CLUJ-NAPOCA CLUJ-NAPOCA SURVIVAL GUIDE
WELCOME TO CLUJ-NAPOCA WELCOME TO CLUJ-NAPOCA
HEART OF TRANSYLVANIA
Welcome aboard!
If you are enthusiastic about your future mobility and you want to find more information about how it is to be a student in Cluj-Napoca, this guide is for you!
We created it having you in our mind, your needs and curiosities. It contains information about what you should know before you come and during your stay here. In case you still have questions after reading this guide, do not hesitate to contact us.
We hope you're ready for a life changing experience and you'll enjoy it to the fullest allowing us to be part of it!
Cu drag, The ESN Cluj-Napoca Team
ABOUT US
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
Founded in 1989, ESN is the biggest student association in Europe, with 500+ sections across 42 countries, and with over 15000 volunteers. The principle of ESN is “students helping students”, so the goal is to represent Erasmus students and their needs.
ESN Romania
Was established in 2004 and ever since is representing Erasmus students in 12 cities with a total number of 14 local sections.
ESN Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca was accepted in the network in 2004, being the first ESN section in Romania. It is also the biggest section in our country, with the biggest number of Erasmus+ students (around 600).
THE BUDDY SYSTEM
MAKE LIFE EASIER WITH A BUDDY.
Would you like to have a friend that is a local student and can help you discover the city, find where your university or dormitory is, and tell you where the best club in the city is? Then you should consider the idea of having a buddy.
To get a buddy you need to create an account on https://buddysystem.eu/en/
A lot of fields are not mandatory, but in order to receive a buddy closer to your expectations, we recommend you to have a complete profile. Once you finish configuring your profile, all you have to do is to wait for your buddy to contact you. During the semester, keep in mind that your buddy is a student too, it’s possible that he/she will not know the answers to all your questions.
MAJOR EVENTS
INTRODAYS
Marks the beginning of each semester and is full of different events to introduce you to Romania, Cluj, and each other. Includes events like museum visits, city tours, pub crawls, board games, treasure hunts; all in the heart of Transylvania.
INTERNATIONAL ERASMUS GAMES (IEG)
One of the most successful projects of ESN, takes place during the spring semester and has 3 tiers at the local, national, and international levels. The aim of this project is to promote a healthy lifestyle.
FAREWELL GALA
At the close of each semester, we have a farewell gala for our lovely Erasmus students. We celebrate the friendships and memories created during your time here in Cluj.
MAJOR EVENTS (FALL)
MARAMUREȘ TRIP
During the fall semester, we organize a trip to Maramureș in northern Romania. It is one of the most historical and beautiful regions of our country. We visit world renowned heritage sites such as Bârsana Monastery, Săpânța Cemetery, and the famous wooden churches.
HALLOWEEN IN TRANSYLVANIA (HiT)
A national event organized by ESN Romania, gathering Erasmus students from every corner of Romania. We get the opportunity to visit some of the most famous places in Romania such as Sighișoara (one of the most complete Medieval towns in the world and a UNESCO site), Brașov, Bran Castle, Râșnov Citadel and Peleș Castle.
MAJOR EVENTS (SPRING)
MOLDOVA TRIP
During the spring semester, we organize a trip to the region of Moldova in eastern Romania. The Moldova Trip takes its participants through Bicaz Canyon to the unique monasteries founded by Ștefan cel Mare in Moldavia (Voroneț, Moldovița), to medieval citadels (Neamț) and legendary palaces (Iași), offering the Erasmus students an unforgettable cultural journey.
ESCAPE TO VAMA VECHE
Escape To Vama Veche is a national event organised by ESN Romania in the second semester around the date of 1st May, the Erasmus students from all over Romania gathering at the seashore from Vama Veche to celebrate the start of the warm season through different activities: Flag Parade, Erasmus Color the World or promoting the causes.
ESN CARDS
WHAT IS AN ESN CARD?
ESNcard is a membership card offered by Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which will get you access and discounts to our events. We have international and local partners that offer discounts to ESNcard holders.
You can check all of our partners and benefits of having the ESNcard at ESNcard.org
Some of our major partners....
ESN CARDS
WHERE CAN I GET THE ESN CARD?
You can get the ESN card during Office Hours, held for around a week at the beginning of each semester. The schedule will be announced on our Instagram, Facebook Group, and WhatsApp groups.
You'll need to bring a passport sized photo of yourself to be placed on the ESN card. Don't forget!
DESPRE ROMÂNIA DESPRE ROMÂNIA
ABOUT ROMÂNIA: TIPS & TRICKS
ROMÂNIA IS UNIQUE IN MANY WAYS.
THE LEGACY OF IMPERIVM ROMANVM
The cultural heritage and ethnogenesis of today's present day Romanians begins in ancient times when the ancient Kingdom of Dacia was overtaken by the Roman Empire. It is the common theory today that today's Romanians are the mixed descendants of Romans and Dacians - which would explain how Romanian is primarily a romance language.
A ROMANCE LANGUAGE WITH SLAVIC INFLUENCE
Romanian today is a Latin based language - however due to the surrounding Slavic languages, over time Slavic words have made their way into everyday speech. Today, words of Slavic origin make up about 20% of vocabulary in Romanian.
A LAND DIVIDED INTO THREE
TODAY'S ROMÂNIA
România is divided primarily into 3 historical regions, Transylvania (where we are), Moldova in the east, and Wallachia in the south. These areas are cut across by the mighty Carpathian mountain range.
TRANSYLVANIA
Nestled in the arms of the Carpathians, Transylvania is a worldwide name because of Bram Stoker's Dracula - but the region has much more to offer than just a peak into the novel. Subject to cultural influences from many empires and ethnicities, including the Romans, Hungarians, Romanians, Germans, Saxons, and others - there is no other place quite like Transylvania.
CLUJ-NAPOCA
The historic capital of Transylvania is Cluj-Napoca. Located in the middle of the region, Cluj is an excellent staging point to begin your exploration of the area. These days, Cluj is a student city offering lots of night-life and events during all seasons of the year.
CLUJ-NAPOCA: TIPS & TRICKS
PACKING ADVICE
Firstly, check what items are permitted to be carried in hold & hand luggage. In Romania the summer months are warm, it can reach the high 30s, with an average temperature of around 35, so be sure to pack accordingly. Winters, on the other hand, can get extremely cold depending on the season. It is not uncommon for it to reach -14C in Cluj, and in the mountains it can get as low as -20C. Snow is common in certain areas, and where it doesn't snow you can expect it to rain. It would be a good idea to bring some warm clothes for the winter and autumn such as sweaters and jumpers. If you plan on exploring the mountainside, boots are a mustbut they are still very useful in the cities.
ARRIVAL
From the airport you have a number of ways to get to the city center. You have the option of taking a taxi, using a rideshare (Bolt is currently the most common), or taking bus 5/8, both of which will take you in the direction of the city center.
CLUJ-NAPOCA: TIPS & TRICKS
INTER-CITY TRAVEL
Travelling around Romania can be done a number of waysrideshare, bus, train, and by plane.
INTER-CITY BUS
You can find bus schedules and times using the website autogari.ro, busses are more expensive than trains these days, but normally take less time, depending on the route. Tickets are usually bought on the bus with cash only - it is uncommon to pay for tickets online or beforehand, although you can in some cases. Other times you can pay with card depending on the company (like ALIS, they usually have their own stands at the bus stations). However, to be safe, it is always good to have cash on hand. Conditions can vary from company to company including the type of bus used. More common city routes will typically use coach-style busses, but smaller more uncommon routes will use the notorious micro-bus.
CLUJ-NAPOCA: TIPS & TRICKS
TRAIN
Another option to get around is by train. The national company is called CFR, and tickets can be bought at the train stations or online. Students under 26 have the right to a 50% discount on train tickets, contact your university to get one.
The conditions of trains vary heavily depending on the route. Trains are also notoriously slow in Romania due to inferior track quality, neglect, and difficult terrain. However, they are inexpensive and an experience. As a general rule, the trains running longer routes (București - Budapest) will be on the nicer side - they are known as InterRegio (IR/IRN), while Regio (R) trains are slower and not as nice.
TRAIN SCHEDULES
Train schedules are standardized with some new routes opening during the summer months to Varna and Istanbul. You can check the national schedules at https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/ or the trains of private companies (+CFR) at infofer.ro
CLUJ-NAPOCA: TIPS & TRICKS
RIDESHARE
Finally, the last option we will cover is rideshare. Popular throughout other European countries is blablacar - which is very commonly used in Romania. It is probably the cheapest option out of all of them, however experiences will vary.
PHONE SERVICE
Romania has some of the cheapest and fastest internet in Europe - be sure to take full advantage! Out of the three main companies, Orange, Vodafone, and Digi (Romanian), I find Orange to have the best prepaid options and speeds -I have never run out of data. Digi is very inexpensive and has decent speeds, but their prepaid options are subpar when compared to other countries. They are best used, in my opinion, as your apartment wifi company. Vodafone is another decent option - but unless you have a specific reason for using them, I'd hands down recommend Orange, they tend to have better customer support in Romania.
CLUJ-NAPOCA: TIPS & TRICKS
CURRENCY
The local currency is the leu (plural lei - translates to lion).
Expect to pay for nearly everything in lei - euros are typically not accepted with the exception of some taxis. It's still better to pay in lei as it will be cheaper. Rent will usually be paid for in euros or the euro equivalent in lei.
BANKS IN ROMANIA
Given the fact that we use our own currency, this can cause some issues or unwanted currency conversion fees with other European banks when spending money here. Revolut or Wise are two great ways to get around currency conversion fees. Otherwise, you can open an account with Banca Transilvania - your university can give you a slip to open the account if you are a non-EU citizen. Banca
Transilvania is probably the best bank you could use if you decide to go that route.
CLUJ-NAPOCA: TIPS & TRICKS
ACCOMODATION
As an Erasmus student, you have a few different options for finding accommodation.
DORMS - CAMIN
The first is to stay in the dorms. When you apply for Erasmus, you will also have an option from the university to stay in one of the University owned dorms. They are typically centrally located and most students will live near Hașdeu - one of the centers of student life.
APARTMENTS
Rentals in Cluj-Napoca have become more difficult to procure in recent years due to the high influx of international students and the tech industry. They can be found on local facebook groups (search for Chirie Cluj), and olx.ro - we suggest you look earlier before peak renting season.
(see also our local Erasmus Facebook group for advice)
CAMIN (DORMS)
You might find these tips useful if you reside at Hașdeu - the main site of the dorms.
LAUNDRY
To access laundry services, you'll need to schedule an appointment through the website
https://www.calendis.ro/, navigate to either "mașini de spalat" (washing machine), or "spalatorie". These are located in C14 and C16, respectively.
GYM
Dorm residents have access to a free gym, as well. An online appointment system is used using the same site, calendis.ro. Navigate to where it says "Sala fitness UBB (fitness hall)" to make an appointment. Please note this available only for UBB students.
UNIVERSITY CONTACTS
EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
112 - Medical, Police, Fire Department
113 - Emergency SMS, if unable to call
International Students Centre for International Cooperation
E-mail: cci@ubbcluj.ro
Website: http://cci.ubbcluj.ro
International Relations Office and Erasmus+ Office
Memorandumului Street, no 28
E-mail: international@staff.utcluj.ro
Website: http://bri.utcluj.ro/en/bri.php
International Relations Office
E-mail: iro@usamvcluj.ro
Erasmus+ Office
Email: relations@uad.ro
Department of International Relations
dri@umfcluj.ro
UBB UTCN USAMV UAD UMF
WE RECOMMEND WE RECOMMEND
Recommendations from International & Local Students alike!
RESTAURANTS
Romanian Cuisine:
ZAMA - Strada Napoca 16.
Serving both traditional Romanian food and Romanian food with a twist - ZAMA is a place you wont want to miss.
Casa Țărăncuței - Bulevardul 21 Decembrie
Casa Țărăncuței offers people an authentic romanian experience. Not only do they serve delicious traditional food, but here you will be greeted with a heartfelt smile from people wearing customary clothes, thus creating an unique atmosphere. The place is quite small, but there are some tables if you wish to eat there. Regardless, their pies are a must.
Sarmalerărie - Strada Cotita 1
Give this place a visit if you want to check out the national dish of Romania - Sarmale.
Roata - Strada Alexandru Ciurea 6
One of the best places to try traditional Romanian food. Not to miss.
Romania is currently going through a coffee renaissance.
Over the past 10 years, the specialty coffee shop scene in Romania has exploded, to where the nation's capital, București, has around 130 locations serving high quality specialty coffeemaking it one of the highest concentrations of specialty coffee shops in Europe. But you dont have to travel all the way to the capital to experience the scene, you can find it right here in Cluj. Here are our only a few of our recommendations on great coffee houses.
Specialty Coffee Shops
Brewtiful Cafe - Strada Baba Novac
The authors personal favorite - Ive tried many coffee shops in Cluj, and I find Brewtiful's to consistently be the best out there.
YUME Coffee - Victor Babeș
An excellent option for those university students staying at the dorms. Just a short walk away you can find an excellent specialty coffee shop.
Habitat Coffee House - Strada Horea
A small, independent and locally owned coffee shop set up by a former coffee salesman, you’ll find yourself right at home. It’s small, and so not suitable for studying long term, but offers excellent specialty coffee and great conversation from the friendly owner, who is there virtually everyday. Cash only.
il Caffé - Strada Constantin Brâncuși
One of the oldest coffee roasters in Transylvania - and one of the best.
Honorable Mentions
Meron, Narcoffee
Other Coffee Houses
Kafea - B.P. Hasdeu
Located right in the UBB student campus, Kafea offers not only a pun for the Romanian word „cafea”, but also a wide variety of coffee with different flavours. It is a pretty small place and usually people take away, but there are also some tables if you feel like hanging out with somebody. Regardless, the lavender or pumpkin spice latte are a must-try.
Koffer- B-dul 21 Decembrie 1989
Looking for a quiet escape while in the city center? It's never been easier! Just enter this cafe that looks like a photo taken with an analog camera decades ago, smells like your favorite book shop, and tastes like a third-wave spot with an impressive selection of specialty coffee. Add a list of delicious chai latte's and lemonades, some raw vegan cakes and hot chocolate and you'll get the special blend that makes up the aroma of Koffer.
Meron - Various Locations
Meron is the most common specialty coffee shop in Cluj, and they have locations almost everywhere.
Bars & Clubs
From snazzy cocktail clubs to craft beer spots - Cluj has you covered. Here we'll look at some of our favorite places. Drink and party responsibly!
Bars
Soviet - Center
As the name implies, a soviet themed bar with drinks named after various figures from the Soviet Union.
Inexpensive and always a good time.
Shadow - Center
Friendly atmosphere, indoor and outdoor area during the winter and summer. One of the most inexpensive places in the center and serves food.
Shto - Center
Located not far from Piața Unirii - Shto is a great location to hang out. Its located up the stairs and has both an indoor and outdoor area.
Joben Steampunk Bar - Avram Iancu
One of the most unique bars in Cluj with a Steampunk theme - its worth checking out.
Enigma - Strada Iuliu Maniu
Often overlooked, but has a very cool set up and a very nice terrace.
Craft Beer
The same that can be said for specialty coffee in Romania can also be said for craft beer. Many cities have their own world class breweriesand its something to be experienced.
Bârlog Pub & Brewery - Calea Mănăștur
Try Bârlog's beers direct from the source at this pub and brewery, located just outside the center on Calea Manaștur.
Beer Wall Cafe - Strada Andrei Șaguna
Sample craft beers made from all over Romania.. The bartenders really know their stuff and are great at providing recommendations if you're unsure of what to try.
The Brewhouse - Strada Inocențiu Micu Klein
Similar vibe to Beer Wall, but located a bit closer to Strada Potaissa. Has a good variety of craft beer, both on draft and bottled.
Cocktails
Visuin - Strada Universitații
One of the best cocktail bars in Cluj from the author's opinion - it has expanded in recent years. The bartenders can make any cocktail you desire - but its recommended to try their specialty menu for some really great drinks.
Hemingway - Strada Sextil Pușcariu
Head on over the Hemingway if you want a bougie experience in the center of Cluj - they have shisha and also some excellent cocktails.
Syndicate - Strada Sindicatelor
An excellent choice if you want an upscale cocktail bar with ambiance and a smooth experience. Has a small terrace with a view.
As a student city, Cluj has plenty of clubs. Here are some of the best.
Form Space - Cluj Arena
Form Space consistently is one of the best clubs in Cluj. Located inside Cluj arena, Form has some of the best events on a weekly basis. Protip: download the Form Family app - many events outside of the weekend have free entry.
After Eight - Strada Brassai Sámuel
After Eight is one of the best clubs in Cluj, and consistently has parties with great music.
Flying Circus - Piața Unirii
Located underground and next to Unirii Flying Circus is worth checking out. They host various events ranging from parties to stand up comedy.
Euphoria - Calea Mănăștur
Huge open space - probably one of the largest clubs in Cluj.
Clubs
CREATED BY: BRANDON RIFE
