Are you considering studying medicine in Varna? Well, let me tell you, it's a fantastic choice!

City 🏖️

Varna is not just a great place to study but also a great place to live. Varna’s main pedestrian zone starts from the city centre near the Cathedral. The walking street will lead you directly to the Sea Garden and the beach. The city stretches along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. There, you’ll find great bars along the beach, with Cubo being my favourite.

Varna is very safe! While there may be some petty crime, violent crime is rare. You’ll see a lot of women and kids around the lively city. I find the locals very friendly.

When it comes to studying, there are plenty of places to choose from. The library and cafes are all great spots to hunker down and focus. My personal favourite is the 43.12 Café. It has a good vibe and even better coffee. It lies in the Greek District.

MU Varna is not the only university. There are 5 more and Varna is home to over 30000 students - from all over the world.

Travel ✈️

Travelling to and from Varna is easy thanks to the international airport. If you want to explore more of Bulgaria, you can hop on a train or bus to e.g. Sofia. In just 6 hours you're in the capital city.

Bulgaria 🇧🇬 🇪🇺

Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, and it has a lower cost of living than many other EU member states. The people appear to be very welcoming to foreigners with friendly and outgoing temperament.

Bulgarian Language

Let's talk about the Bulgarian language: this Slavic language uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Tbh, it can be a challenge to master. Despite my best efforts, I struggle to communicate effectively in Bulgarian. Usually I rely on English to navigate daily life - which totally works fine 🙂. To work with Bulgarian patients later in your studies, you need to understand the language. The university offers a 9-month Bulgarian class at the A1/A2 level to help you learn.

Living costs 🍔

The Bulgarian currency is the Lev. Right now, 1 Euro is equal to around 2 Lev. So if you buy a pizza for 10 Lev it is just 5 euros 💹.

Rent, food, and mobile phone expenses are all affordable, making it a popular location for students from all over the world. However, due to the recent conflict in Ukraine, the cost of living has increased slightly in Varna. When it comes to rent, a good flat can cost around 450-500€ per month, depending on its location and size. You can find even cheaper places, especially if you live with 2 or 3 other people. During the winter months, expenses for heating can add an additional 50€ per month. Take a look at @MU Varna's accommodation to consider even cheaper accommodation.

My expense on food lies around 250 – 350 euro per month. Sometimes I cook, I use the canteen and go to Snack bars and restaurants.

At the beginning, you should ask yourself the following questions in any case

• Where and how can I find a good flat that meets my requirements and does not overcharge me?
  You can start by checking online websites such as Imot.bg or Bgrentals.bg. Definitely negotiate the rental price before signing a contract. In any case make sure to read the contract carefully before signing!

• Where should my flat be located?
  If you want to be close to the university, you might consider neighbourhoods like "Chayka" or "Vuzrazhdane". If you prefer to be closer to the beach, neighbourhoods like "Briz" or "Asparuhovo" could be a good fit.

• With which provider should I get a contract for internet access?
  Companies like Vivacom, A1, or Telenor offer internet packages with various speeds and pricing. As for a mobile phone contract, it depends on your needs and preferences.

• Do I need a Bulgarian bank account?
  You might consider opening a Bulgarian bank account to avoid high withdrawal fees. Generally, it is not necessary.

• How do I get a Bulgarian ID?
  You can apply for a Bulgarian ID at the local police station by providing the necessary documents, including a residency certificate and passport. It's recommended to start the process as soon as possible as it can take a few weeks to complete.

Shopping, Gyms & Socializing

There are plenty of options for grocery shopping in Varna, including supermarkets such as Lidl, Kaufland, Billa, and Carrefour. For gyms, there are several fitness centres in the city, including City Fitness. I go there as it is just next to Uni & I pay only 20€ per month 🏋️.

What are the university procedures and where can I meet new people quickly?

The orientation week at the university is a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about university procedures. You can also join student organisations or attend events organised by the student council.

In summary, studying medicine in Varna is an excellent choice. With its outstanding facilities, welcoming community, and affordable cost of living, you'll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling career in medicine.

Take a closer look at MU Varna university in our post: @Study at MU Varna 📚