217,000
#246.4 km²
County seat, Galați County
romanian
Moldava Region
Galați is one of Romania’s major Danube cities, serving as both an industrial and academic hub on the country’s eastern edge, near the borders with Moldova and Ukraine. Its location along the riverfront gives the city a compact and navigable urban core, making it convenient for students to get around while enjoying a safe and vibrant environment.
For international students, Galați offers a mix of practical advantages: affordable housing, well-regarded engineering and maritime programs, and good rail and transport links. The city combines academic life with a manageable size, making it “big enough” to enjoy opportunities without feeling overwhelming.
The academic ecosystem is anchored by Dunărea de Jos University of Galați (UDJG), which includes 14 faculties covering engineering, food science, economics, IT, arts, and medicine. Danubius University complements this with programs in business, law, and communications. Galați’s cosmopolitan character is enhanced by its port, shipbuilding heritage, and cross-border trade, creating a dynamic environment for both study and cultural experiences.
Galați sits on the left bank of the Danube at the confluence with the Siret River and near the Prut, spread across multi-level river terraces ranging from roughly 5–7 m to over 40 m. The city’s official coordinates are 45°26′ N, 28°02′ E, and its urban area covers approximately 241.5 km² (some planning documents use ~246.4 km²). As the county seat of Galați County, the municipality is part of the historical region of Moldavia.
By the 2021 census (RPL-2021), Galați had around 217,000 residents, with updated 2025 city-level figures still pending. The climate is temperate-continental, featuring hot summers and cold winters, which is typical for the plains of eastern Romania.
Specification | Details |
|---|---|
Population | 217,000 |
Area | 246.4 km² |
County | County seat, Galați County |
Region | Moldava Region |
Timezone | EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3, DST) |
Climate | Temperate-continental |
Average Temperature | Summer high ~28–32 °C; Winter avg. ~-2–3 °C |
Languages | romanian |
Monuments | Propeller Monument (La Elice), Precista Fortified Church, University Palace, Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf), Robescu House |
Galați offers a variety of neighborhoods suitable for students, from the lively city center full of cafés, shops, and cultural venues to quieter districts like Micro 19 and Mazepa. Well-liked areas include Traian–Siderurgistului for proximity to campus, Micro 17 for budget-friendly shared apartments, and Galați Nord for modern housing options, giving students flexibility to choose based on convenience, cost, and lifestyle preferences.
Galați is a two-university city. UDJG is a large public university with historical strengths in naval architecture, engineering, food science, and medicine, and increasing English-taught options. Danubius University (private) covers law, business, communication, with applied programs serving the regional economy.
Subject | Cost |
|---|---|
Accommodation | €200–€450 |
Food & Groceries | €160–€240 |
Transportation | €7–€20 |
Utilities | €60–€100 |
Entertainment | €40–€90 |
Healthcare | €15–€35 |
Total Monthly | €480–€935 |
Transportation | Status |
|---|---|
Metro (Metrorex) | No |
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB) | Yes |
Taxi/Ride_hailing | Yes |
Official police coefficients of criminality (county & local) are published by IPJ Galați; consult the 2024 files for granular locality categories used in risk assessments. Campus/core areas are generally well-patrolled.
Options | Cost |
|---|---|
University Dorms | €40–€90 (subsidized tiers) |
Private Student Dorms | €180–€300 |
Shared Apartments | €200–€300/room |
Studios | €250–€450 |
Host Families | €350–€500 |
Recommended Areas: Mazepa (close to faculties), Țiglina (value), Micro 18–21 (budget + transit).
Student life in Galați is dynamic and diverse, blending academic pursuits with social and cultural experiences. Students can join campus clubs, sports leagues, cafés, and local festivals, while exploring the riverfront, city parks, and welcoming neighborhoods. Affordable accommodation, accessible public transport, and active student networks make it easy to balance studies, leisure, and meeting new people.
Galați experiences a temperate-continental climate with clearly defined seasons, allowing for activities throughout the year. Spring and autumn bring pleasant weather, great for campus life and cultural events, while summers are hot and sunny, ideal for enjoying the riverfront and outdoor activities. Winters are cold with occasional snowfall, offering a distinctive seasonal charm and opportunities for wintertime recreation.
Lower Danube flavors—fish soups, carp, river specialties, and Moldavian sarmale. Affordable canteens and bistros line the Domnească–Mazepa corridor.
Grab a pastry/coffee (€2–€3) and walk or bus to classes on Str. Domnească (10–20 min in core areas).
Lunch at UDJG cafeteria (€3–€5), study at the library, labs/seminars. Coffee break in Mazepa cafés (€2–€3)
Cook with flatmates or affordable bistro (€7–€12), riverside walk, student events, or theater nights (student discounts).
Explore museums, attend performances, or train to Bucharest/Constanța/Iași for day trips.
