t.

me/unipecs

Comprehensive Guide for Students Moving to Hungary

Moving to a new country for studies is an exciting yet challenging experience. Here’s a
detailed guide based on my personal experience as a female student from a Central Asian
country.

Preparing for your move to Hungary can be overwhelming, especially when deciding
what to pack. This guide offers suggestions tailored to your personal needs, ensuring
you’re well-prepared for student life abroad. If you need more specific advice or have
questions, I recommend contacting someone from your country. Keep in mind that
availability and quality of some items might vary.

This guide was prepared by Shie and Chat GPT —join our chat at t.me/unipecs.

1. Essential Documents

Important Papers: Don’t forget to bring all your important documents, your
school/university diploma + translation, passport, IELTS certificate, and other legal
documents. Keep them safe and consider storing digital copies on Google Drive or
another secure platform.

Medical Records: Bring all necessary medical documents, vaccination certificates

2. Medication

Bring Your Own: Hungarian pharmacies often require prescriptions for many
medications, including basic ones like antibiotics and antihistamines. Since it can take up
to five months to receive your TAJ card (Hungarian health insurance card), getting a
prescription might be challenging. I recommend bringing antibiotics, probiotics,
antihistamines (for allergies), stomach or food poisoning remedies, flu medicines like
Teraflu, and menstrual painkillers. The Hungarian painkillers tend to be weaker and
might not be effective.
t.me/unipecs

Eye Care: Don’t forget your eye contacts or glasses prescriptions. If you wear contacts,
stock up before you leave. I brought a year’s supply, which was a lifesaver.

3. Food and Spices

Spices: If you enjoy cooking with specific spices from your home country, bring them
with you. Many of my friends, especially those from Arab countries, missed their
traditional spices, which are hard to find in Hungary.

Food: Consider bringing non-perishable food items, especially if you have a particular
taste for delicacies from your home country. For example, I brought qurt and
irimshik—traditional dairy products from my region. However, be cautious with meat
products due to customs regulations. Despite what you may hear, buckwheat (grechka) is
available in Hungary, but it can be expensive.

4. Electronics

Hair and Kitchen Appliances: I brought my own hair dryer and other hair tools because
I prefer specific brands and didn’t want the hassle of finding them locally. Kitchenware
like kettles are cheap and easy to find, especially if you share costs with a roommate.
Some students bring rice cookers, though local options might be of lower quality and
more expensive. A fan can be useful; I bought one for 3,000-4,000 HUF, but if you have
space in your luggage, you can bring your own.

5. Clothing

Seasonal Wear: Depending on your budget, you can either bring minimal clothing and
shop in Hungary or pack everything you need. I only brought summer clothes and
purchased the rest after arrival. Make sure to read my guide on the Hungarian climate so
you know what to expect.
t.me/unipecs

National Items: Bring items that represent your culture, such as a flag, traditional
clothes, or jewelry. These can be great for themed parties like flag parties or national
celebrations. Consider also bringing small gifts for new friends.

Events: Follow ESN Pécs on Instagram to stay updated on student events and cultural
activities. These events are excellent opportunities to showcase your national items.
https://www.instagram.com/esn.pecs/

7. Skincare and Cosmetics

Products: If you rely on specific skincare products, especially from the Asian market,
consider bringing them with you. They can be expensive or hard to find in Hungary.
While some products are available online, they may be overpriced, so having a supply
with you can save both money and hassle.

8. Academic Supplies

Architecture Students: If you’re studying architecture, you can bring your own supplies.
However, the faculty at Pécs has a well-stocked store with everything you might need. I’ll
provide more detailed information on this soon.

9. Money

Cashless Payments: Hungary is largely cashless, and card payments are accepted almost
everywhere. However, it’s wise to have some cash on hand for small purchases or
emergencies, such as when a card machine isn’t working. Landlords may also request
rent in cash. You can bring euros or dollars and exchange them locally—just avoid airport
exchanges for better rates.

10. Optional but Useful Items

Cutlery and Cookware: If your luggage allowance permits, consider bringing specific
cookware, such as a frying pan, pressure cooker, or even chopsticks. Some items, like
chopsticks, can be challenging to find in good quality. Bringing your own bed sheets can
also be useful, though affordable options are available locally.

Miscellaneous: Small items like hangers or a favorite pillow can make your new living
space feel more like home.