1. What's ESN Pécs, and why should I care?

Think of ESN Pécs as your instant student family here! They're a non-profit group run by students, for students. Their main goal is to help international students like you feel at home, make friends, and experience Hungarian culture through cool events, trips, and parties. Plus, they help you with practical stuff too!

2. I keep hearing about an "ESN Card." What's the deal, and is it worth it?

The ESNcard is a membership card offered by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to international students and other eligible individuals. It provides access to a variety of services and discounts offered by ESN and its partners across Europe. Essentially, it's a student ID that unlocks benefits and opportunities related to international mobility and student life. Totally! The ESN Galaxy Card is like a magic key to discounts. You can get money off Ryanair flights (10%!), Flixbus, Norigo Travels, food places like Noon Baghi, Nappali, Reggeli, and bars like Csinos, Traffik and many more, even cultural stuff. Find more. 

3. Sweet! How do I get this amazing ESN Card?

Easy peasy!

1. First, make an account on the PTE EHÖK website (ehok.pte.hu/login).
2. Book an appointment through your account.
3. Go to the EHOOK office (Vasvari Pal u.4, 7622) for your appointment with your **passport/ID and 6000 HUF**. Boom, card get!

4. I'm flying into Budapest. What's the best way to get to Pécs without losing my mind (or all my money)?

You've got options!

• Easiest (but pricier): Book a shuttle/minibus (like Travel 4 You, Norigo Travel). Costs around 40 EUR, but it's door-to-door, great if you have lots of luggage.
• Comfy & Scenic: Take the intercity train. It's about 3.5 hours. You'll need to take bus 200E from the airport, then a couple of metros to Keleti train station. A full-price ticket to Pécs is about 3700 HUF (around 9 EUR).
• Budget-Friendly: **Long-journey bus**. Similar to the train, take bus 200E, then a metro to Népliget bus station. Tickets are around 4200 HUF (cash only from the driver, or buy online). Remember to validate your public transport tickets in Budapest!

5. Help! I'm from the EU. Do I need a visa to study in Pécs?

Good news! If you're an **EEA (EU + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) or Swiss citizen**, you can enter Hungary with your ID/passport and stay for up to 90 days. For longer stays (like for your studies), you just need to **register at the regional office of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing within 93 days of arrival**. Bring your admission certificate!

6. What if I get sick? How does healthcare work in Pécs for international students?

• EU/EEA Citizens: Your **European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)** covers medically necessary care.
• Everyone: It's highly recommended that you get local **private medical insurance**. You can also apply for a Hungarian Social Security Card (**TAJ kártya**) to access the public healthcare system. Your program coordinator might help, or you can apply yourself or online via Neptun.
• Seeing a Doctor (GP): Go to the **Centre for Occupational Health and Hygiene** (Nyár u. 8), or call +36 72 507 523 for an appointment.
• Emergencies: General emergency is **112**. Ambulance is **104**. For serious illness/accidents, go to **Janus Pannonius Clinical Block** (Ifjúság út 13).

7. How do I get my official Hungarian Student ID card for those sweet local discounts?

You'll want this for cheaper transport and museum tickets!

1. Go to the **'Government Office'** to fill out the application. Make sure your data EXACTLY matches your passport and Neptun record.
2. Get your **'NEK' number** from this document and enter it into Neptun (Administration/student card request).
3. Pick up your **temporary student card** from the central registrar's office (make an appointment at time.pte.hu) or your faculty's registrar's office, depending on your faculty.
4. You'll get a Neptun notification when your **permanent card** is ready to pick up!

8. Where am I going to live? Dorms vs. Apartments in Pécs?

• Dorms: Simplest and often cheapest. Rooms are cleaned, and bed linen is changed. Rent is roughly 63,000-82,000 HUF/month. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, rent money, and proof of student status to check in. Bring kitchen basics, towels, and maybe your own bedsheets.
• Renting an Apartment: More freedom, but more responsibility. A 2-room flat can be 80,000-200,000 HUF/month (plus utilities and a deposit, usually 1-2 months' rent). Check out reputable services like studenthousing.hu or studentservice.hu.

9. I need to open a bank account. Any tips?

It's a good idea for managing your finances locally. Many banks are in the city centre (UniCredit, MKB, Erste, OTP, etc.). You'll usually need your **ID card/passport and residence card (or permit)**. Best to ask the specific bank what documents they require as this can vary.

10. Feeling a bit overwhelmed or have some legal questions (like with my landlord). Is there anyone at the uni who can help?

Absolutely!

• Wellbeing & Counselling: The university offers free, confidential psychological counselling. Email [email protected] for an appointment.
• Legal Help: The **Campus Legal Aid Clinic (CLAC)** offers free legal advice from law students supervised by professors. They can help with lease agreements, etc. Email [email protected]. Office: Dohány Street 1-3, Floor #2.

11. Alright, I'm settled in! Where can I grab some good food and what's there to do for fun in Pécs, especially on a student budget? 🍕🎉

You're in luck! Pécs has cool spots, and your ESN connections help a lot!

• ESN Pécs Events: This is your **BEST bet** for fun and meeting people! They organize awesome social and cultural events like international cuisine festivals (yum!), movie nights, language projects, trips around Hungary, and of course, parties! Keep an eye on their announcements – they're always cooking up something new.
• ESN Card Foodie Discounts: Your **ESN Galaxy card** scores you deals like:
  • 10% off at **Noon Baghi**
  • A free topping at **Find Tea**
  • 10% off at **Bubble Land**
  • Discounts at local bars like **Csinos** and **Traffik**!
• Fun with Discounts:
  • Your **ESN Card** gets you 10% off cultural and leisure activities through **Tiqts**, and can mean reduced entry fees for museums and galleries across Europe.
  • Don't forget your official **Hungarian Student ID card** also gets you discounts on things like public transport and museum admissions in Hungary!

So, definitely link up with ESN Pécs for events and use that ESN card for savings while you explore the city's vibrant offerings!

12. ESN Pécs sounds exactly like what I need! How do I "join" or get involved with all the cool stuff they do? 🤝🌍

That's the spirit! ESN Pécs is all about "students helping students," and they love having new international students connect with them. The best way to "join" in the fun and get their support is to:

• Follow them online: This is where you'll find out about all their events, activities, trips, and parties.
  • Website: https://pecs.esn.hu/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pecs.esn
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esn.pecs/
• Attend their events: Just show up! They organize things specifically for international students, so you'll be very welcome. This is the main way to benefit from what ESN Pécs offers and to meet other students.
• Reach out: If you're interested in becoming an active volunteer member yourself and contributing to ESN Pécs, contacting them through their social media or website is the best first step to find out how you can contribute!

By connecting with them, you'll become part of the ESN community in Pécs and get access to all their support and fun activities!