Online Orientation

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Welcome to CEU! This page was created to help you gather information about Budapest and the university before you leave home and to find your way around once you are here.

Upon arrival you will receive the CEU Student Handbook where you will find further information about student-related programs and services. In your first week at CEU you will go through the CEU Pre-Session (a series of in-person meetings with professors of your department and staff of the university service units).

Here is what you will find on this page:

Pre-departure checklist and orientation

Documents

  • your passport or national ID: students’ passports should be valid for at least until the end of 2011
  • your visa (if necessary): You need to apply for a long-term visa . (in Hungarian: “tartózkodási engedély átvételére jogosító vízum”). Detailed information is accessible in the Visa/Recidence Permit section.

Other documents you may need to bring to Budapest:

Luggage

As you are coming for almost a whole year, it is best to pack for all seasons. Remember that luggage may be roughly handled on its way here, make sure that suitcases, etc., are securely strapped and have clearly typed labels with your name and the address of CEU Budapest (CEU Residence Center: 1106 Bp. Kerepesi ut 87) both outside and inside each luggage item. If you travel by air, make sure that you do not exceed the weight limit for luggage on the plane unless you are prepared to pay for "excess baggage". On most European flights the limit is 20 kg and for those coming from outside of Europe, the limit is usually two pieces of luggage, each weighing no more than 30 kg, but it is wise to check with the airline before you start packing.

Travel

The following items should be kept with you at all times during your journey to Hungary: your ticket, passport, and acceptance letter from CEU. Carry these documents in your hand luggage so that they are easily accessible. Buying a small document travel pouch is a good idea.

When entering Hungary, write down the name of the border (Hegyeshalom, Ferihegy I, II, Redics, Roszke, etc.), because you will need this information when registering with the authorities.

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Arrival in Budapest

Those Master's students who are granted in-dorm accommodation as part of their financial aid award can pick up their Welcome Packages at the Dormitory reception upon their arrival. All other students should visit the Student Life Office:

  • between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the Fridays immediately preceding the beginning of the academic year for your department or
  • between 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on the first day of the academic year for your department

For the exact date, please refer to your Enrollment Confirmation Form or the Academic Calendar enclosed or contact the Student Life Office.

The Welcome Packages include important information for starting the Academic Year (pre-session schedule, maps, etc.), so it is in students’ best interest to receive the Welcome Package and attend the Orientations, otherwise students will have to spend some additional time making arrangements for the academic year.

Those students who have not requested or who have not been granted in-dorm housing have to arrange their temporary accommodation on their own (some helpful links are provided below). Experience shows that with the help of the Student Life Office, it does not take longer than two weeks to find appropriate rented accommodation. Between August 9 and October 8 there will be an assistant helping students to find apartments in the Apartment Search Office. In this period, contact the Apartment Search Assistant with your questions at apartmentsearch [at] ceu [dot] hu. When you find a suitable apartment you have to complete a lease contract with the owner. It is strongly recommended to use the CEU blank contract form for this purpose. The blank contracts (Hungarian and English versions) are available in hard copy from the Apartment Search Assistant. Please note that the apartmentsearch[at] ceu [dot] hu e-mail address operates from August 9 until October 8.

For temporary accommodation links, please see Accommodation in Budapest:

How do I get to CEU from the dormitory?
Central European University is located in the city center. See map on how to get from the dormitory to CEU (courtesy of utvonalterv.hu).


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Your first week at CEU

Your first day at CEU will start with a meeting with the head, faculty, staff and fellow students of your department. Throughout the rest of the week, the CEU Pre-Session, you will go through a series of in-person meetings with the university service units who will help you settle down.

The Pre-Session includes an orientation about legal residence in Hungary and housing arrangements. The Budget and Finance Office advises on banking arrangements and various payment procedures. You will also be introduced to a range of advisory and counseling services such as career advising, psychological counseling, as well as to student activities and the role of the Student Union. During this time you will be completing a number of individual settling-down tasks, will be looking for rented accommodation (if not housed in the dormitory), and will become familiar with the university settings.

The Alumni Relations and Career Services helps organize meetings between new students and alumni, while departments supplement the central Pre-Session activities with department-oriented events and introductory courses. For the pre-session schedule of your department please check with your department coordinator.

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Visa/Residence Permit

This section provides information about visa application and residence requirements in Hungary for all CEU students. Please review the table below and select the category which applies to your circumstances.

  Citizens of EU and EEA member states Citizens of other countries which do not require visa to Hungary.  List of countries: see here Citizens of countries which require visa to Hungary
New arrivals Citizens of EU and EEA member states, starting studies at CEU—see here Citizens of the above listed countries, starting studies at CEU—see here Citizens of countries not mentioned in the previous columns, starting studies at CEU—see here
Continuing students—see here Citizens of EU and EEA member states, continuing (Master’s or PhD) studies at CEU—see here Citizens of the above listed countries, continuing studies (Master’s or PhD) at CEU—see here Citizens of countries not mentioned in the previous columns, continuing (Master’s or PhD) studies at CEU—see here
Family members—see here      

If you have any questions or need assistance, do not hesitate to contact us:
residenceinfo [at] ceu [dot] hu

For questions or consultation contact:
Richard Kartosonto, Student Life Officer
Student Services Center, Nador u.9. Ground floor
E-mail:kartoson [at] ceu [dot] hu

Immigration Office information:
Address: 1117 Budapest, Budafoki ut 60. 

Regular office hours:
Monday: 8.30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 1:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon (on this day the office is open only for international students)
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Transportation:
From “Deak ter” take tram No. 47 or 49 to “Moricz Zsigmond korter”.
From “Moricz Zsigmond korter” take bus No. 33 to “Hengermalom ut” stop.
See map how to get to the Immigration office

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Accommodation in Budapest (general information)

Accommodation (2010/2011)

CEU students stay in the CEU Residence Center or rent an apartment in the city. In the CEU Residence Center priority accommodation is provided to CEU Master’s Fellowship recipients as part of their financial aid package. Non-fellowship students, all doctoral students and external funded scholarship students have access to the Residence Center on a space-availability basis, and are expected to cover their costs directly.

Those students who have not requested or who have not been granted in-dorm housing have to arrange their temporary accommodation on their own (some helpful links are provided below).

A. Rented accommodation

Since the CEU Residence Center cannot house the entire student body, many students need to find rented accommodation in Budapest.  Experience shows that with the help of the Student Life Office, it does not take longer than two weeks to find appropriate rented accommodation.

If, however, students would like to search for flats in the summer for the upcoming academic year, more information is available at http://www.towerbudapest.com/ceu

At the beginning of the Academic Year the Student Life Office offers access to a database of apartments and helps students finding a flat to rent.

From August 9 to October 8 there will be an assistant in the Apartment-search Office helping students to find apartments. In this period, contact the Apartment Search Assistant with your questions at apartmentsearch [at] ceu [dot] hu. When you find a suitable apartment you have to complete a lease contract with the owner. It is strongly recommended to use the CEU blank contract form for this purpose. The blank contracts (Hungarian and English versions) are available in hard copy from the Apartment Search Assistant. Please note that the Apartment-search Office and apartmentsearch [at] ceu [dot] hu e-mail address operate from August 9 until October 8.

Important: The CEU lease contract ensures that you will get the "Certificate of Property Ownership" (Tulajdoni Lap) - a document necessary for address registration from the owner! Do not forget to draw your landlady/landlord's attention to this point of the contract. Only your owner can obtain this "Certificate of Property Ownership" from the Land Registry Office, which costs 6200 HUF. Be advised that some owners may want you to pay for it while other owners will do it on their own expenses. 

What prices should I expect in case I rent a flat in Budapest?
The prices of apartments for rent in Budapest vary mainly depending on the location and the condition of the flat. In this short review we will look at the price range that an average CEU student can afford, which is approximately between 40,000 and 65,000 HUF (for a room in a shared flat) plus utilities.

You can find the daily exchange rates on the "Noticeboard for CEU". Find the information sent daily by Edina Mandoki. The subject starts with "Currency rates MNB" and continuing with the relevant date. Always use the most current exchange rate!

In case you have no access to the "Noticeboard for CEU", contact Edina Mandoki at: mandokie [at] ceu [dot] hu

The most expensive flats can be found in certain central Budapest districts such as the 1st (Buda Castle), 2nd, 12th (Central Buda), 13th, 5th (Central Pest, CEU is located here). Parts of 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 11th districts can be quite expensive as well. Note that prices do not only depend on the location (district), but also on the condition and quality of the flat. As a general rule, however, in the above districts the location itself tends to push prices upwards. Flats in these districts can be rented from 40,000 HUF per person + utilities. This average is calculated on the basis of a shared flat and 30 square meters/person. If you want to live alone, you can expect a price of 65,000 HUF or more + utilities for a separate 30 square-meter flat.

The medium price range can be found in most of the above districts, however, such flats are more difficult to find and they tend to be equipped and furnished in a simpler fashion. These flats are mostly located on floors closer to the ground level and they tend to be more noisy or dark. A 30 square-meter share of these flats can generally be rented from 35,000 HUF per person + utilities. If you want to live alone, you can expect a price of 55,000 HUF or more + utilities for a separate 30 square-meter flat.

The lowest price apartments are usually located in the peripheral districts of the town. The cheapest flats are in the housing blocks of 21st, 23rd, 18th, 19th, 10th, 17th. 16th, 15th, 4th, 22nd districts and some areas in the 3rd district. Despite the long commute to CEU, these apartments can be very comfortable, light and well heated, as the main price-reducing factor in their case is the distance from the center of the city. If you want to live alone, the rent can be 45,000 HUF/30 square meters.

Please note that here we have given the average prices in these districts. Actual prices can exceed as well as remain below these averages.

Helpful links to find temporary accommodation:

B. The CEU Residence Center

The CEU Residence Center is a modern residence complex located in the 10th District of Budapest. It provides air-conditioned single rooms for up to 300 graduate students, as well as single and double rooms for undergraduate students of the CEU Business School. Altogether, the Residence Center can accommodate approximately 400 students.

Each room provides comfortable furniture and has a private bathroom. Graduate students are accommodated in single rooms only.

An enhanced residential life program—building upon CEU’s unique international student profile, student life programs and activities—is now in prospect.

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Health insurance and medical services

CEU requires that all enrolled students have adequate health insurance for the duration of their enrollment and residence in Hungary.

CEU provides access to a Health Insurance Plan through Generali Providencia Insurance Company. All students receiving full or partial financial aid will receive this Plan (students from Hungary, from EU and EEA member states may have other options, please see more information here).

Students who do not receive financial aid have the option to purchase the Generali Providencia Plan or an individual plan from another provider. Hungarian students are covered by the state Hungarian state health insurance system.

Students who do not intend to use the CEU Plan provided by Generali Providencia must submit, immediately upon arrival, evidence of membership in an alternative insurance plan that covers medical services in Hungary.

All international students who receive the Generali Plan are encouraged to consult the terms and conditions of the Generali Providencia Health Insurance Plan in advance, with a special attention to services provided and exclusions.

Read also about the medical services at CEU.

For more information about Health Insurance, please see here

For more information about the Health Insurance of ERASMUS Program participants, the General Conditions of EMIS MARSH Insurance can be read here

For question or consultation contact:
Gyorgyne Finta (Reka), Student Life Coordinator
Student Services Center, Nador u. 9, Ground Floor
E-mail: szabor [at] ceu [dot] hu

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Traveling in Budapest

How do I travel in Budapest?
Important: You should have a ticket or a valid pass before getting on board of the vehicles. The tickets should be validated by the punchers before starting your trip on the Metro lines, or right after getting on other means of transport. Budapest Transport Limited (BKV) is authorized to check the validity of your ticket or pass any time during your trip. The validated tickets should be kept till the end of the trip and handed over to the controller on request.

There are different tickets for public transport available. You can use a single ticket, transfer ticket, a 10-piece discount coupon book (gyujtojegy), etc. If you regularly travel by means of public transport, the best arrangement for you is to buy a monthly transportation pass. For more information on different tickets and passes please go to BKV website or pick up an information leaflet from one of the main metro stations. Note that single tickets can be purchased at Metro stations, tobacco shops, newsstands, etc.

More information on BKV ticket is available at: http://www.bkv.hu/english/jegyinfo/index.html

*Information for all students who are enrolled in programs that are accredited in Hungary:

MA: Economics (2-year program)
Critical Gender Studies (2-year program)
Historical Studies (2-year program, History and Medieval Studies streams)


Nationalism Studies (2-year program)
Philosophy (2-year program)
Political Science (2-year program)

PhD: Hungarian state benefits for 3 years from the start date of enrollment
Economics
History
Medieval Studies

Further specialization degree ("szakirányú továbbképzés"):
Economics (2-year program)

History (1-year program)

International Relations and European Studies (1-year program)

Nationalism (1-year program)

Political Science (1-year program)

LLM in Human Rights (1-year program)

*Information only for Hungarian citizens who are enrolled in programs that are not accredited in Hungary.

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Personal banking, finances and stipends

How to estimate a monthly cost of living?
Students need to have sufficient funds to cover essential needs such as housing, food and some instructional costs. Your actual expenses will vary depending on your individual needs and spending habits. For a general estimate see the cost of living section of the CEU website.

Students should budget additionally for travel, recreation, mobile phone and other.

I receive Full or Partial CEU Fellowship. When and how do I receive my benefits?
You will receive benefits according to the type of your accommodation (CEU Residence center, or rented flat). For details on benefits, please visit the Stipend and Finance FAQ or consult your individual acceptance package and Enrollment Confirmation Form. In case you receive CEU stipend, the CEU Budget and Finance Office will transfer the money to your Hungarian bank account in HUF. At the beginning of the academic year, the Budget and Finance Office organizes an orientation session concerning your banking. You will be offered two alternatives:

  1. to open a local currency account at any bank in Budapest on your own
  2. to use the bank contracted by CEU to offer services to CEU students (CIB Bank)

If you choose the second option, a representative of the bank will come to the orientation session with the necessary documents and help you fill them in. The account will be opened and you will receive your bank (debit) card within two or three weeks. The CIB Representatives have to open hundreds of accounts this time, that is why this process takes weeks.

I am a recipient of Partial CEU Tuition Waiver. Where and how do I pay my fees?
Your tuition payments are administered by the CEU Budget and Finance Office. Please review the methods of payment accepted by CEU http://www.ceu.hu/admissions/tuitionandfees/payment. Payments in cash are made at the CEU Cash Desk, located on the Mezzanine floor of the Monument Building. The Cash Desk is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. You can pay in cash, by personal checks or you can start a wire transfer. Fees may be paid in EUR, HUF or USD at an exchange rate determined by the Budget and Finance Office based on daily rates published by MNB.

See also the Frequently Asked Questions for stipend, Finance Office and banking.

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Computer-related matters

Where can I find computers on CEU premises?
There are four computer labs (1-4), located in the Basement of Faculty Tower, Nador u. 9, which are available to all CEU students. For doctoral students, CEU has set up independent department-based Doctoral Labs. For exact locations and opening hours, please consult the web page of the IT Department

You can contact the Information Technology Department Helpdesks by phone in the Nador 9 building (extension 3030), in the CEU Residence Center (extension 5043) and on the 5th floor of the Zrinyi 14 building (extension 2000) or via e-mail at helprequest [at] ceu [dot] hu.

How will I be able to use a computer and connect to the CEU network?
You will receive a login name and a password at the orientation at the beginning of the academic year. Here you will also receive information about the opening hours and locations of computer labs, about the file, mail, printing service as well as an introduction to CEU network and e-mail system and other useful do's and don'ts. At the end of the orientation you will have to sign a document saying that you have received your password and login name.

Can I use my laptop?
Yes. A significant portion of the CEU premises has wireless Internet access. There is also a Laptop area located on the ground and the first floors of the area connecting the Monument Building and the Faculty Tower. Laptops of any type and any configuration can be used here.

You can find more detailed and useful information on the website of IT Services.

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Matriculation, course registration, transcripts and degree diplomas

Matriculation is the administrative act of becoming a student of the University. It enables you to access student services and facilities as well as register for courses. It also carries with it the obligation to abide by the rules and policies of the University. You are required to matriculate upon arrival at CEU. The matriculation process is carried out on-line, for instructions see the Student Records Office's Manual.

CEU has designed, developed, and implemented its own integrated information network, called the University Information System (realized via Infosys®). Course registration, grading and applying for a degree are all computerized and students are responsible for conducting all necessary procedures in connection with registration. This system also integrates many of the administrative functions students have to deal with during their stay at CEU. The Infosys® also provides on-line information about courses, grades, and class schedules as well as information on rental accommodation available in the city. There is a mandatory session on the use of the system at the beginning of the academic year.

How do I matriculate?
The first thing you should do with Infosys is to go through the formal matriculation procedure. Log in into the Infosys and press the button called "On-Line Matriculation Form". Instructions are outlined in the Student Records Manual.

How do I register for courses?
After having matriculated, you can register for courses, but first check the Registration Scheme and Registration Calendar of your department, which is included in the Student Records Manual. You will be able to pick up a copy/consult the manual for Academic Year 2010-2011 in the Student Records Office, located in the Student Service Center, Nador u. 9, ground floor.

Where and how can I get proof of my attendance and completion of CEU courses?
You are entitled to obtain your CEU records (transcripts). Please order them at SRO. SRO is open every business day between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. For inquiries, an email should be sent to registry [at] ceu [dot] hu.

What do I have to do before I graduate?
At the end of your program, you must submit the "On-Line Graduation Form," which is the precondition for your graduation.

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Zero Week schedules

The week of September 13, referred to as Zero Week, is dedicated to academic orientation. Departments and programs schedule lectures and presentations open to all students of the university. The information about Zero Week is being regularly updated as schedules become available.

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Facts worth knowing about Budapest and CEU

What is most important to know about Hungary?
Hungary joined the European Union on May 1st, 2004 and the Schengen Treaty on  January 1st, 2008. The national currency is the Hungarian Forint (abbreviated as HUF or Ft.) Budapest, the capital of the country, is a city of about 2,0 million people. More information about the city, public transport, weather, types of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and cultural events is available through the following websites:

Why is CEU a good place to be a student at?
Throughout its 16-year history, CEU's mission has been to attract students from all countries of what is commonly referred to as Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In addition, CEU has enrolled students from Western Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The lack of a dominant national culture is one of the main characteristics of CEU's student body. The university is looking to attract students with a sense of social responsibility who are dedicated to contribute to the public good, who are transnationally-inclined and have the potential to work for open and democratic societies.

As of 2008 the number of CEU alumni has grown to approximately 8,500 individuals. Through the Alumni Relations and Career Services, CEU provides support in networking among alumni, job placement and exchange of career-related information, as well as alumni-student career mentoring. To directly obtain the CEU alumni perspective on a specific question, you may contact the volunteer alumni leaders and contact persons in your country. See a list of these CEU graduates with their contact details.

For more information on alumni life, visit the Alumni and Career Office pages.

Alumni Relations and Career Services

The integrated Alumni Relations and Career Services unit (ARCS) serves as the principal office coordinating all the alumni and career support programs for CEU students and graduates: personalized counseling, job/internship opportunities and resources, events, networking, fundraising.

For more information on alumni life, visit Alumni Relations and Career Services.

What activities and programs are organized for CEU students during the academic year?
The Student Life Office and CEU students organize different social and cultural programs: dance classes, choir, film clubs, student newspaper, chess club, student exhibitions and presentations (photos, artistic work, own poetry, etc.), sightseeing in Budapest, excursions in the countryside. Many other events are organized directly by students.

More information on clubs and activities and on the sport facilities.

Are there CEU student representatives and is there a forum for them at the university?
To ensure adequate student representation and participation in the university's governance, the student body of CEU elects a Student Union every academic year. The Student Union is an independent body, which operates according to its written by-laws.

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Leaving procedure

At the end of the academic year, each student is required to go through the so-called 'Leaving Procedure' which includes the following:

  1. fill out the on-line graduation form
  2. submit the 'Leaving Form' signed by each major administrative unit indicating that the individual has no outstanding debts or obligations to the university.

Failure to submit the form, or unresolved obligations, will result in the withholding of the individual's diploma and other university services, according to the CEU Policy on Holds.

Students finishing their studies during the academic year (e.g. failed, enrollment terminated, left) will still be required to complete the 'Leaving Form'. It is CEU's obligation to notify the Immigration Office in writing about the changes in student status and students failing to follow this procedure may face serious problems with local authorities.

For question or consultation contact:
Richard Kartosonto, Student Life Officer
Student Services Center, Nador u. 9, Ground Floor
E-mail: kartoson [at] ceu [dot] hu

or Gyorgyne Finta (Reka), Student Life Coordinator
Student Services Center, Nador u. 9, Ground Floor
E-mail: szabor [at] ceu [dot] hu

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Basic information on university service units

In this section you will see a short list of different Service Units of CEU who have collected a number of questions that they were asked by students of the university in the past few years. By putting those online, we hope to help you to a smooth start. These units are the most important during your stay at CEU to help you with administrative, accommodation, computer, language, library, and career issues.

Student Life Office
This office is to help you register with the authorities, find accommodation, secure your medical insurance, handle day-to-day issues and to enhance a friendly and creative atmosphere offering a number of out-of-class programs.

CEU Residence Center (Dormitory)
The CEU Residence Center (Dormitory) seeks to provide a living-learning environment that encourages educational excellence and personal growth. The staff is committed to providing residential housing facilities that are safe and welcoming.

Financial Aid Office
For those of you who receive financial support from CEU, this office will manage your stipend packages and deal with the administrative part of related accommodation and dormitory issues. The Financial Aid Office does not deal with money directly.

Budget and Finance Office
For those of you who receive financial support from CEU, this office will assist in opening a bank account and managing your finances while in Hungary. The Cash Desk is the place where direct payments can be made.

Student Records Office (SRO)
This is the place to register for your courses, receive transcripts and your diploma at the end of your studies. You can receive a certificate of enrollment at CEU for any further applications or registration with authorities.

CEU ID Card Office
In case you arrive late or have not found your ID Card in your welcome package, please turn to this office and receive your CEU ID Card. In case you lose your card or it expires, here you will also get a replacement.

Information Technology Department (IT)
This office deals with your CEU computer account, assists with any computer-related problems and distributes your printing quotas.

Computer and Statistics Center
After your arrival, you will need to attend some computer classes organized by the Computer and Statistic Center in order to have access to the CEU system and learn the basics of the local computer usage. There are further useful courses offered during the academic year.

Center for Academic Writing
The Center for Academic Writing provides support to help you meet the writing standards expected of you in your department and to acquire the skills you need to become proficient independent writer in English. As well as academic writing courses for most departments, the Center provides the chance for any member of the CEU community to discuss their written work individual consultation. The Center also offers Hungarian, French and German courses. 

CEU Library
The CEU Library is located in the central premises of the university and is open 7 days a week. The Library holds over 255,000 documents in various formats, and you can use a large variety of electronic databases as well.

Open Society Archives at CEU (OSA)
OSA keeps a extensive array of material on the countries in the Soviet block, collected by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and the archives of several human rights organizations. It also maintains a strong film collection.

Alumni Relations and Career Services Office (ARCS)
The integrated Alumni Relations and Career Services unit serves as the principal office coordinating all the alumni and career support programs for CEU students and graduates: personalized counseling, job/internship opportunities and resources, events, networking, fundraising.

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If you have any questions or suggestions for this website, please write to Janka Jozsef at: jozsefj [at] ceu [dot] hu

Guide to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):