Studying in Romania in 2026: universities, cities and accommodation

Choosing a university does not only mean selecting a study program. The city where you will live, the distance to the faculty, the cost of rent and access to public transport can influence your university experience just as much as the academic curriculum.

Romania attracts students from numerous countries through the variety of university programs, living costs that are still affordable compared with many destinations in Western Europe, and the possibility to study in Romanian, English, French or German. According to the official Study in Romania platform, young people from 121 countries are studying in the country.

Before accepting a place at a university, it is worth answering an essential question: can I afford to live in this city and can I find suitable accommodation near the campus?

This guide helps you analyse the university, the city, the campus, transport and housing as parts of the same decision.

Why study in Romania?

Romania has public civilian universities, military institutions and private universities that are accredited or temporarily authorised. The official list of higher education institutions can be checked through the Centrul Național de Recunoaștere și Echivalare a Diplomelor, CNRED.

Among the fields sought by international students are:

• medicine, dentistry and pharmacy;
• computer science and engineering;
• architecture;
• economics and business administration;
• political science and international relations;
• arts and design.

An important advantage is the diversity of university centres. You are not limited to București: you can find major programs in Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Brașov, Constanța, Craiova, Sibiu, Oradea, Arad or Târgu Mureș.

However, there are significant differences between these cities in terms of rents, availability of dormitories, public transport, distances between faculties, professional opportunities and lifestyle. Therefore, the university should not be analysed separately from the city and the local housing market.

How to choose the right university

The first criterion is the study program. Check whether the specialization is accredited, in which language the courses are taught and what the official admission requirements are for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Do not rely exclusively on information published by intermediaries or on posts in social media groups. Always consult:

• the university’s official website;
• the admission regulations;
• the tuition fees applicable to your category;
• the exact language of instruction;
• the faculty address;
• the duration of the program;
• the conditions for practical placements;
• the procedures for recognition of studies.

Also check the status of the institution. CNRED publishes lists of recognised universities in Romania and information on the recognition and equivalence of studies.

Do not confuse the university with a single campus

A university can have several faculties, laboratories, practice centres, partner hospitals and dormitories located in different neighbourhoods.

This situation is common in București, but also in other major university centres. For a medical student, for example, theoretical courses, laboratories and clinical placements may take place in different locations. Accommodation close to the university’s administrative headquarters is not necessarily the most practical choice.

Before looking for a rental, identify:

• the building where you will have most of your courses;
• secondary campuses;
• the hospitals or centres where you will do your practical training;
• the closest metro, tram or bus stops;
• the actual travel time between these locations.

Why the university city is just as important

Two universities may offer similar programs, but the student experience can be completely different.

In a large city you will generally find more professional opportunities and a more varied supply of housing. On the other hand, rents may be higher, traffic heavier and distances longer.

In a smaller university centre you may benefit from a calmer pace of life, shorter commutes and sometimes more affordable costs. However, the housing supply may be more limited, especially before the start of the academic year.

What you need to compare

Main university cities in Romania

București

București offers the widest variety of universities, faculties and specializations in the country. It is an important destination for medicine, engineering, economics, computer science, architecture, law and social sciences.

The main advantage is the extensive transport network, especially the metro. However, distances can be long, and choosing accommodation without checking the route to the faculty can mean more than an hour lost daily in traffic.

The most suitable areas depend on the campus:

• Grozăvești and Politehnica, for faculties in the western part of the city;
• Cotroceni and Eroilor, for access to several medical and university institutions;
• Universitate, Romană and Tineretului, for central access;
• Tei and Colentina, for certain faculties and hospitals;
• Titan, Drumul Taberei and Berceni, for housing connected to the metro, sometimes more affordable than the centre.

Universitatea din București states that it has approximately 5,300 places in 15 dormitories. Even so, this number covers only part of the total demand, and obtaining a room depends on the criteria and places available.

Suitable for: students who want many academic options, professional opportunities and access to a large labour market.

To check: distance to the campus, proximity to the metro, noise level and the total cost of housing.

Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is one of the country’s best-known university centres, appreciated for its student community, IT sector, universities and international atmosphere.

The city is relatively compact, but demand for housing is high. As the academic year approaches, well-located rooms and studios can be rented quickly.

Among the areas sought by students are Centrul, Hașdeu, Zorilor, Mărăști, Gheorgheni, Mănăștur and Grigorescu. Housing located farther from the centre can still be a good choice if there is a direct transport link to the faculty.

Suitable for: medicine, computer science, engineering, economics, arts and humanities.

To check: availability of housing, slopes and walking distances, peak-hour transport and rent per person.

Iași

Iași is one of the most important university cities in Romania, with a strong academic tradition and a large community of Romanian and international students.

Among the areas frequently analysed by students are Copou, Centru, Tudor Vladimirescu, Tătărași, Păcurari and Nicolina. Copou is an important university area, but more affordable accommodation in another neighbourhood can be just as practical if it has a good tram or bus connection.

Suitable for: medicine, pharmacy, computer science, economics, literature, law and engineering.

To check: the route to the faculty, access to tram services, heating costs and distance to teaching hospitals.

Timișoara

Timișoara is a major academic and economic centre in western Romania. The city is known for its technical universities, medical programs, multicultural environment and connections with other European states.

Popular areas among students include Complexul Studențesc, Cetate, Circumvalațiunii, Calea Aradului, Girocului and Tipografilor.

Complexul Studențesc offers a lively atmosphere and quick access to several faculties, but it is not suitable for every student. The noise level and crowds should be assessed before signing the contract.

Suitable for: engineering, medicine, computer science, economics, arts and social sciences.

To check: proximity to tram services, time to the campus, condition of the building and heating costs.

Brașov

Brașov combines the advantages of a university city with access to nature and a lifestyle appreciated by many students.

The housing supply should be analysed carefully, as the city is also a tourist destination. Some apartments are offered primarily for short-term stays, and availability for the entire academic year may vary.

Sought-after areas include Centrul Civic, Astra, Tractorul, Centrul Vechi, Bartolomeu and Florilor.

Suitable for: engineering, economics, computer science, medicine and tourism.

To check: whether the owner accepts long-term rental, distance to the university and utility costs in the cold season.

Constanța

Constanța is an interesting choice for students attracted to a university city by the sea. There are programs here in fields such as medicine, engineering, economics and maritime sciences.

The housing market is influenced by the summer season. Some properties are available to students only between autumn and spring, as owners prefer tourist rentals during the summer.

Areas to consider include Tomis Nord, Faleza Nord, Centru, Campus, Tomis Plus and Tăbăcărie.

Suitable for: medicine, maritime fields, economics, engineering and tourism.

To check: the exact duration of the contract and the possibility of staying in the accommodation over the summer.

Craiova

Craiova is an important university centre for medicine, engineering, economics and social sciences. Compared with the largest university centres, distances can be easier to manage.

Areas frequently analysed by students include Centru, 1 Mai, Rovine, Brazda lui Novac and Craiovița Nouă.

Suitable for: students looking for a large city that is less crowded than București or Cluj-Napoca.

To check: access to transport, proximity to the faculty and the quality of the apartment’s insulation.

Sibiu

Sibiu offers a university environment in a medium-sized city, with an attractive historic centre and an active local economy.

Neighbourhoods to consider include Centrul Istoric, Hipodrom, Vasile Aaron, Terezian and Turnișor.

Housing in the historic centre can be attractive, but energy efficiency of the building, noise level and car access must be checked.

Suitable for: medicine, engineering, economics, arts and humanities.

To check: type of heating, condition of the building and travel time to the faculty.

Oradea and Arad

Oradea and Arad are interesting alternatives for students who prefer more compact cities located close to the western border.

Rents and travel time can be easier to manage than in the most crowded university centres, but the overall supply of housing is smaller.

In Oradea, sought-after areas include Centru, Nufărul, Rogerius and Ioșia. In Arad, it is important to check tram connections and distance to the faculty.

Dormitory, room or apartment?

For a student there are three main accommodation solutions. The right choice depends on the budget, the desired level of privacy and the length of stay.

1. University dormitory

The dormitory is usually the most affordable option and can facilitate integration into a student community.

Advantages:

• low monthly cost;
• faster social integration;
• utilities often included or reduced;
• possible access to the canteen and university facilities.

Disadvantages:

• limited number of places;
• rooms shared with other students;
• reduced privacy;
• internal rules and varying levels of comfort.

Do not assume that you will automatically receive a dormitory place. Universitatea din București specifies, for example, that foreign students can be accommodated only within the limit of available places.

Request information directly from the international relations office and ask who has priority, when to submit the application, how much the room costs, how many people live together and whether the address can be used for the residence permit.

2. Room in a shared apartment

Renting a room is often the best compromise between cost and autonomy.

Advantages:

• rent and bills are shared;
• you have more space than in a dormitory;
• you can choose the neighbourhood more easily;
• conditions are similar to those of an ordinary home.

Disadvantages:

• compatibility with other flatmates;
• common rules on cleanliness and visitors;
• unclear division of bills;
• the risk that only one person is the contract holder.

Before moving in, put in writing each person’s share of the rent, how utilities will be paid, who appears in the contract and what happens if a flatmate leaves.

3. Private studio or apartment

This option offers the greatest independence, but also requires a higher budget.

Advantages:

• privacy and your own schedule;
• the possibility to choose the area;
• individual contract and stable address;
• conditions more easily adapted to personal needs.

Disadvantages:

• higher rent;
• full payment of utilities;
• deposit and possibly an agency fee;
• responsibility for maintenance of the home.

Quick comparison

How to calculate your actual monthly budget

One of the most common mistakes is calculating the budget only on the basis of the rent shown in the ad.

Actual monthly budget = rent + utilities + internet + transport + food + insurance + personal expenses.

The official Study in Romania platform provides, as an indication, the following ranges for certain monthly expenses:

• food: approximately 100–300 euros;
• gas and electricity: approximately 40–60 euros;
• phone and internet: approximately 20–40 euros;
• public transport: approximately 10–30 euros.

Amounts vary depending on the city, lifestyle, season and type of housing. Do not interpret them as guaranteed prices for 2026. Before signing the contract, request actual bills from the winter months and check current prices in the chosen city.

Expenses paid at the beginning

When moving in you may have to pay:

• the first month’s rent;
• a deposit;
• a possible agency fee;
• travel costs;
• household items and cleaning products;
• any translations or administrative documents.

For housing with a rent of 400 euros, the amount needed at signing can exceed 800 euros if a one-month deposit is required. If there is also a fee, the initial budget increases.

Do not spend your entire available budget only on reserving the housing. Keep a reserve for settling in and unforeseen expenses in the first weeks.

How to choose the area where you will live

The cheapest housing is not always the most economical.

An apartment that is 50 euros cheaper but located an hour from the faculty can generate additional transport costs, lost time, fatigue and difficulties with morning classes.

Use travel time, not distance in kilometres

Two homes located at the same distance from the faculty may have very different travel times. A home located seven kilometres from campus but next to the metro may be more practical than one three kilometres away with no direct transport connection.

Check the route in the morning at rush hour, in the evening, at weekends and, as far as possible, in winter conditions.

What needs to be nearby

A good area for students should provide reasonable access to:

• public transport;
• a supermarket and a pharmacy;
• medical services;
• an ATM;
• study spaces;
• a canteen or affordable restaurants;
• a park or recreational area;
• copying and printing services.

For medical students

Do not look for housing exclusively around the university’s main building. Check the hospitals where placements are held and choose an area that offers balanced access to several locations.

A metro station or a direct tram line can be more valuable than being close to a single building.

When you should start looking

The right time depends on the city, the admission date and the level of local demand.

Before admission

You do not need to rent immediately. At this stage, compare prices, identify suitable areas, check the location of the campuses, estimate the total budget and find out whether the university offers places in dormitories.

After confirming admission

Start following ads and preparing documents. Save several options and compare the total cost, not just the rent.

Four to eight weeks before moving

In many cases, this is the right period for active searching. In cities with high demand, it can be useful to start earlier.

However, avoid paying for unchecked housing just because the owner claims that there are many other candidates.

After arrival

When possible, book temporary accommodation for the first few days and view the housing in person before signing.

See the full guide: How to rent housing in Romania as an international student

The rental contract and the residence permit

The contract is not just a formality. It must specify the identity of the owner and the tenant, the exact address, the amount of rent, the rental period, the deposit, responsibility for utilities and the conditions for termination.

The contract should also include an inventory of the items and rules for the return of the deposit.

For students from outside the European Union, proof of legal use of the living space is important in the procedure for obtaining or extending the right of residence.

Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări requires, as part of the procedure for studies, proof of legal possession of the living space. The application for extension of the permit must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the previous right of residence.

Depending on the situation, proof of accommodation may come from:

• the rental contract;
• accommodation in a dormitory;
• a loan for use (comodate) contract;
• legal hosting by another person;
• other documents accepted by the authorities.

The exact requirements may vary depending on nationality and individual situation. Always check the current list published by IGI before submitting your file.

What you need to check before paying

Identity of the owner

Request an identity document and check whether the person signing the contract has the right to rent the property. If you are dealing with a representative, ask on the basis of which document they can act for the owner.

The exact address

Do not accept vague phrases such as “near the centre” or “ten minutes from the university”. Check the street, number, building, staircase, floor, apartment and exact position on the map.

Condition of the home

During the viewing, check:

• walls and any traces of damp;
• windows and locks;
• water pressure and hot water;
• the electrical installation and heating system;
• the fridge, washing machine and stove;
• the mattress and furniture;
• noise level;
• phone signal and internet connection.

Bills

Ask to see bills from recent months and especially from the cold season. Ask separately about service charges, water, gas, electricity, heating, internet, parking, waste collection and any costs of the residential complex.

The deposit

The contract must specify the amount of the deposit, the payment date, the conditions under which it may be retained, the time limit for its return and the method of payment.

Do not pay the deposit without written proof.

Inventory and photos

Take photos or make a video recording on the day you move in. Note the furniture, appliances, existing defects, condition of the walls, meter readings and the number of keys received.

Attach the inventory to the contract or send it to the owner through a channel that records the date of communication.

Warning signs in an ad

Be cautious if:

• the price is far below the level in the area;
• the owner refuses viewings;
• you are asked to pay before checking the property;
• the person refuses to present documents;
• the exact address is not disclosed;
• you are asked to transfer money to another person;
• the owner claims to be abroad and will send the keys;
• a contract is not accepted;
• you are asked to pay through hard-to-trace methods;
• the photos appear to be taken from other ads;
• you are pressured to pay immediately.

A serious owner must be able to explain transparently who they are, what they are renting, how much it costs and under what conditions.

Common mistakes made by international students

Choosing housing only by price

Low rent does not always make up for distance, high heating costs or the poor condition of the apartment.

Confusing the centre with being close to the faculty

The university may have its buildings in another neighbourhood. In București, the centre is not automatically the best base for every student.

Sending money before checking

Do not transfer a reservation fee without knowing the owner’s identity, the exact address and the contract conditions.

Renting without a contract

A verbal agreement does not provide sufficient guarantees regarding duration, rent or return of the deposit. It may also create problems for residence formalities.

Not checking the duration of the contract

In tourist cities, some properties are available only during the academic year. Ask whether you can stay over the summer.

Ignoring winter bills

A cheap apartment in a poorly insulated building can become expensive in the cold season.

Signing a document you do not understand

Ask for the clauses to be translated or explained. Do not sign a contract you do not fully understand.

Choosing housing that is too large

A two- or three-room apartment may seem attractive, but you must be able to cover the costs even if a flatmate leaves.

How to negotiate the rent

Negotiation is possible especially when you rent long-term, can pay regularly, the housing has been available for some time or you accept a quick move-in date.

The chances can also increase if the number of occupants is small, you do not have pets or the apartment requires minor improvements.

Do not negotiate only the price. You can also ask for:

• a reduction of the deposit;
• internet to be included;
• a desk to be installed;
• the mattress to be replaced;
• appliances to be repaired;
• rent to be paid on a convenient date;
• unnecessary items to be removed.

Frequently asked questions

Is a dormitory place guaranteed for international students?

No. Allocation depends on the university, category, results, number of applications and available places. Some universities give priority to scholarship holders, Erasmus students or certain categories.

Request written confirmation of accommodation before assuming that you will receive a room.

Is a rental contract mandatory?

For private rentals, a written contract is the safest solution. It protects both parties and may be necessary to prove the legal address.

How much does student life in Romania cost?

There is no single budget that applies to all cities. The cost depends on the city, type of accommodation, number of flatmates, energy consumption, transport, food and lifestyle. Rent is usually the most important component.

Is it better to live in the centre?

Not always. An area with direct metro or tram connections to the campus may be more practical and affordable than the centre.

Can I rent before arriving in Romania?

It is possible, but the risk is higher. Request a live video viewing, check the documents, the owner’s identity and the contract. Do not send money based only on photos.

Can I use the address for the residence permit?

The address must be supported by a document accepted by the authorities. Discuss this with the owner before signing and check the current requirements of Inspectoratul General pentru Imigrări.

Who pays the agency fee?

It depends on the agency’s model and the parties’ agreement. The amount of the fee and the person required to pay it must be communicated before the viewing or signing.

Can the owner keep the deposit?

The owner may retain amounts only under the conditions set out in the contract, for example for unpaid rent, unpaid bills or damage exceeding normal wear and tear.

Can I live with other students?

Yes, but it is recommended that each occupant’s situation be mentioned in the contract or accepted in writing by the owner.

In which language must the contract be drafted?

The contract may be drafted in Romanian. For the international student’s safety, a bilingual version can also be prepared. In case of differences between versions, the contract must specify which text prevails.

Checklist before signing

Before accepting housing, check whether you can answer “yes” to the following questions:

• Do I know who the owner is?
• Have I checked the exact address?
• Have I seen the home in person or via a live video call?
• Do I know the rent and all additional costs?
• Have I seen the winter bills?
• Do I know how much the deposit is?
• Does the contract specify when the deposit is returned?
• Does the contract duration cover the whole academic year?
• Can the address be used for administrative formalities?
• Have I checked the travel time to the campus?
• Is there public transport in the evening?
• Have I photographed the home and meters?
• Have I received proof for every payment?
• Do I understand all the contract clauses?

If any of these points is unclear, ask for explanations before paying.

The university and housing must be chosen together

Studying in Romania can mean access to a suitable university program, an international environment and an important European experience. The success of this experience, however, also depends on everyday life.

Well-chosen housing means less time lost in traffic, a budget that is easier to manage, quick access to the faculty, better study conditions and fewer risks when renting.

Do not choose the university only by reputation and do not choose housing only by price. Compare at the same time the study program, the city, the campus, transport, rent and the total cost of living.

Find housing close to the university

With Imobily Student you can start your search from what really matters: the university and campus where you will study.

Explore housing on the map, compare areas and check access to the faculty, public transport, supermarkets, pharmacies, parks, hospitals and other services useful for students.

Are you looking for housing for the 2026–2027 academic year?

Choose the city, university and campus, then discover the housing available nearby.