Everything you need to know to survive and thrive during your first month in Hungary — from essential Hungarian phrases and budget-friendly food to cultural dos and don'ts for Indian and Nepali students.
Congratulations — you've made it to Hungary! Whether you're an Indian or Nepali student arriving for the first time, the initial weeks can feel like a whirlwind. New city, new language, new food, and a completely different way of life. But don't worry — this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to survive and actually enjoy your first month.
First Month Checklist: Don't Skip These
Before you get comfortable, make sure you handle the essentials in the first few days:
- Register your address — This is legally required within a short time of arriving. Your university international office can guide you.
- Get a local SIM card — Providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or Yettel offer affordable prepaid plans. You'll need your passport.
- Open a bank account — OTP Bank, Wise, or Revolut are popular among international students. Some require a Hungarian address.
- Apply for your student ID (diákigazolvány) — This gives you discounts on transport, food, and cultural events.
- Get a monthly transport pass (bérlet) — A student monthly pass in Budapest costs around 3,450 HUF (~€9). Much cheaper than buying single tickets.
- Register with your university — Complete enrollment, Neptun system setup, and any mandatory orientation sessions.
- Find the nearest grocery stores — Lidl, Aldi, SPAR, and Penny are budget-friendly. For Indian/Asian groceries, visit stores near Blaha Lujza tér or Keleti station.
Essential Hungarian Phrases (You'll Use Daily)
Hungarian is one of the hardest European languages, but a few phrases go a long way:
- Szia / Sziasztok — Hi / Hi (to a group)
- Köszönöm — Thank you
- Igen / Nem — Yes / No
- Mennyibe kerül? — How much does it cost?
- Beszél angolul? — Do you speak English?
- Elnézést — Excuse me
- Segítség! — Help!
- Kérek szépen — Please / I would like
- Hol van a…? — Where is the…?
Pro tip: Download the Google Translate Hungarian offline pack — it will save you many times, especially at government offices and older shops.
Food: What to Eat, Where to Eat, and How to Survive Without Biryani
Let's be honest — food is usually the biggest adjustment for South Asian students. Hungarian cuisine is hearty, often heavy on meat, potatoes, and sour cream. Here's how to navigate it:
Must-Try Hungarian Dishes
- Gulyás (Goulash) — A rich beef and paprika soup. Not a stew — in Hungary, it's soup!
- Lángos — Deep-fried dough with sour cream, cheese, and garlic. Street food heaven.
- Túró Rudi — Chocolate-covered curd bar. A Hungarian icon.
- Pörkölt — Paprika-based meat stew, often served with nokedli (Hungarian dumplings).
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) — Sweet, crispy rolled pastry. Perfect winter treat.
Where to Find Indian/Asian Food
- Indian grocery stores near Blaha Lujza tér and Keleti station
- Restaurants: Curry House, Himalaya Nepali, Maharaja in central Budapest
- Cook at home — bring essential spices (turmeric, cumin, chili powder, garam masala) in your luggage
Budget Eating Tips
- Shop at Lidl and Aldi for the cheapest groceries
- Cook in batches — dal, rice, and sabzi are easy and cheap
- Use student canteens (menza) — meals for 800–1,200 HUF (~€2–3)
- SPAR and CBA often discount items near closing time
Cultural Differences That Will Catch You Off Guard
Some things just work differently here. Being aware of them early saves you from awkward situations:
Personal Space
Hungarians value personal space more than South Asians typically do. Don't stand too close in queues, and avoid touching people during conversations unless you know them well.
Direct Communication
If someone says "no," they mean no. Hungarians tend to be more direct than Indians or Nepalis. It's not rudeness — it's cultural efficiency. Don't take it personally.
Quiet in Public
Loud phone calls on the tram? Avoid it. Playing music without headphones? Please don't. Hungarians keep public spaces relatively quiet. Adjust your volume accordingly.
Shoes Off Indoors
Most Hungarians remove shoes at home — similar to South Asian culture! You might be offered slippers. This one should feel familiar.
Tipping
Tipping 10% at restaurants is expected. At cafés, rounding up the bill is common. Tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay (e.g., "Make it 3,000") rather than leaving coins on the table.
Weather: Prepare for Real Winters
If you've never experienced snow, Budapest will change that.
- September–October: Mild, pleasant autumn. Great time to explore.
- November–February: Cold, sometimes below -10°C. Snow is common.
- March–April: Spring arrives, but unpredictably. Keep layers handy.
- May–August: Warm to hot summers, 30°C+. Budapest has great outdoor spots.
Winter Survival Essentials
- A proper winter jacket (waterproof, wind-resistant)
- Thermal inner layers
- Waterproof boots with grip
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- Lip balm and moisturizer — the cold air is dry
Pro tip: Buy winter clothes here — Decathlon and H&M have affordable options designed for European winters. Don't fill your suitcase with winter gear from India/Nepal.
Cost of Living: Realistic Monthly Budget
Hungary is one of Europe's more affordable countries, but you still need to budget wisely:
- Accommodation (shared): 80,000–130,000 HUF/month (~€200–€340)
- Food (cooking at home): 40,000–60,000 HUF/month (~€105–€155)
- Transport (student pass): 3,450 HUF/month (~€9)
- Phone & Internet: 3,000–5,000 HUF/month (~€8–€13)
- Entertainment: 15,000–25,000 HUF/month (~€40–€65)
- Miscellaneous: 10,000–20,000 HUF/month (~€26–€52)
Total: ~150,000–250,000 HUF/month (~€390–€640)
Money-saving tips: Use student discounts everywhere, cook at home, shop at discount supermarkets, and take advantage of free events and museum days.
Social Life: Making Friends and Finding Your Community
It's easy to stick only with fellow Indian or Nepali students — and while your community is important, branching out makes the experience richer.
- Join university clubs and events — ESN (Erasmus Student Network) organizes trips, parties, and cultural events.
- Attend language exchange meetups — Great for meeting locals and other internationals.
- Explore Facebook groups — "Indians in Budapest," "Nepali Students in Hungary," and university-specific groups are active and helpful.
- Visit ruin bars — Szimpla Kert and others in the Jewish Quarter are iconic social spots.
- Volunteer — It builds your network, improves language skills, and looks great on your CV.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not registering your address — This can create legal problems with your residence permit.
- Ignoring health insurance — Make sure your insurance is active and you know how to access healthcare.
- Spending too much in the first month — Budget carefully; the excitement wears off but rent is still due.
- Not attending orientation — You'll miss critical administrative info and potential friends.
- Being too shy to ask for help — University international offices, senior students, and online communities are there for you. Use them!
Final Thoughts
Your first month in Hungary will be a mix of excitement, confusion, homesickness, and discovery. That's completely normal. Every Indian and Nepali student who came before you went through the same emotions — and most of them now call Hungary their second home.
Take it one day at a time, be open to new experiences, and remember: the discomfort is temporary, but the growth is permanent.
Welcome to Hungary — you've got this!