Real tips from a Semmelweis University student
If you’re moving to Budapest as a student, choosing the right apartment is more than just finding a roof over your head. It can completely shape your daily routine, stress levels, and even your academic performance.
As a student at Semmelweis University who’s been living in Budapest for years, I’ve learned what really matters when looking for a student apartment in this city. Let’s start with the most important factor:
1. Location, Location… and Location Again
Location — The #1 Factor for Student Life in Budapest
When it comes to renting a student apartment in Budapest, location should be your top priority.
As a student, time is your most valuable asset — and usually the thing you have the least of. Classes, labs, studying, and a social life leave little room for long commutes. That’s why living close to your university is a total game-changer.
The closer your apartment is to your faculty, the more time you save. You’ll avoid wasting precious hours on public transport, especially during early mornings or long days. And no — I don’t just mean “more time to sleep.” I mean having more time to study, eat properly, rest your mind, or even squeeze in some exercise.
It’s about maximizing your day and minimizing stress.
Whether you’re studying at Semmelweis, Corvinus, or ELTE, being near your university will improve your daily rhythm more than you might expect.
2. Public Transportation: Your Lifeline in Budapest
While securing an apartment adjacent to your university is ideal, it’s not always feasible due to factors like budget constraints, high demand, or limited availability. In such cases, proximity to efficient public transportation becomes crucial for students in Budapest.
🟡 The 4/6 Tram Line: A Student’s Best Friend
The 4/6 tram line is renowned for its 24/7 service, making it one of the most reliable transportation options in Budapest. This line traverses the Pest side of the city, connecting several key districts and landmarks, including:
- Blaha Lujza tér: A central hub with access to shopping centers and entertainment venues.
- Corvin-negyed: Close to Corvin Plaza and various dining options.
- Nyugati pályaudvar: One of the main railway stations, facilitating regional and international travel.
- Széll Kálmán tér: A significant interchange station on the Buda side, connecting to Metro Line 2 and various bus routes.
Living near the 4/6 tram line ensures that students can easily access universities, libraries, and social spots without the need for a personal vehicle.
Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) — The Backbone of Student Mobility in Budapest
If you can’t live directly next to your university, the next best thing is to find an apartment in Budapest that is near a major metro or tram line. And when it comes to metro lines, Metro Line 3 (M3) is one of the most powerful tools a student can use to save time, money, and energy.
This line runs from Újpest-Központ in the north to Kőbánya-Kispest in the south — crossing through the very heart of Budapest. For students, this means you can reach your university, favorite cafés, gyms, libraries, or even the airport bus—all within 30 minutes.
Here are the most student-friendly M3 stations and why they matter:
⭐ Deák Ferenc tér – The City’s Transportation Nerve Center
- Connects Metro Lines 1, 2, and 3
- Surrounded by bus, tram, and night routes
- Steps away from Budapest city center and Gozsdu nightlife
- Ideal for students who want everything within reach — study, social, shopping
Living near Deák means you’re never more than one line away from anywhere.
📚 Kálvin tér – Academic Access Meets City Vibes
- Connects to Metro Line 4
- Direct access to Semmelweis University and ELTE faculties
- Surrounded by major libraries, restaurants, cafés
- Steps from airport bus stops, trams, and many city bus lines
It’s one of the most strategically located areas for a student apartment in Budapest — combining study convenience with city energy.
🛍️ Nyugati pályaudvar – Shopping + Transport Hub
- Connects to the 4/6 tram line
- Directly beside WestEnd Shopping Center
- Near multiple gyms, grocery stores, and cafés
- Great for both local transport and regional trains
Nyugati is ideal for students who like to shop, socialize, and move around the city quickly.
🏋️♀️ Corvin-negyed – Great for Daily Life Balance
- Intersects with Tram 4/6 and Metro Line 3
- Close to Corvin Plaza, gyms, and cafés
- Surrounded by affordable student apartments
- Excellent day and night connectivity
It offers everything a student might need: cheap eats, fitness, fast travel, and comfortable living.
🗺️ Other Well-Connected Student Areas Worth Exploring
If you’re flexible but still want solid transport access, these areas are also worth considering for renting an apartment in Budapest as a student:
- Astoria – Near ELTE, central, great tram/bus access
- Oktogon – Near Andrássy Avenue and tram 4/6
- Király utca – Buzzing nightlife, cafés, and quick tram access
- Wesselényi utca – Very close to District VII & VII universities
- Mester utca – Close to Semmelweis facilities and modern apartments
- Harminckettesek tere – Affordable with good transit
- Blaha Lujza tér – Central and well-connected, though less preferred based on some reviews
- Ferenciek tere – Central, quiet, and close to essential student services
When you’re choosing your student apartment in Budapest, remember this:
“You don’t just need a flat — you need access.”
Being near these major hubs lets you get to university faster, explore the city easier, and live smarter.
Groceries & Daily Shopping – Choose Smart, Save Time
When you’re a student living in Budapest, your apartment needs more than just four walls. Having a grocery store nearby is essential for saving time, money, and energy — especially during exam season when every minute counts.
Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to grocery shopping near your student apartment in Budapest:
🏪 1. Major Grocery Stores You’ll See Everywhere
Try to choose an apartment within 5–7 minutes walking distance from at least one of these:
- Lidl – Student favorite: affordable, fresh, efficient
- Spar / Interspar – Slightly pricier, but good variety
- Aldi – Compact, clean, budget-friendly
- Penny Market – One of the cheapest chains in Budapest
- Tesco Express – Great for quick trips and snacks
- Príma – Very central, well-stocked… but yes, a bit spicy on the prices 😉
- Local produce markets – Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially good in Districts VIII and IX
Whether you’re shopping for a full week or just need something last-minute, having these shops nearby will make daily student life easier.
🍞 2. Pharmacies, Bakeries & Nonstop Shops
- Pharmacies (Gyógyszertár) – Always good to have one nearby
- Pékség (Bakery) – Fresh pastries, breads, and cheap breakfast
- Nonstop stores / ABC shops – Stay open late (or 24/7), lifesavers after a night out or study grind
🛍️ 3. Shopping Centers Near Student Areas
Living near a shopping mall in Budapest helps when you need non-food essentials like:
- School supplies, clothing, chargers, umbrellas, etc.
- Quick lunch or coffee breaks
- Banks, fitness centers, tech stores
Best options for students:
- Corvin Plaza (District VIII – next to Corvin-negyed)
- WestEnd City Center (at Nyugati station)
- Arena Mall (Metro 2 – Stadionok)
- Mammut Mall (Buda side – Széll Kálmán tér)
🧠 Student Tip:
Search your potential address on Google Maps, and check for Lidl, Spar, or even Príma nearby — you’ll thank yourself later when your fridge is empty.
Student Apartment Prices in Budapest – Realistic Breakdown by District
As a student looking for an apartment in Budapest, it’s important to be realistic with both your budget and expectations. Prices can vary depending on location, apartment type, amenities, and current demand — but here’s a practical overview of what you can expect in 2025.
We’re not talking about once-in-a-lifetime deals or rare lucky finds here (though those do happen!) — this is what most students will realistically encounter.
🧍♂️ Shared Apartments (3–5 Bedrooms)
- Starting from 130,000 HUF/month per person in student neighborhoods
- Includes shared kitchen, bathroom, and living space
- Often better for saving money and making friends
🏡 Studio Apartments (1-bedroom or open-plan)
- Start around 200,000 HUF/month in central or semi-central areas
- Best for privacy, but higher rent and bills
- Usually fully furnished with kitchen, washing machine, and Wi-Fi
💎 Luxury Apartments
- From 250,000 HUF/month and up
- Found mostly in Districts V, VI, and parts of VII
- Often newly renovated, stylish, with modern kitchens, balconies, or great views
📍 District-by-District Price Guide for Students
🏛️ District V – Belváros (Downtown)
- Most expensive and elegant part of Budapest
- 🛏️ Shared rooms: 150–180k HUF/person
- 🏠 Studios: 230–300k HUF/month
- 💡 Ideal if you want to live in the heart of everything — but it’ll cost you
🏠 District VI – Terézváros
- Popular with art and music students, near Liszt Ferenc Academy
- 🛏️ Shared: from 140–170k HUF/person
- 🏠 Studios: 200–250k HUF/month
- 💎 Luxury units: from 250k–350k+ HUF
- 💡 Great balance of culture, location, and convenience
🏙️ District VII – Erzsébetváros
- Central, lively, nightlife-heavy
- 🛏️ Shared: 130–160k HUF/person
- 🏠 Studios: 200–240k HUF/month
- 💡 Amazing for social students — walkable to many universities
🏫 District VIII – Józsefváros (Palace Quarter)
- Close to Semmelweis and ELTE
- 🛏️ Shared: 130–150k HUF/person
- 🏠 Studios: 190–230k HUF/month
- 💡 A very student-focused area, improving rapidly
🌊 District IX – Ferencváros
- Corvinus University area
- 🛏️ Shared: 130–160k HUF/person
- 🏠 Studios: 200–240k HUF/month
- 💡 Great balance of quiet and city access — plus the river!
🏘️ Other Affordable Student Areas
- Districts XIII, IV, X – further from downtown, but with better prices
- Shared: from 100–130k HUF/person
- Studios: from 180–210k HUF/month
- 💡 Ideal for students who want more space for less money
🛏️ Dormitories in Budapest (For Comparison)
There are university dorms available in Budapest — sometimes even labeled as free — but in reality, spots are limited, and most dormitories do charge small monthly fees.
- 🛏️ Shared rooms: 2–4 people per room
- 💰 Prices: around 40,000–80,000 HUF/month
- 🧼 Varying comfort levels depending on the building
- 🧑🎓 Better for social life, but less privacy and independence
🎓 Final Thoughts – How to Win the Budapest Apartment Game
Finding a student apartment in Budapest is about balancing location, comfort, price, and access. You won’t always find a perfect deal, but if you start early, set realistic expectations, and prioritize access to public transport and daily needs — you’ll land a place that fits your student lifestyle.
🏡 Whether you’re looking for a shared flat with roommates, a private studio, or something close to your faculty, remember:
👉 You’re not just renting a room — you’re setting up your daily life.
Be smart. Start early. Ask for help if needed.
And if you’re lucky, you might just score a hidden gem.
