So, you’ve taken the first step—or perhaps you’re in the final stages of applying. You’ve set your sights on the University of Pécs (UP), one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, located in the sunny, cultural heart of southern Hungary. Whether you’re coming for the world-renowned Medical School, the Faculty of Humanities, or the sciences, a massive wave of relief (and excitement) hits you when that acceptance letter arrives. Then comes the second big question, often right after “How will I pass my exams?”: Where am I going to live? Finding the right University of Pécs hostel or private accommodation is the single most important factor in ensuring your first year is a success. Your accommodation is your base camp—a place to study, sleep, make friends, and decompress after a long day of lectures in a foreign language.
In this massive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the Pécs University dormitories, prices, how to apply, and what to do if you want to live in a private apartment. We will cover the specific needs of medical students, the social life in dorms, and answer the questions that every international student—from India, Germany, Iran, Nigeria, or anywhere else in the world—asks before packing their bags.
Why Choosing the Right Accommodation Matters for Your Studies
Before we dive into the specifics of the University of Pécs hostel system, let’s talk about why this decision is so critical.
Pécs is a “university town.” The students are the lifeblood of the city. Unlike capital cities where students can feel lost, Pécs offers a cozy, community-oriented vibe. Living in a dorm puts you right in the center of this action.
- Community: Loneliness is a real challenge when studying abroad. Dorms are instant communities. You will meet people from your own course, upper-year students who can give you past exam papers, and friends from all over the world.
- Proximity: Most student accommodation Pécs options managed by the university are located within walking distance or a short bus ride from the main faculties .
- Cost-Effectiveness: For your first year, the university dormitories are generally the most affordable option, bundling utilities, internet, and often cleaning services into one low monthly fee .
University of Pécs Hostel: The Official Dormitories
The University of Pécs offers accommodation primarily in eight to ten dormitories scattered across the city . However, for international students, especially those in preparatory courses or the medical track, the options are usually narrowed down to a few key buildings.
Let’s take a detailed tour of the main University of Pécs hostel facilities.
1. Szántó Dormitory: The Social Hub
If you are looking for a vibrant, busy atmosphere, Szántó is likely where you’ll end up. It is one of the largest dorms housing international students.
- Location: Situated near the main train station (Pécs Főpályaudvar). It’s about a 15-minute walk to the city center and a short bus ride to the medical campus .
- Room Configuration: Unique in its layout, Szántó features double rooms or 4-bed rooms (often configured as 2+2 rooms sharing a common area/bathroom) .
- Facilities: Shared bathrooms (depending on the wing), shared kitchens on every floor, Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, and a 24/7 reception desk for security . The rooms are serviced and cleaned regularly .
- Vibe: High energy. Because it houses many preparatory and first-year students, it’s easy to make friends. The shared facilities mean you will constantly be interacting with neighbors.
- Cost: As of recent data, prices hover around 58,700 HUF to 69,300 HUF per month depending on the specific wing and room type (approx. EUR 150–180) .
2. Damjanich Dormitory: The Quiet Scholar’s Haven
Renovated extensively in recent years, the Damjanich Dormitory is a modern, comfortable place to live . It is particularly popular among students in the preparatory programs and those at the Faculty of Engineering and IT.
- Location: It sits right next to the Faculty of Engineering and IT and the International Studies Centre, making it unbeatable for students in those fields .
- Room Configuration: Mostly double rooms, but the major plus point here is that they come with private bathrooms (en-suite) .
- Facilities: Modern furniture, large windows, private showers and toilets, study rooms, shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and bike storage . The renovation ensures high standards .
- Vibe: Calm and quiet. It’s designed to be conducive to study, which is perfect if you are the type of person who needs silence to focus.
- Cost: Slightly higher due to the quality, around 77,400 HUF per month (approx. EUR 200) .
3. Balassa János Dormitory: The Med Student’s Choice
If you are reading this because you are searching for medical school accommodation Pécs, pay close attention to Balassa. Its location is its superpower.
- Location: It is literally right next to the Medical School (Faculty of Medicine), the Faculty of Humanities, and the Faculty of Sciences . You can literally roll out of bed and be in class in five minutes.
- Room Configuration: Mostly double rooms, and like Damjanich, these generally feature en-suite bathrooms .
- Facilities: Well-equipped shared kitchens, study spaces, and a very active international community . Because it houses a lot of medical and pharmacy students, finding study partners for anatomy or biochemistry is incredibly easy.
- Vibe: Academic and focused, but still social. The shared kitchens are often where late-night discussions about physiology turn into lifelong friendships.
- Cost: Very reasonable, listed around 58,700 HUF per month (approx. EUR 150) .
4. Other Dormitories and the Guaranteed Spot
Beyond these three, the university has other dormitories (like the ones on Szigeti út or near the Medical School mentioned in official admissions pages) that are utilized .
The Golden Rule for First-Years:
If you are a student from a country subject to visa requirements and you do not have Hungarian residency, the University of Pécs guarantees you a spot in a University of Pécs hostel for your first academic year .Important Note: You cannot choose which specific dorm you get. The university allocates based on availability . However, if you have a specific friend you want to room with, you can indicate that during registration, and they will do their best to accommodate you .
The Nitty-Gritty: Prices, Application, and Renewal
Understanding the logistics is key to a stress-free arrival. Let’s break down the administrative side of Pécs University dormitories.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices fluctuate slightly based on exchange rates and yearly adjustments, but here is a general overview based on the latest 2025/2026 data:
| Dormitory Name | Monthly Cost (HUF) | Approx. Cost (EUR) | Key Feature |
| Szántó A/C | 69,300 | €175-180 | Social, near train station |
| Szántó D | 58,700 | €150 | Budget option in Szántó |
| Damjanich | 77,400 | €200 | Modern, private bath, quiet |
| Balassa | 58,700 | €150 | Closest to Medical School |
Data compiled from official university communications and student housing portals .
Historically, prices have been quoted as low as EUR 130-160, so these figures represent the most up-to-date ranges . The fee usually covers the room, utilities, internet, and regular cleaning of common areas. Bed linen is also supplied .
How to Apply
- Receive Acceptance: First, you must be accepted into your program.
- Wait for the Link: After acceptance, you will receive a separate online application form for the dormitory via email .
- Apply Early: Deadlines are strict. For the first year, you must register online in due time to secure your guaranteed spot .
- Check-In: The official move-in period for most students is between August 30 and September 30. However, if you are a Medical or Pharmacy student, you can usually arrive earlier (around August 26) to attend orientation .
University of Pécs Hostel: Renewing Your Spot Made Easy
Dorm accommodation is not a “set it and forget it” deal for your whole degree.
- Annual Application: You must reapply for the dormitory every year. The application period for continuing students usually starts in May .
- Priority: While first-years get a guarantee, returning students compete for spots based on availability and often academic merit.
Beyond the Dorm: Private Rentals in Pécs
While the University of Pécs hostel is the go-to for first-years, many students choose to move into private rentals from their second year onwards. Why? For more independence, privacy, or to live with a specific group of friends.
Why Choose Private Rentals Over the University of Pécs Hostel?
- Privacy: You get your own room (or a flat to yourself).
- Location Specifics: You can choose the exact neighborhood you want to live in—perhaps closer to the city’s nightlife or a specific faculty.
- Couples/Families: Dorms are generally for singles, so private rentals are necessary for students with partners or children.
How to Find an Apartment if You Don’t Stay at the University of Pécs Hostel
The university makes this transition easy through a free service called Student Housing.
- What is it? Student Housing is a free apartment-finding service located right at the university (at the Medical School) .
- Database: They maintain the largest database of apartments for rent in Pécs, updated daily .
- Services:
- Roommate search .
- They make appointments with landlords for you .
- They take you by car to view apartments .
- They provide bilingual rental contracts .
Website: Check out studenthousing.hu .
Private Rental Costs
- Shared Flats: Renting a room in a shared flat can start around 30,000 HUF per month (utilities extra) .
- Entire Apartments: A decent furnished flat for two people near the city center might range from 45,000 to 100,000 HUF (approx. EUR 115 – 250+) depending on size and quality .
Special Focus: MBBS in Hungary & Pécs Accommodation
If you are searching for MBBS in Hungary, Pécs is likely high on your list. The medical program here is intense. Your choice of housing can directly impact your academic performance.
Why the Dorms are Ideal for Med Students (Initially)
Jenn’s Note (from Beyond the States): “The rooms in the residences are very basic. That said, they are reasonably priced, clean, and allow the opportunity to meet other students… I suggest using the student residences for the first semester as you get to know others and get a lay of the land. You may end up meeting someone to share an apartment with from the second semester on” .
This advice is gold for med students. The first year of medical school is notoriously difficult. Living in a University of Pécs hostel means:
- Instant Study Groups: Your neighbors are going through the exact same stress.
- No Commute Worries: Especially in Balassa, you save precious time.
- Support System: The university provides psychological support and counselling if the pressure gets too high .
What About the White Coat Ceremony?
Imagine this: You are living in Balassa. You wake up, walk a few steps to the Medical School, and participate in the White Coat Ceremony (usually held in September for students finishing their pre-med or starting core clinical studies) . That feeling of belonging starts right at your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is accommodation guaranteed at the University of Pécs for international students?
Yes, for first-year students coming from countries with visa requirements who do not have Hungarian residency. Accommodation is guaranteed provided they complete the online registration process by the specified deadline .
2. What are the different types of rooms available in Pécs University dormitories?
Most dorms offer double rooms. Some, like Szántó, also offer 4-bed configurations. Many renovated dorms (like Damjanich and Balassa) feature en-suite bathrooms, while others may have shared facilities on the floor .
3. Can I live in a dormitory after my first year at UP?
Yes, you can. However, it is not automatically guaranteed. You must reapply annually, typically starting in May. Returning students may compete for spots with new applicants .
4. What is the cheapest student accommodation in Pécs?
The university dormitories are generally the cheapest option, with some rooms in Szántó and Balassa costing as low as 58,700 HUF per month (approx. EUR 150). Private rentals can start similarly low but often have higher utility costs .
5. How do I apply for a private apartment in Pécs?
The best way is to use the free university service called Student Housing. They have a massive database, arrange viewings, and help with contracts. You can find them at the Medical School or on their website .
6. Are meals included in the University of Pécs hostel fees?
No, meals are not typically included. However, the dorms have shared kitchens where you can cook your own food. There are also cafeterias (like in Szántó) and affordable university restaurants (menzák) nearby .
7. When is the move-in date for the winter semester?
The official move-in period for the fall semester is usually between August 30 and September 30. Medical and pharmacy students often get an early start around August 26 for orientation .
Life in Pécs: Making the Most of Your Student Years
Living in a University of Pécs hostel isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s about experiencing the city. Pécs is known for its mild climate, Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and vibrant cafe culture.
- Getting Around: As noted, everything is walkable. Public transport (buses) is reliable and student tickets are cheap .
- Community Events: The university organizes orientation days, researchers’ nights, and even English-language Catholic masses, ensuring everyone feels included .
- Support Services: The International Centre and the Student Counselling services are there to help you navigate any challenges, from academic stress to homesickness .
Conclusion: Your Home Away from Home
Choosing where to live in Pécs is the first big decision of your student journey. The University of Pécs hostel system provides a safe, affordable, and community-driven entry point into Hungarian life. Whether you end up in the bustling corridors of Szántó, the quiet modernity of Damjanich, or the med-student hub of Balassa, you will be well-placed to succeed.
And if you eventually crave more independence, the university’s free housing service makes the transition to private rentals seamless.
Welcome to Pécs. Your new home awaits.
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