225,072
#81 km²
Dolj
southwestern Romania
Craiova is a confident, green university city in southwest Romania, known for engineering, medicine, and a lively cultural core. As the seat of Dolj County, it blends a strong industrial base (automotive, energy) with a rapidly modernising service sector, making it an attractive
study destination for students seeking good value, English-taught programs, and direct air links to major European hubs. The city’s largest institutions—University of Craiova (UCV) and University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova (UMF Craiova)—anchor a growing international cohort, including Medicine in English and STEM programs with industry connections.
Daily life is straightforward: compact neighbourhoods, an expanding tram and-bus network, and a student budget that’s easier than in Romania’s biggest metros. According to the 2021 census definitive results, the municipality has ~234,000 residents, a figure municipalities use until the 2025 city statistical bulletin is released.
Craiova sits on the Oltenia Plain at the edge of the Jiu river corridor, roughly 44°19′ N, 23°49′ E, at 75–116 m elevation. It lies about 227 km west of Bucharest by road/rail. The municipality is the county seat of Dolj, serving as the region’s administrative, economic, and university hub.
The climate is temperate-continental with warm summers and four distinct seasons; Oltenia shows mild Mediterranean influences compared to central Romania. Expect hot, dry summers and crisp winters, with longer sunny spells than Transylvania.
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 225,072 |
Area | 81 km² |
County | Dolj |
Region | southwestern Romania |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3, summer) |
Climate | Temperate-continental, Oltenia plain |
Average Temperature | Summer often 20–32°C; Winter ~-1 to 6°C |
Monuments | Michael the Brave Statue, Carol I statue, Monumentul Independenței, The Buzești Brothers” Monument |
Craiova hosts two comprehensive public universities with strong STEM and health sciences profiles. UCV spans engineering, IT, economics, agriculture, arts, and teacher education—several tracks taught in English and French. UMF Craiova delivers Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including Medicine in English, and clinical training at county hospitals.
Craiova hosts two comprehensive public universities with strong STEM and health sciences profiles.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €180–€380Dorms from ~€86–€110 (430–545 RON) at UCV; private rents vary. |
Food & Groceries | €140–€220Cooking at home + occasional cafeteria (UMF has subsidised menus). |
Transportation | €3–€6 – 90% student discount on local public transport; full adult monthly pass is 120 RON. |
Utilities | €45–€70 – Split with flatmates lowers cost. |
Entertainment | €40–€80 – Cinemas, cafés, gigs. |
Healthcare | €5–€20 – Basic meds; many services via public insurance |
Total Monthly | €410–€760 – Typical student pattern. |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | Yes |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
The Dolj County Police Inspectorate publishes locality-level crime coefficients used for municipal comparisons; consult the latest annual bulletin for Craiova. City centre and campus areas are well-patrolled and lit; universities maintain 24/7 security in dorms and main buildings.
Emergency Contacts:
• Police / Ambulance / Fire: 112 (single EU number)
• University security & dean’s offices (posted on each campus website).
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | ~€86–€109 (430–545 RON) – Shared rooms, utilities included or low; campus-managed. |
Private Student Dorms | University-managed; 2 dorms (~850 beds) – Near hospitals; cafeteria with subsidised menus. |
Shared Apartments | €140–€250/room – Furnished/unfurnished; market-based. |
Studios | €200–€380 – Independent living. |
Host Families | Rare – Cultural immersion if available via university channels. |
Recommended Areas: For UCV—Centru, Brazda. For UMF—1 Mai. Use RAT tram/bus corridors for quick commutes.
Craiova’s centre mixes late-19th-century architecture with student-run cafés, theatres, and galleries. The Colibri Theatre, museums around the central parks, and seasonal festivals keep weekends busy. Many venues offer student discounts (ask at ticket counters). For international food, look near Centru and 1 Mai; for quiet study cafés, streets around UCV’s central buildings are reliable. (Municipal cultural calendars and university events change quarterly.)
Spring (Mar–May):
Summer (Jun–Aug):
Autumn (Sep–Nov):
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Local highlights: Oltenian cuisine features hearty soups, grilled meats, and vegetable stews; bakeries and market stalls are common near tram/bus nodes.
Work Rights:
Popular Activities: Football, basketball, running in parks; cycling routes; day trips to Oltenia’s vineyards and hills.
Quick breakfast; 10–20 min tram/bus to classes in Centru or 1 Mai.
Lunch at campus cafeteria (~€4–€6); study at faculty libraries; admin stops at international office.
Dinner at home or casual spot; coffee and group work near the main boulevard; walk or tram back.
Museum visits, theatre, or a low-cost flight from CRA for a quick European city break.
