculties)
  • International Students: Varies by faculty
  • Notable Programs: Medicine, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities

Mircea cel Bătrân Naval Academy (ANMB)

  • Type: Public
  • Languages: Romanian (with English content for maritime standards)
  • International Students: Not specified
  • Notable Programs: Navigation & Maritime Transport, Marine Engineering, Port & Logistics, Naval Communications

Total academic community

  • Total students: not centrally published city-wide; see university pages and Ministry statistical yearbooks.
  • International students: present across Medicine, Business, Maritime fields (check program-level quotas).

Cost of Living

Subject
Cost
Accommodation
€250–450 (Dorms lower; private varies by season/locality)
Food & Groceries
€170–260 (Home-cooking keeps costs down)
Transportation
€6–20 (CT BUS student monthly from 29–66 lei (~€6–13); occasional taxi)
Utilities
€60–110
Entertainment
€60–120 (Cafés, cinema, seaside events)
Healthcare
€10–30
Total Monthly
€550–950
Transportation
Status
Metro (Metrorex)
No
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB)
Yes
Taxi/Ride_hailing
Yes

Connectivity

  • Airport: Mihail Kogălniceanu International (CND) – ~24 km NW of center; road access E60; private shuttles/taxi from city. (MK-Airport)
  • Train Station: “Constanța” station with frequent CFR links to Bucharest; students get 90% rail discounts in 2025 (digital purchase enabled). (CFR Calatori)
  • Highway Access: A2 (“Sun Motorway”) to Bucharest; A4 bypass to South/North port gates.

Safety and Security

Local Police increased staffing and activity; 59,146 contraventions recorded (+12.8% vs 2023) and 130 crimes identified (including drug-related, vandalism) within municipal operations. Continuous cooperation with County Police and Gendarmerie supports city-center and campus safety.

  • Local Police Activity: 59,146 contraventions; 130 crimes identified (2024)
  • Police Presence: Expanded staffing and fleet; strengthened compared to 2023
  • Classification: IPJ Constanța publishes local crime coefficients by locality; check latest 2024 worksheet

Safe Areas for Students

  • University zones (Tăbăcărie / Campus) – frequent patrols;
  • City center & seafront – well-lit promenades;
  • Tomis Nord / Faleză Nord – residential, family-oriented.

Accomedation options

Options
Cost
University Dorms
€80–150 (Shared rooms; campus-adjacent; allocation per criteria.)
Private Student Dorms
€180–300 (Limited stock; check seasonal availability)
Shared Apartments
€250–380 (per room) – (2–4 students; furnished; utilities extra)
Studios
€320–500 (Independent living; seaside premiums apply)
Host Families
€300–450 (Meals by arrangement; cultural immersion)

Accommodation Application

  • University dorms (UOC): follow UOC “Cămin/Cazare” announcements (Jul–Sep) and program-specific pages (faculties also publish timelines). Required: enrollment status, ID/passport, criteria forms. (univ-ovidius.ro, univ-ovidius.ro, isp.univ-ovidius.ro)
  • Private accommodation: standard lease; bring passport/ID and proof of student status.

Must Visit landmarks

  1. Constanța Casino (restored) – the city’s Art Nouveau icon on the seafront. (Primaria Municipiului Constanta)
  2. Historic Peninsula (Ovidiu’s Square) – museums, mosaics, and old streets.
  3. Mamaia Promenade & Beaches – seasonal events and night walks

Entertainment options

Multiplex cinemas, state theatre and opera events, museums; summer festivals along the coast; student discounts apply at many venues (present student ID).

Student life

Nightlife clusters around Peninsula, Tomis Nord, and the Mamaia boulevard corridor; diverse cafés and affordable eateries near campus.

Climate overview

Constanța’s maritime influence brings breezy summers, milder winters, and lower precipitation than most of Romania. Summers are warm to hot; winter temperatures hover near freezing with fewer snow days than inland cities.

Spring (Mar–May)

  • Temperature: ~10–20°C
  • Precipitation: Moderate, rising in May
  • Student Activities: Campus fairs, seaside runs

Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Temperature: ~24–30°C
  • Precipitation: Lower in July–August (Dobrogea)
  • Student Activities: Festivals, internships, beach activities

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

  • Temperature: ~10–22°C → ~5–12°C
  • Precipitation: Gradual decline
  • Student Activities: Semester start, city walks

Winter (Dec–Feb)

  • Temperature: ~0–6°C
  • Precipitation: Low to moderate
  • Student Activities: Indoor cultural events, focused study

Best time to visit

  • Apartment Hunting: Aug–Oct (after seaside high season);
  • University Applications: Apr–Jul (per university calendars);
  • Cultural Events: May–Sep (open-air);
  • Budget Travel: Oct–Apr (off-season fares).

Digital Facilities

  • Internet Speed: High-speed fixed broadband widely available; student-priced bundles common
  • Mobile Coverage: Strong 4G/5G urban coverage; prepaid SIMs easy to obtain
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Good in libraries, cafés, and malls; campus hotspots available
  • Co-working Spaces: Several located in Centru and Tomis Nord; student day-rates possible

Food & Dining

Fresh Black Sea fish, Dobrogean pies, mussels from nearby farms, Turkish-influenced sweets. Student-friendly options cluster around Campus/Tăbăcărie and Centru.

  • University Cafeterias: €4–7 per meal; located at campus and faculty canteens
  • Local Restaurants: €7–15 per meal; best in Centru, Peninsula, Tomis Nord
  • International Food: €8–18 per meal; available in Peninsula and Mamaia Boulevard
  • Fast Food: €5–9 per meal; city-wide
  • Street Food: €4–7 per meal; seafront and campus areas (seasonal)

Job Market

  • Logistics / Port Services: High dominance; €700–1,000/month; internships with port operators, freight companies, and shipping agents
  • Tourism & Events: High (seasonal); €600–900/month; summer jobs in hospitality and event management
  • IT / Tech & Digital: Medium dominance; €800–1,200/month; junior roles and part-time opportunities
  • Healthcare: Medium dominance; salary varies by qualification; hospital and clinic placements for medical students

Sports & Recreation

  • Gyms: Numerous; university and private access; €20–40/month
  • Swimming Pools: Several; public and private; €4–8 per entry
  • Sports Centers: Multiple; municipal and private; €20–40/month
  • Outdoor: Parks, beaches, lakeside paths; free access

Day-in-the-Life Student Experience

Morning
Morning

Light breakfast; CT BUS to campus (10–25 min); lectures/labs. Cost: with student pass, near-zero per ride.

Morning
Afternoon
Afternoon

Lunch at faculty canteen or cafés near Tăbăcărie; study in the library; walk along the lake.

Afternoon
Evening
Evening

Cook with roommates or eat out; meet friends in Peninsula or on the seafront; late study session.

Evening
Weekend
Weekend

Beach time, museums & Old Town, bus to nearby seaside towns; airport day-trips (Istanbul/London routes vary by season).

Weekend

Gallery

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