Pre-departure checklist

Pre-departure checklist

Documents

• your passport or national ID: students’ passports should be valid for at least until the end of 2015
• 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/Residence Documents section.

Other documents you may need to bring to Budapest:

• proof of travel insurance
• university-related documents. For more detailed information, please see here.
• photographs: at least two, passport-size

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.

Climate and seasons in Hungary

The climate of Hungary can be described as typical European continental influenced climate with warm, dry summers and fairly cold winters. January is the coldest month with daytime temperatures usually around zero, but in some cases winter months can be very cold with temperatures far below zero.

In summer daytime temperatures reach 25°C, but sometimes quite higher, 30°C or more. In most of the time it is dry weather with sunny spells, although sometimes heavy thunderstorms can occur at the end of the day. July is the warmest month with an average temperature of 22°C. The number of hours of sunshine averages between 1900 and 2500 a year - among the highest in Europe.

Although it can be pretty wet in April and May, spring is just glorious throughout Hungary.

Generally, the weather is best May-September, when days are warm and the nights are cool, although it rains more in spring than in summer.

Summer is warm, sunny and long: holiday resorts can get very crowded in late July and August.

Autumn is beautiful, particularly in the hills around Budapest and in the Northern Uplands.

Required clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months; an umbrella or raincoat is advised for local showers. Warmer clothing and rainwear are needed during the winter months. A sweater may be needed throughout the year in the evenings or for trekking in the mountains, even in the summer.

Weather information

Travel

The following items should be kept with you at all times during your journey to Hungary: your ticket, passport, (visa if applicable). 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, try to remember the name of the border (Hegyeshalom, Liszt Ferenc Airport (former Ferihegy), Redics, Roszke, etc.), because you will need this information when registering with the authorities.