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Petroșani

Petroșani is the academic and urban anchor of the Jiu Valley in Hunedoara County, a compact mountain city best known for mining heritage and the University of Petroșani (UPET). For international students seeking a calm, affordable base with direct access to the Parâng Mountains and reliable rail links to Deva, Sibiu and Târgu Jiu, Petroșani offers a practical mix of nature and specialist study options (engineering, mining, energy, economics). UPET’s participation in European alliances (EURECA-PRO) and international projects steadily grows English-taught opportunities and mobility. City infrastructure improvements (urban mobility, safety cameras, building efficiency) and a small-city pace make daily life manageable on a student budget. Headline stat: population (RPL 2021, INS) ~31,044 residents—so expect a friendly, close-knit campus feel rather than big-city bustle. Petroșani sits in south Hunedoara County, at the confluence of the East and West Jiu rivers, ringed by Parâng and Retezat massifs. The municipality’s administrative area is...
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Population

31,044

Area

#195.56 km²

County

Hunedoara

Region

west-central Romania

Contact To Experts

Everything You Need to Know

Overview

Petroșani is the academic and urban anchor of the Jiu Valley in Hunedoara County, a compact mountain city best known for mining heritage and the University of Petroșani (UPET). For international students seeking a calm, affordable base with direct access to the Parâng Mountains and reliable rail links to Deva, Sibiu and Târgu Jiu, Petroșani offers a practical mix of nature and specialist study options (engineering, mining, energy, economics).

UPET’s participation in European alliances (EURECA-PRO) and international projects steadily grows English-taught opportunities and mobility. City infrastructure improvements (urban mobility, safety cameras, building efficiency) and a small-city pace make daily life manageable on a student budget. Headline stat: population (RPL 2021, INS) ~31,044 residents—so expect a friendly, close-knit campus feel rather than big-city bustle.

Petroșani sits in south Hunedoara County, at the confluence of the East and West Jiu rivers, ringed by Parâng and Retezat massifs. The municipality’s administrative area is 19,556 ha (195.56 km²), with urban altitudes ~615–620 m, and geographic coordinates 45°25’N, 23°22’E—all useful for climate and hiking planning.

Basic Specifications

Specification
Details
Population
31,044
Area
195.56 km²
County
Hunedoara
Region
west-central Romania
Timezone
EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3 summer)
Climate
Temperate-continental, cool summers
Average Temperature
Approx. annual mean ~6–8 °C
Monuments
Bolii Cave, Petroșani Mining Museum, Locomotiva Aburi Monument

Districts and neighborhood

University–Campus Area (Str. Universității)

  • Characteristics: Academic buildings, libraries, quick walk to cafés and buses.
  • Best for: Students wanting minimal commute.
  • Average rent: €200–300 (shared) / €270–400 (studio)

Centru (Piața Victoriei – Teatrul “I.D. Sârbu”)

  • Characteristics: Theaters, mining museum, most services; frequent buses/maxi-taxis.
  • Best for: Access to amenities & nightlife-lite.
  • Average rent: €250–380 (studio)

Aeroport (local bus endpoint)

  • Characteristics: Residential; direct local bus link Piața Victoriei–Aeroport (historical fare post).
  • Best for: Lower prices and quieter living.
  • Average rent: €200–320 (studio)

Parâng Base/Access Zone (5–10 km up the mountain road)

  • Characteristics: Gateway to ski & hiking; seasonal stays.
  • Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, short-term rentals.
  • Average rent: €250–450 (cabins/rooms, seasonal

Academic landscape

Petroșani is a specialized university city anchored by University of Petroșani (UPET), a public institution with strong engineering, energy, mining and economics profiles. UPET runs international cooperation (Erasmus, EURECA-PRO) and hosts an English-taught Responsible Consumption and Production master in the EURECA framework—useful for students seeking sustainability/engineering intersections.

Major universities

University of Petroșani (UPET)

  • Type: Public
  • Languages: RO / EN
  • International Students %: n/a
  • Notable Programs: Mining, Energy, Civil Eng., Economics; EURECA-PRO English master

Total academic community

Total students: institutionally published each cycle; consult UPET admissions for the 2025 cohort.

Cost of Living

Subject
Cost
Accommodation
€200–450 – Shared vs. studio; area dependent
Food & Groceries
€160–230 – Cooking at home lowers costs
Transportation
€10–30 – Local buses/maxi-taxi; rail discounts where eligible
Utilities
€60–100 – Heat varies by season
Entertainment
€60–120 – Cafés, cinema, trips
Healthcare
€10–30 – Insurance, basic meds
Total Monthly
€500–960 – Conservative range
Transportation
Status
Metro (Metrorex)
No
Bus/Tram/Trolley (STB)
Yes
Taxi/Ride_hailing
Yes
  • Railway station: Gara Petroșani—ticket office 24/7, info 06:30–22:30; frequent regional trains to Simeria/Deva & Târgu Jiu.
  • Rail routes & tickets: CFR Călători itineraries (Simeria–Petroșani and return).
  • Highways: DN66 (north–south) across the Jiu Gorge; DN66A toward the western valley; DN7A toward the Olt Valley.

Safety and Security

City-level crime coefficients are not routinely published for Petroșani. Use national indicators and local police guidance. For emergencies, call 112; STS handles foreign-language calls and provides the Apel 112 location app.

Safe Areas for Students

  • Campus & Centru (well-lit, active), main boulevards, and bus corridors listed by the municipality.

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency (all services): 112 (voice/SMS113; location via app).

Accomedation options

Options
Cost
University Dorms
€90–160 – Shared rooms, basic facilities, close to classes
Private Student Dorms
€180–260 – Upgraded amenities, private management
Shared Apartments
€200–300/room – 2–3 roommates, furnished
Studios
€270–450 – Independent living
Host Families
€300–450 – Cultural immersion, sometimes meals

Accommodation Application

  • University dorms: monitor UPET admissions pages (summer) and international office guidance.
  • Private rentals: look near Campus, Centru, Airport for best transport.

Must Visit landmarks

  • Muzeul Mineritului – the city’s signature museum; student-friendly pricing/events.
  • Teatrul „I.D. Sârbu” – resident drama theater; occasional festivals.
  • Parâng Mountain Resort – gondola/ski in winter, trails year-round (5–10 km).

Entertainment options

  • Cinemas/Theater: local theater programming; cinemas in the valley.
  • Museums: Mining Museum; valley museums in nearby towns.
  • Music & Cafés: concentrated around Centru and campus corridors.

Student life

  • Nightlife: small-venue bars near Centru; budget-friendly.
  • Coffee Culture: cozy cafés around Piața Victoriei.

Climate overview

Spring (Mar–May):

  • Temperature: 5–17
  • Precipitation: Moderate
  • Student Activities: City walks, short hikes, university fairs

Summer (Jun–Aug):

  • Temperature: 12–24 (generally cool)
  • Precipitation: Showers
  • Student Activities: Mountain trails, internships

Autumn (Sep–Nov):

  • Temperature: 5–18
  • Precipitation: Moderate
  • Student Activities: Semester start, foliage hikes

Winter (Dec–Feb):

  • Temperature: −6–4
  • Precipitation: Snow events
  • Student Activities: Ski in Parâng, indoor culture

 

 

Best time to visit

  • Apartment hunting: July–September.
  • University applications: As per UPET admissions calendar (summer).
  • Budget travel: Late autumn & late winter shoulder seasons.

Digital Facilities

Fixed Internet

  • Quality: Fixed broadband available citywide; competitive speeds
  • Student Options: Student deals via national providers (check locally)

Mobile Coverage

  • Quality: National 4G/5G network
  • Student Options: Prepaid SIM cards with low monthly costs

Wi-Fi Availability

  • Quality: High availability in campuses, libraries, and cafés
  • Student Options: Free spots around Centru

Co-working Spaces

  • Quality: Small independent spaces; campus areas
  • Student Options: Ask university for study rooms

For network/coverage rules and quality oversight see ANCOM resources (national regulator).

 

Food & Dining

Hearty Transylvanian and mining-valley fare—ciorbe, sarmale, grilled meats—plus mountain dairy and seasonal mushrooms. Around campus and Centru you’ll find Romanian bistros, pizzerias, shawarma and café-bakeries at student-friendly prices.

University Cafeterias

  • Avg. Cost: €4–€6 per meal
  • Best Areas: On/near Campus

Local Restaurants

  • Avg. Cost: €7–€12
  • Best Areas: Centru

International Food

  • Avg. Cost: €7–€12
  • Best Areas: Centru/campus

Fast Food

  • Avg. Cost: €4–€8
  • Best Areas: City-wide

Street Food

  • Avg. Cost: €3–€6
  • Best Areas: Around Piața Victoriei

 

 

Job Market

Energy/Mining Services

  • Dominance: Medium
  • Entry-Level Salary: €600–900
  • Student Opportunities: Technical internships via UPET

Construction/Civil Eng.

  • Dominance: Medium
  • Entry-Level Salary: €600–900
  • Student Opportunities: Site & design support

Tourism/Outdoor

  • Dominance: Seasonal
  • Entry-Level Salary: €500–700
  • Student Opportunities: Parâng resort seasons

Tourism / Events

  • Dominance: Medium
  • Entry-Level Salary: €500–700
  • Student Opportunities: Part-time shifts

Student Work Rights (Romania)

  • EU/EEA: free access to the labor market.
  • Non-EU: work allowed with study residence permit conditions; check IGI.

 

Sports & Recreation

Gyms

  • Number: Numerous (university & private)
  • Student Access: Monthly passes
  • Cost: €20–€35 per month

Swimming Pools

  • Number: Multiple (university and national pools)
  • Student Access: Day entries
  • Cost: €4–€8 per entry

Sports Centers

  • Number: University/municipal
  • Student Access: Teams & clubs
  • Cost: Low fees

Outdoor Facilities

  • Number: Parks, riverfront walking & jogging paths
  • Student Access: Free
  • Cost: —

Popular Activities: football, basketball, hiking (summer), skiing (winter). Municipal sports & club information via the city’s “Sport” pages.

 

Day-in-the-Life Student Experience

Morning
Morning

Coffee & pastry (~€3), walk or short bus to campus; lectures/labs (engineering blocks).

Morning
Afternoon
Afternoon

Budget lunch (~€5 at cafeteria), study at library; errands in Centru; occasional train ride to Deva for shopping/registrations.

Afternoon
Evening
Evening

Cook with roommates or casual dinner (~€7–10); socialize in small bars/cafés; theater nights at I.D. Sârbu.

Evening
Weekend
Weekend

Parâng hikes or winter ski (5–10 km from town); museum visits; day trips by rail along Line 202

Weekend

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