The Ultimate Erasmus Guide to Craiova

So, you just found out you’re moving to Craiova for your Erasmus semester.

Your first thought was probably: “Wait, where is that?” Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. When I first saw my acceptance letter, I had to open Google Maps, too. But let me tell you a secret: Craiova is one of the most underrated, budget-friendly, and wildly fun student cities in Eastern Europe.

If you are looking for the absolute best Erasmus guide to Craiova, you’ve found it. I just spent an unforgettable year living, studying, and (mostly) partying in this Oltenian city, and I made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to.

From navigating the local trams to finding the cheapest pint of local beer, this guide is your survival manual.

But before you start packing your bags and dreaming of Romanian adventures, you need a place to sleep. And trust me, you do not want to end up in the wrong part of town…

🏡 Finding Accommodation: Where to Live

Finding a flat in a foreign country is terrifying. The good news? The best student neighborhoods Craiova has to offer are highly walkable, incredibly safe, and very affordable.

Most Erasmus students live in the university dormitories (Cămin) because they cost literal pennies. But if you want your own space or are sharing an apartment with other internationals, you have a few prime choices.

Centru (City Center)

This is where all the action is. You’re steps away from the Old Town (Centrul Vechi), major bars, and the main University of Craiova campus. It’s slightly pricier, but worth it for the convenience.

Lăpuș

A very popular student hub. Several university dorms (like Hostel No. 10) are located here. It’s highly residential, safe, and packed with cheap bakeries and supermarkets.

1 Mai

If you are studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMFCV), this is your spot. It’s close to the main hospital and has a great, laid-back vibe.

Beware of rental scams: Never send money via Western Union or bank transfer before seeing an apartment in person and signing a physical contract. If a landlord says they are “out of the country but will mail you the keys,” run.

Erasmus Hack: Skip the expensive real estate agencies. Search Facebook for groups like “Chirii Craiova” (Craiova Rentals). Use Google Translate to message landlords directly in Romanian—they’ll love the effort, and you’ll avoid agency fees!

Now that you have a roof over your head, let’s talk about the thing your parents are most worried about: your bank account…

💸 The Craiova Cost of Living Breakdown

Let’s get real for a second. The cost of living Craiova boasts is the number one reason this city is an absolute paradise for international students.

While your friends in Paris or Milan are eating plain pasta to survive, you will be dining out like royalty. Romania uses the LEU (RON), and the exchange rate works heavily in your favor.

Here is a realistic, estimated monthly budget for a typical student:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (€)
Rent (Private room in a shared flat)	150 – 250 (Dorms are even cheaper, around 50 – 100!)
Groceries	150 – 200
Public Transport	10 – 15 (With a student discount)
A Pint of Local Beer	2.00 – 3.00
A Good Coffee	2.50 – 3.50

You can easily live a very comfortable, highly social life here for about €450 to €600 a month, everything included.

Local Secret: Always carry a little bit of physical cash (RON). While cards are accepted almost everywhere in the city center, smaller kiosks, late-night kebab stands, and open-air markets still prefer cold, hard cash.

With that extra cash safely in your pocket, it’s time to talk about why you’re actually here. Yes, the university…

📚 University & Academic Life: What to Expect

Let’s be honest, studying in Craiova is going to be a bit different from your home university.

Whether you are at the University of Craiova (UCV) or the Medical University (UMFCV), the Romanian academic system has its own unique quirks.

The teaching style is quite traditional. You’ll have large lectures (Cursuri) and smaller, practical seminars (Seminare).

How strict is attendance? It heavily depends on the professor. For lectures, you can often slide by. But for seminars and labs? Attendance is usually mandatory, and missing more than two or three can mean you fail the module before exams even start.

Professors here appreciate respect. A formal “Bună ziua” (Good day) goes a long way.

Erasmus Hack: Find out who the “Șefă de grupă” (Group Leader) is in your class. Every Romanian university class elects a student leader who communicates with professors, has all the past exam papers, and knows exactly when classes are canceled. Befriend them immediately!

But enough about studying and exams. How are you actually going to get from your flat to that brutal 8 AM lecture?

🚌 Public Transport: Navigating the City

Getting around Craiova is surprisingly easy. The city is compact, and if you live in the center, you will walk almost everywhere.

When it rains or you need to cross town, the RAT Craiova public transport system has your back. They operate a network of buses and trams that are cheap and relatively reliable.

A standard single-trip ticket is around 2.50 to 3.00 RON. But as a student, you are entitled to a massive discount on a monthly pass. You just need to show your valid student ID card (carnet de student) and your ID at a RAT ticket booth.

Must-Download App: Forget Google Maps for exact bus times; it can be buggy here. Use the Moovit app or check transporturban.ro to plan your routes in real-time.

Local Secret: Do not try to fare-evade (ride without a ticket). The ticket inspectors in Craiova travel in plain clothes and show up exactly when you least expect it. The fine will ruin your week. Just buy the pass!

You’ve mastered the trams and survived your classes, but all that commuting will make you hungry. Here’s how to eat like a Romanian king on a peasant’s budget…

🛒 Food & Groceries: Eating Your Way Through Oltenia

Romanian food is the ultimate comfort food. It’s heavy, meaty, garlicky, and absolutely delicious.

For your daily groceries, skip the tiny corner shops if you are on a budget. Head to Kaufland, Lidl, or Supeco for the best deals on bulk staples.

When you don’t feel like cooking, you have to try the local cuisine. Craiova has an incredible food scene.

Two dishes you absolutely MUST try:

Sarmale: Minced meat and rice rolled in pickled cabbage leaves, served with polenta and sour cream. Head to Restaurant Minerva or Casa Ghincea for an authentic, traditional experience.
Mici: Skinless, grilled sausages bursting with garlic and spices. Eat them dipped in mustard with a cold beer at Curtea Berarilor in the Old Town.

Erasmus Hack: Want the freshest, cheapest fruit and veg in the city? Head to Piața Centrală (The Central Market). Go on a Saturday morning, bring cash, and buy your produce directly from the local farmers. It tastes ten times better than supermarket food.

You’re full of sarmale, but the night is young. Time to see where the real Erasmus magic happens…

🍻 Nightlife & Social Scene: Where to Party

The student life in Craiova truly comes alive when the sun goes down. The heartbeat of the city’s nightlife is the Centrul Vechi (Old Town). It’s a pedestrian-only zone completely packed with bars, pubs, and clubs.

Your first stop should be getting in touch with ESN Craiova (Erasmus Student Network). They organize massive welcome parties, pub crawls, and cultural nights. They are your golden ticket to making friends in your first week.

Where do the students hang out?

Craft Bar: Great for a slightly more upscale pre-drink with amazing cocktails and a cool vibe.
The Temple Bar: An Irish pub staple where Erasmus students inevitably end up singing loudly on a Wednesday night.
One Club & Muzette: When you want to dance until 5 AM to a mix of house, techno, and reggaeton, these are your go-to late-night spots.

Local Secret: Romanians are masters of the “pre-drink.” Alcohol in clubs can get pricey, so students usually gather at a dorm or flat to share a “Bere la PET” (a giant 2-liter plastic bottle of cheap local beer) before hitting the town. Don’t knock it till you try it!

You’ve conquered the Craiova club scene and survived the hangovers. But what happens when you want to escape the city for the weekend? Oh, I’ve got you covered…

🚆 Day Trips & Weekend Getaways: Exploring Beyond Craiova

Craiova is perfectly positioned for some incredible budget-friendly weekend escapes. As a student in Romania, you get massive discounts on CFR (Romanian Railways) train tickets, making travel ridiculously cheap.

Here are the best quick getaways:

Bucharest (3.5 hours by train): The capital city. Perfect for a wild weekend of partying in Lipscani or exploring the massive Palace of Parliament.
Târgu Jiu (2.5 hours by bus/train): A quiet city famous for the monumental outdoor sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, Romania’s most famous artist.
Băile Herculane (3 hours by train): Want to relax? Head to this historic, ancient Roman spa town nestled in the mountains to soak in natural thermal hot springs.
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria (3 hours by bus): Cross the border! This stunning medieval Bulgarian town is built on cliffs and makes for a perfect Saturday day trip.

Erasmus Hack: Craiova has its own international airport (Craiova International Airport) that serves Wizz Air. If you book in advance, you can find round-trip flights to places like Milan, London, or Barcelona for under €40!

Ready to pack your bags and book that flight? Let’s wrap this up with my absolute final pieces of advice…

🎒 Conclusion & Final Advice

Moving to a new country is always going to be a rollercoaster, but choosing Romania is a decision you won’t regret.

This Erasmus guide to Craiova gives you the blueprint, but the real magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Say yes to random ESN trips, try the weird-looking local foods, and don’t be afraid to mangle the Romanian language (locals love it when you try to say “Mulțumesc”!).

Craiova will challenge you, surprise you, and ultimately steal your heart.