We are so proud of you for getting into Semmelweis University. But more importantly, you should be proud of yourself. While this may seem daunting at first, you are more than capable of handling it. In order to help you on your journey, the freshmen batch of 2025 made you all a guide with the help of the International Semmelweis Students Association!
Embedded Files
University Contacts
University Contacts
The Admission Team: admission@semmelweis.hu for all faculties
The Admission Team: admission@semmelweis.hu for all faculties
In the case of a question regarding admission or enrollment, the first line of contact is the admission team.
The English Secretary (the Registrar's)
The English Secretary (the Registrar's)
During the academic semester, the registrars are in charge of fixing your registration problems, issuing official documents, and accepting your requests for extra exam chances,
General Medicine: 1.med@semmelweis.hu
Dentistry: dent.student@semmelweis.hu
Pharmacy: pharma.student@semmelweis.hu
Health Sciences: bagi.kristof@semmelweis.hu; gergye.anita@semmelweis.hu; herczeg.panna@semmelweis.hu; szekely.fruzsina@semmelweis.hu
Enrolment
Enrolment
- Subject Registration
You will be expected to register for subjects by yourself
First Enrol on Neptun as an active student (must be done every semester) and then register for subjects
Find the list of your obligatory subjects here: Medicine; Dentistry; Pharmacy; Health Sciences
You will be emailed login information for Neptun and Outlook.
Neptun will be used for subject and exam registration throughout the year
Your outlook email is your official student email
SEKA is a system used to log into Moodle: use your neptun code + your outlook password
- The Freshmen's Guide
This is a Webinar hosted by the Student Association to guide you through the process of enrollment and subject registration
It will be hosted online by your senior class representatives
- Enrollment
Location: TUZOLTO UTCA 37-47
Your personalised appointment date and time will be sent to you closer to the time by the University.
If you can not make it for your appointment (for example: you VISA is late, please email the admissions team)
Documents needed for enrollment:
Identification, Passport for verification
Matriculation / School Leaving Certificate, the Original (Certified English Translation) for verification.
Matriculation / School Leaving Certificate, a Copy (Certified English Translation) to hand in.
Matriculation / School Leaving Certificate is equivalent to A-Level certificates / IB Results sheet. The University is aware not everyone will have received their original certificates, just email them beforehand letting them know!
- Campus Tour & Freshmen's Day
Each year, ISSA organises a university-wide campus tour.
The day starts with some advice from your representatives and prominant university professors: general advice for your upcoming years
From there, each facaulty will tour its own buildings
You will be able to see exactly where all your classes are, and get advice on the best study notes/techniques for each of them
Once the tour is done, you will have a chance to meet and join all the national associations (representing different countries and regions), student clubs, and sport teams
Campus
Campus
Aptitude (Health) Test
Aptitude (Health) Test
This is a year health check-up that must be completed by Semmelweis Students AFTER the semester starts. Having an up to date record is required for Summer Practices and Board (Final Year) Exams.
- Where should I book them?
We recommend taking the Health-Aptitude Test with the University once bookings open. You can do them in either semester but spots are generally more available in the Fall semester.
The initial test consists of: Blood Test, Urine Test, Chest X ray, and filled out documents. It is obligatory to do the lab tests and x ray in Hungary. They are free of charge for Semmelweis students.
Documents can be found here. Bring your childhood vaccination record as well.
You must book a an appointment for these tests on the aptitude website.
Once the results are ready, book an "Aptitude Appointment"
- Aptitude Appointments
You do not need to print your lab tests or chest X ray results. If there were all done with the Semmelweis system, they will be directly forwarded to your Aptitude Dr.
Make sure to book this appointment 1 week after your lab test or 1 day after your chest X ray.
During the appointment, the Dr will simply look at your results and sign your Orange Health Booklet.
You need to buy your own Health Booklet. In the store, ask them for the "small orange health booklet"; it's very cheap.
- How often should I repeat them?
The tests must be repeated yearly.
If you remain consistant, you may not be asked to repeat every single step after the first year
- For Health Sciences Students
Use this link for further information on the tests needed
Please note that for the past years Health Sciences students needed to bring their medical booklets and results with them for registration. In case you don’t have every medical test done, do not worry because you will be able to get them done here, during the first semester.
Documents you need to bring (translated to English):
Childhood vaccination booklet (original + copy)
The medical history report
Medical examination results (that the university asked for) (original + copy)
Attendance Policies
Attendance Policies
There are two types of courses in Semmelweis: Obligatory and Elective Courses.
- Obligatory Courses
Two types of classes, Theoretical & Practical
For Theory: Attendance is generally not obligatory. But it might give you extra advantages like exemptions.
For Practical Classes (whether labs or seminars):
Generally, a minimum 75% attendance is MANDATORY for practices in order to obtain the course completion signature.
You need this signature in order to sit your exam!
Attendance policies may vary slightly from subject to subject.
Some courses offer make-ups for missed practices while others do not.
In some courses 3 late arrivals is equivalent to 1 absence!
- Elective Courses
Whether the course is marked as theory or practical, attendance is generally mandatory
Make sure to attend the first week's class to get a general idea of the rules for each elective class
E-learning Platforms
E-learning Platforms
Semmelweis University uses multiple e-learning platforms to distribute lecture materials, practical guides, video tutorials, and exam resources. As a first-year, you’ll primarily use:
- University Email
Semmelweis student emails generally follow the structure lastname.firstname@stud.semmelweis.hu, but may differ.
To activate your account: check our our guide
- SEKA
Your unified login system for most university platforms (Moodle, Library Resources, MedInscribe, etc.)
To login: use your Neptun Code and the password you set for your University Email
This is where professors upload: Lecture slides & notes; Seminar assignments; Online quizzes
How to Login: login through SEKA
Important Tips: download essential materials early; platforms may lag during exam weeks
Check course announcements regularly for important updates or last-minute uploads
- Neptun
Purpose: Course registration, exam sign-ups, financial matters, communication & exam registrations.
Login Credentials: Username is your Neptun code, password is set during activation.
Make sure your two factor authentication (2FA) is set on your OWN phone
To reset 2FA:
- MedInscribe
Platform for Anatomy, Histology, and other practical video content.
Dissection videos, recorded lectures, histology slide explanations.
Login through SEKA
First Year Curriculum
First Year Curriculum
While each degree program at Semmelweis University has its own unique focus, the first year tends to lay the foundational scientific and preclinical groundwork.
The table above offers a simplified breakdown of what you can expect to study during the first semester at Semmelweis in the Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs. This will help you plan ahead, mentally prepare and understand the upcoming subjects that will shape your first semester.
For Health Sciences Students, you can find your first year curriculum here:
Course Materials and Textbooks
Course Materials and Textbooks
- Where can you access your course materials?
Once you’re enrolled in a subject through Neptun, your course coordinators will automatically register you for the corresponding course on Moodle.
Moodle is where departments upload lecture slides, course requirements, important announcements, and other learning materials. You could also do some online exams on there.
To access moodle, Login through SEKA. Use your Neptun Code and the password you set for your Outlook email
- Types of classes
Lectures:: Usually not compulsory for attendance. All students can attend; no group limits.
Labs (Practicals): Mandatory attendance (75%). Fixed group sizes.
Seminars (Practicals): Mandatory attendance (75%). Interactive Lectures.
Electives (Optional): Optional courses that give you extra credits.
You do not need to take elective courses each semster
You do need to take a minimum number of elective courses throughout your whole degree
Choose wisely; don’t overload yourself in Year 1
- Understanding your group system
Students are assigned into Groups (1, 2, 3, etc.)
Eg. English Medicine Group 03 would be called: EM03
The group defines your practical/seminar slots for all subjects
You can swap groups with others, but only if your subjects clash, and it is approved by the university
- Advice from current Semmelweis students
Anatomy Practicals Should Be Top Priority → Give them your utmost attention
Register for electives with light workloads or none at all for year 1
Before registration, prepare your timetable to check if you are free during the electives you want
Make sure to enrol as an active student on neptun before you register for subjects
To avoid stress, login to neptun at least 30 mins before the registration time to avoid too much traffic on the site
Check to see if some of your subjects aren't weekly, they might only happen on certain weeks
- In case of issues with subject registration
Please do not panic! Issues may occure with any online system, but they ALWAYS get resolved
Make sure to let your ISSA representative know, if they cant resolve it then email your secretary
Make sure that the email has been sent (by your issa representative or by you) before the deadline
Exams & Grading
Exams & Grading
During the semester, practical subjects will have midterms (geneally based on the material of the practical course). But at the end of each semester, subjects will offer their Semi-Final and Final Exams.
- Types of Exams
Exams may in a be written, oral, or practical format (depending on the subject!)
The details of each exam will be announced by the professors at the beginning of each semester.
You may have the opportunity to qualify for an excemption from a (/part of) final exam.
- Exam Registration
After receiving the signature of completion for a course, you are eligible to register for the exam.
Exam registration takes place via Neptun, in the designated exam registration period, which will be announced by the secretariat.
All exam dates and locations will be available on Neptun
When registering for an exam, the deadline to do so is 23 hours BEFORE the exam time
If you wish to DEREGISTER for an exam, you must do so 24 hours before the exam
Missing an exam without de-registering for it will result in a fine that must be paid on Neptun.
- Retakes / Results
You can access your exam results via Neptun, although most of the time you will get to know immediately by your examiner!
If you fail an exam, you can apply for a retake. You can take an exam 3 times per semester (per subject), so 3 chances to pass!
First retake of an exam is for free (so your 2nd chance), from the second retake (3rd chance) you must pay a “Retake Fee” through Neptun.
- Retakes / Results
Semmelweis uses a 5-point grading system
5: Excellant
4: Good
3: Satisfactory
2: Pass (minimum grade)
1: Fail
- Term Average
You can calculate your semester average by multiplying each course grade by its credit value, adding them all up and dividing by the total credits!
This information can be found in Neptun at the end of each semester.
This term average will be used when you apply for scholarships!
The GPA on your Diploma is different: it only counts Final Exams from Obligatory Subjects
Summer Practices
Summer Practices
As the name suggests, summer practice is a ‘course’ you must complete to earn credits and hands-on experience.
Medical Students
Medical Students
For your first summer practice placement you can opt between attending in either the summer proceeding your first year as a Medical Student or the summer proceeding your second year as a Medical Student. You cannot attend both summers.
Year 1/2: you’ll find yourself shadowing a nurse and assisting them in their duties, drawing blood, providing bedside care, and administering medications.
Year 3: internal medicine (various different specialities).
Year 4: Surgery (and you’ll get to assist in surgeries).
Step 1. Inform yourself of the intricate details of the course including details of examination topics, exemptions, accredited locations and et cetera using the following documents sourced by Semmelweis University:
Information on the completion of traineeships abroad.
Information on nursing summer practice. (Subject to change for later academic year students)
Nursing summer practice requirements.
Step 2. Register for course at chosen department on Neptun (for those completing the practice at Semmelweis University)
or
Choose one of the approved institutions for your 4-week long summer practice. (for those completing practice abroad)
Note that you can also apply for an institution to get approved. For medical schools / university hospitals you’ll need to fill out this form. And for state hospitals you’ll need to fill out this form.
Step 3. Fill out this form. (for those completing the practice at Semmelweis University)
Step 4. Collect the certificate at the end of your summer practice and hand it in to your registrar. The deadline for handing in the certificates is the end of the registration week.
Dental Students
Dental Students
year 1: you will have a nursing practice similar to Medical Students. It can be done abroad if you send a request in time.
Year 3: Dento-Alveolar Summer Practice (1 Week)
Year 4: General Dentistry Summer Practice (4 Weeks)
Pharmacy Students
Pharmacy Students
Year 2: Summer and Pharmacy Practice
Summer Practice (4 weeks):
Obligatory
Can be done in any country
Can be done in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or pharmaceutical institution
Pharmacy Practice (20 hours)
Obligatory
Can be done in any country
Must be done in a community pharmacy only
Year 3: Summer and Pharmacy Practice
Year 4 (Summer between 4th and 5th year): Obligatory Practice 1
Must be done in Hungary in a community pharmacy
To do it abroad, you need permission
You will be paid for the hours you work when doing it in Hungary
Year 5, second semester: Obligatory Practice 2:
You can choose to either do the full practice at a community pharmacy or spend 2-4weeks at a hospital pharmacy.
If you choose to only do it at a community pharmacy, you need to email Dean Antal for permission
VISAs
VISAs
The university and the immigration office that process your residence permit applications have mutual agreements to ensure a smoother process. Thus, after you apply for your residence permit, expect an email from the university (it may take a few weeks) regarding the collection of your residence permit.
* Instructions on how to apply for a residence permit will be detailed in the next section, ‘Residence Permit’.
Students living in the EU
Students living in the EU
Students living in the EU do not require a visa as their Schengen Visa grants them visa-free entry into Hungary. However, you will need to apply for a residence permit through EnterHungary before your 90-day stay expires. Your 90-day stay starts the moment you enter Hungary.
Students living outside the EU
Students living outside the EU
Students living outside the EU who do not have a visa-free exception must apply for a ‘Long-stay type D Student Visa’. Your Visa application mustn’t be left to later than mid-July, as minor faults in your application can extend visa processing times to 60 business days. Ideally, you should apply for your Visa in the early days of June. Once you receive your visa, it will last for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter Hungary within these 3 months. In every case, students who apply for a ‘Long-stay type D Student Visa’ will also be simultaneously given a residence permit application sheet to fill out alongside their Visa application. Thus, you mustn’t reapply for a residence permit through EnterHungary. Instead, you must collect your residence permit from the university within 30 days of arriving in Hungary. You will be emailed by the university once your residence permit is ready for collection.
Before applying for your Visa, you must email admission@semmelweis.hu and ask for your ‘Certificate of Admission and Payment’. This document includes the proof of tuition payment and proof of health care (provided for by the university), both of which are required for your visa.
Concerning a preliminary plane ticket for the VISA process, the Hungarian embassy would preferably want a return ticket for when you are entering Hungary and leaving at the end of your studies. However, since the Dentistry/Medicine program is 5/6 years, and you can’t book a return ticket 5/6 years in advance, VFS has said you can present a one-way ticket instead. In some countries, you must also write a letter stating that a long-term return ticket is not feasible in your case.
Note that you may also use a hotel booking that exceeds 30 days for your visa application, but as a precautionary measure, ensure this with your embassy/VFS, as the requirements vary region to region.
Students applying for a ‘Long Stay Type D Visa’ through VFS
Go to the website below to find your designated VFS Global Office in your specific country.
Always select ‘I’m going to Hungary’, as VFS handles the visa processes of a lot of countries in the EU and has specialised teams for each country.
Once you have found yourself at the appropriate site, click on ‘Start now’ under ‘Apply for a Visa’. You should be taken to a step-by-step guide, in which the first step should be identifying your visa type, really important!! This will tell you all the documents that you need!
Click ‘Identify Visa type’. Then click on ‘Please select visa type’, scroll down and select the option ‘Long Stay Visa D’: Study (except for Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders). Here, you will find the documents required.
After you’ve identified all the documents you require for your Visa application, you will pay the Visa application fee of about €100. And you will be given your appointment confirmation, unless the country you applied from offers walk-ins for student Visas, confirm this with your local VFS, and you could potentially shorten the time you spend across the whole Visa process.
At your walk-in/appointment, along with submitting your documents, you will also be required to do biometrics. While this may not happen in all VFS offices, they need to double-check if you have any criminal ties, and it is required data for the EU too.
In biometrics, you will have your photo taken (which will not be in the visa, just for the Schengen database). Your fingerprints will be scanned and collected, and you will be asked to write down your signature. After all that is done, you've done everything that you could, so don’t focus on what you can’t control and keep your spirits high :)
Documents taken from me by VFS (for UAE students)
1. Academic Documents (Supporting documents): IGCSEs; AS; A2 (Predicted); High School Matriculation Certificate
2. Passport copy. (Your Passport copy & Your parents' Passport copies)
3. Confirmation of payment for the semester(s).
‘Certificate of admission and payment’.
‘Letter of admission’.
4. ‘Appendix 13’ form.
5. Application for residence permit form.
6. Flight ticket.
7. Travel insurance card.
8. Lease agreement.
9. Deposit payment confirmation for the lease agreement.
10. Sponsor details, including: Affidavit of Sponsorship; Sponsor ID; Sponsor employment letter w/ background details of employee; Sponsor Passport copy; Sponsor Personal
11.* Bank statement(s) for the preceding 6 months.Salary certificate of sponsor.
12. VFS questionnaire.
Residence permit
Residence permit
Students collecting their residence permit for the first time
Students collecting their residence permit for the first time
You can do so at the ‘Directorate of International Studies’ (1094 Tuzolta Utca 37-47, 1. Floor) at Semmelweis University during the opening hours.
Students applying for a residence permit through EnterHungary
Students applying for a residence permit through EnterHungary
Guide for renewed residence permit application.
Students applying for a residence permit through EnterHungary must submit the aforementioned documents — except the flight ticket and VFS questionnaire — listed in the ‘Documents taken from me by VFS (UAE)’ section under ‘Visas’. You must also pay the procedural fees of ~5700HUF unless you are exempt. The following cases are exempt from procedural fees, Ukrainian citizens (residence permit issuance/extension), Belarusian citizens (for study or employment purposes), and Students with a Hungarian State Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum).
You can only pay via bank transfer, regardless of whether you're applying in person or via EnterHungary.
Account Holder: National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.
IBAN: HU77 10023002-00283511-02000006.
Transfer Comment Section Must Include:
Applicant’s full name.
Date of birth.
The word, ‘lakcímkártya’.
EnterHungary case number.
Once your application has been sent, you will be asked to go for an In-Person visit to the immigration office to give them your biometric data (Finger prints, Pictures, Eye Scans)
To Save time, fill out this form to quickly make a reservation as a Semmelweis Student. The appointment for Semmelweis students is usually on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
The form will ask you for your EH number in the format of EH12345678. Filling this form out before the preceding Friday of a Wednesday will get you an appointment for that Wednesday. If you apply after Friday, your appointment will be booked for the Wednesday of the next week.
Students who’ve changed their accommodation
Students who’ve changed their accommodation
Refer to the following step-by-step guide published by Semmelweis University on how to update your residence permit.
Student Card
Student Card
Your Student Card is an official identification document. It can be used for identification, Public Transport, and other Discounts.
After attaining your residence permit, you must go to ‘Kormànyablak’ and ask for your ‘NEK’ data sheet and then submit it to the University so that you may apply for a Student Card. Your temporary Student Card may take anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks to get printed, so it is highly advisable that you do the above with haste.
Your temporary Student Card can be used until then. Your actual Student Card will take 6 months to be issued (See more here).
Check your Neptun account for your Education ID. Your Education ID should be available in Neptun under ‘My data’/personal information. This is necessary for issuing a temporary student card and processing the student card application. Note that freshmen usually receive their education ID in the second half of September.
Submit your Student Card application in the Application tab.
Send your ‘NEK’ data sheet to studentcard@semmelweis.hu or upload it here.
Neptun must contain both your permanent address (in your home country) and your residency address (in Hungary). Otherwise, we cannot submit a claim.
Information on how to enter the address to Neptun and how to finalise the Student Card application can be found on the Neptun FAQ page, under question 5: “How can I upload my residency address?” and under question 22: ”How can I finalise my Student Card application in Neptun?”
Wait for the notification and then come to the Registrar’s Office to take your temporary Student Card. Note that the Temporary Student Card can only be collected in person.
Please note that the Student Card must be validated with a sticker for each semester your student status is active. Please take care of your Student Card and the sticker on its backside, because if you lose them, you will have to pay a surcharge.
Validity periods:
• The Autumn Semester sticker is valid until the 31st of March.
• The Spring Semester sticker is valid until the 31st of October.
• The temporary Student Card is valid for 2 months.
• The ‘NEK’ data sheet is valid for 5 years.
Student Discounts
Student Discounts
Your ‘Student Card’ will grant you discounts on your public transport. If you buy the discounted Pest ticket, please do not enter the metro system without a valid student card on you, or you will be fined.
You can also get discounts for Cinemas, Thermal Baths, Spotify.
Public Transport
Public Transport
Budapest has a thorough public transport system which consists of a 4-line metro system, tram system, bus system and et cetera.
To travel on any public transport, you must have a pre-bought ticket and any form of identification to ensure it’s you using the pass/ticket, or you're going to get fined heavily.
BudapestGO/BKK is the official app used to purchase and present tickets on Hungarian public transport.
With a temporary Student Card, you are eligible for the discounted monthly ‘Pest county pass’ and the discounted monthly ‘Hungary pass’, which cost 945 and 1890 Forints respectively. Without the discounts, they cost 9450 and 18900 Forints, 10x more.
BudapestGO also offers single tickets at fixed rates, a single ticket will cost you 500 Forints, a 30-minute ticket will cost you 600 Forints and a 90-minute ticket will cost you 850 Forints. They also offer shuttle buses to and from the airport, costing you 2200 Forints one-way.
It is really important that you present your ticket while on public transport. So, before each ride, ensure your tickets are valid by checking the ‘My tickets’ section on the app. It must say valid on the pass/ticket you’re currently using. If asked to present your ticket, you tap on the inspector icon on the corner of your pass/ticket, and a QR code will pop up.
The Metro
The Metro
The Metro consists of 4 routes, the M1 (Yellow), M2 (Red), M3 (Blue) and M4 (Green).
M1, M2 and M3 mainly serve Pest (East of the Danube), whilst the M4 serves Buda (West of the Danube). The most important line to Semmelweis students is the M3, every faculty is covered by this line.
The Metro is almost always on schedule. Usual waiting times range from 3 to 10 minutes, but usually around 5 minutes.
The Yellow line (M1): A personal favourite, the Yellow line is the oldest metro line in Europe and spans from ‘Vorosmarty ter’ to ‘Mexikoi ut.’. This line runs through tourist attractions like Heroes Square ‘Hosok tere’, Opera and ‘Szechenyi baths’.
The Red line (M2): Spanning from ‘Deli Palyaudvar’ (The railway station) to ‘Ors Vezer tere’ (Ikea!), the Red line is the metro line which will get you around Belvaros (The inner city). Notably, if you want to visit the parliament, you would get off at ‘Kossuth Lajos tér’.
The Blue line (M3): Spanning from ‘Ujpest-Koszpont’ to ‘Kobanya-Kispest’, the Blue line is the longest and second-oldest metro line in Budapest. The most important stop for Semmelweis students is Semmelweis Klinikak. Once getting off at Semmelweis Klinikak, it’s a 5-minute walk to the ‘Main Sciences building’.
The Green line (M4): I’ve been on this metro a combined total of 5 times in my 20 years of life. But it's there and is the newest one. This is the one you would use if you were to head to Buda (West of the Danube), as some oncology and paediatrics buildings are located in Buda.
MolBubi
MolBubi
MolBubi is a service with which you can rent bikes across Budapest. It’s very accessible and cheap. They have many stations situated across Budapest. Their prices are as follows:
1500 Forints for a Monthly pass that charges you 0 Forints per minute for the first 30 minutes of your ride, and thereon after 30 minutes it charges you 50 Forints per minute.
Without a monthly pass — 100 Forints to unlock the bike (counted towards bike use), and 50 Forints per minute as the standard fixed rate.
If the bike is not returned to a proper station after its use, you will be fined 5000 Forints.
Accommodation
Accommodation
Websites
facebook.com (There are many pages titled "Budapest Apartments" My personal recommendation; but make sure to ask for the person's passport and don't pay for a deposit until you see the apartment in person)
General advice
“Where should I live?”, A question I’m asked frequently. First of all, Budapest is quite safe. However, this is what I can say from my time there — keep in mind some people disagree on this.
Generally, the V district is the most optimal and considered the safest; this is not to say, however, that it’s the only safe district. The general consensus is that V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and XIII — generally safe districts are the ones closest to District V / The inner city / Belvaros — are the safest parts of Budapest and would be the best places to find apartments.
Please carefully assess the conditions of the apartments/rooms you book. An air conditioning unit is a must in Hungary, especially during the summer.
To ensure you're getting the best deal, avoid apartments with outdated meters or appliances such as water heaters and radiators, as this will spike your utilities bill in the Winter.
Be suspicious if they ask for payment via Western Union, MoneyGram, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfer before you've signed a lease or seen official documentation. Reputable landlords or agencies usually use secure payment methods.
“You need to pay now or I’ll give it to someone else 👹” is a clear and common manipulation tactic.
If the apartment looks newly renovated, in the centre of Budapest, and is shockingly cheap (e.g. €300 for a luxury 1-bedroom in District V or VI) — it’s likely a scam or misrepresented.
Sometimes you may get a contract in Hungarian even though the listing is in English. This doesn’t necessarily mean the listing is a scam, but make sure you get a translated version of the lease, or have a legal representative review it before signing.
“Utilities Included”, Sometimes utilities are only partially included, and you’ll be charged based on usage. Get this clarified in writing by your landlord to avoid any confusion and legal disputes.
Use Google Maps or street view to cross-check the address, and reverse image search the photos to check if they were stolen from other listings. Personally, I found this very useful to verify the listings I was interested in.
SIM Cards
SIM Cards
Main Operators
Main Operators
The 3 main mobile network operators in Hungary are Telekom, Yettel and One. All of these have separate packages. To get a SIM card, you need to bring some sort of ID with you, (be it your passport or residence permit) as well as proof that you are living in Hungary (like a rental contract or an address card). You tell them the package you want, whether it's prepaid or postpaid, sign the contract and collect your SIM.
Telekom, based in Germany, is one of the main Mobile network operators in Hungary. Their packages are as follows:
Domino: 1GB data - 20 minutes call time - 120 days validity - HUF 990
Domino Extra: 2GB Data - 40 minutes call time - 366 days validity - HUF 1,990
Rates and Charges: 27 HUF per minute fee and 27 HUF per SMS within the EU and Hungary
One-Time Data options:
HUF 590: 1GB for 24 hours
HUF 1,090 : 3GB for 3 days
HUF 1,090: Unlimited Data for 1 day
HUF 2,090: Unlimited Data for 3 days
HUF 3,590: Unlimited Data for 7 days
‘Maraton’ (until runs out):
HUF 1,990: 2GB
HUF 3,990: 5GB
HUF 5,990: 10GB
Recurring:
HUF 1,290: 1.5GB for 30 days
HUF 2,390: 5GB for 30 days
HUF 9,990: Unlimited Data for 30 days
Voice Options:
HUF 490: Unlimited call time for 1 day
HUF 1,190: Unlimited call time for 3 days
HUF 690: 100 min for 7 days
Data Plans/month:
Net S: 5GB in all EU - HUF 2,990
Net M: 30GB in all EU - HUF 6,990
Net L: Unlimited in Hungary and 50GB in the EU - HUF 11,990
Net XL: Unlimited in Hungary and 60GB in the EU, Netflix Basic and Cyber Security - HUF 14,490
Voice Plans/month:
Mobil S: 50 minutes only in Hungary - HUF 2,000
Mobil M: Unlimited Calls in Hungary and 30 minutes for EU Roaming - HUF 3,900
Mobil L: Unlimited Calls in Hungary and EU Roaming - HUF 6,900
Formerly known as Telenor, Yettel is the third largest in Hungary and is based in Hungary. Their packages are as follows:
Yettel Start: 2Gb + 100 Minutes + Usable data in EU roaming zone 1 - HUF 4,490/month
Yettel Prime: 25GB + 200 Minutes + Usable data in EU roaming zone 1 - HUF 8,990/month
Yettel Prime Plus: Unlimited Data + 200 Minutes + 65 GB Usable in EU roaming zone 1 - HUF 13,990/month
Yettel Prime Simple Net: 60GB + 100 minutes + Usable data in EU roaming zone 1 - HUF 11,490/month
Yettel Prime Extra: Unlimited Data + Unlimited Minutes + 75 GB Usable data in EU roaming zone 1 - HUF 16,990/month
Yettel Prime Max: Unlimited Data + Unlimited Minutes + 95GB usable in EU roaming zone 1 - HUF 22,990/month
Note that the Additional minute and sms fee is HUF 40 for all packages with the exception of ‘Yettel Prime Max’
One-Time Data options:
HUF 625: 1GB in EU (Text 1GB1 to 1744)
HUF 1,250: Unlimited data/day in Hungary + 5GB in EU (Text KORL1 to 1744)
HUF 3,750: Unlimited data/5 days in Hungary + 15GB in EU (Text KORL5 to 1744)
One-Time Data and Voice options:
HUF 1,250: 1GB + HUF 2,000 voice credit/5 days (Text 1GB5 to 1744)
HUF 1,875: 3GB + HUF 3,000 voice credit/5 days (Text 3GB5 to 1744)
HUF 3,750: 10GB + HUF 6,000 voice credit/5 days (Text 10GB5 to 1744)
HUF 625: HUF 1000 voice credit/5 days (Text 5H to 1744)
30-day recurring:
HUF 1,500: 1GB in EU (Text 1GB30 to 1744)
HUF 3,125: 3GB in EU ( Text 3GB30 to 1744)
HUF 6,250: 10GB in EU ( Text 10GB30 to 1744)
Note that Prepaid options only are up to 4G, whereas Postpaid are up to 5G, “unlimited speed” make what you will of that.
Formerly known as Vodafone, One is based in Hungary and is the second-largest mobile network operator in the country. Their Packages are as follows:
Mini 3GB: 3GB + 5Mbit/s download + Unlimited domestic calls on same network + 150 minutes off network - HUF 3,990
Mini 5GB: 5GB + 5Mbit/s download + Unlimited in Hungary - HUF 6,490
Easy: Unlimited data in Hungary + 5Mbit/s download + HUF 25 per minute domestically - HUF 6,990
Xtra: Unlimited data in Hungary + 5 Mbit/s download + Unlimited calls in Hungary - HUF 9,990
Maxi: Unlimited data in Hungary + 100 Mbit/s download + Unlimited calls and sms in Hungary - HUF 13,990
Maxi+: Unlimited data in Hungary + “Maximum” download speed + Unlimited calls and sms in the EU - HUF 17,990
Tuti Recharge card : 100mb/month + HUF 19/minute + HUF 25/sms - HUF 1500 for sim card
Data Options:
HUF 2,590: 5GB renewable for 30 days in the EU
HUF 4,990: 20GB renewable for 30 days in the EU
HUF 12,990: Unlimited data and talk for 30 days + 47GB in the EU
HUF 1,290: 1GB renewable for 30 days in the EU
HUF 1,490: 1GB one-time for 60 days in the EU
HUF 2,270: 1GB can be used 3 times in a row of 30 days, so for 3 months in the EU
HUF 5,690: 1GB can be used 12 times in a row of 30 days, so for 12 months
HUF 4,990: 5GB can be used 3 times in a row of 30 days, so for 3 months in the EU
HUF 7,990 : 500Gb one time can be used domestically for 30 days + 31GB in the EU
Call Options:
HUF 300: 1 day of unlimited talk
HUF 900: 3 days of unlimited talk
HUF 4,990: 30 days of unlimited talk
HUF 4,990: 100 minutes can be used 3 times in a row for 30 day,s so for 3 months
Banking
Banking
There are a bunch of options for choosing which bank suits you, and if you're 18+, you can pretty much open an account with any bank, although some banks offer a better bang for your buck, pun intended. So, here's a list of almost every bank that I could find and its services and what they do and don't offer
OTP offers accounts for students, more specifically for people under the age of 24.
It has the following outlying features:
Account management fee is free.
The issuance and annual fee for your Mastercard Online Junior card is free.
The mobile banking service is free.
Cash withdrawals from ATMs and postal terminals up to HUF 150,000 twice a month are free.
For purchases with cash receipts up to HUF 40,000 twice a month is free.
You can also transfer “the price of a shared lunch” to your friend free of charge if they send you a payment request.
5-30% cashback every month when you shop with your card at their partners in the OTP Junior Program.
The partners included in the Program are KFC, MOBILFOX, Starbucks, Notebook.hu, PIREX, Lira and Budapest Park.
The service for electronic transfers up to HUF 100,000 is also free of cost.
Locations in the ‘City Centre’:
Jozsef krt. 33; Corvin Plaza; Kalvin Square; Szabadsag ter 7-8; Vaci Street 1-3; October 23rd Street 8-10; Deak Ferenc u. 7-9; Ferenc krt. 13; Oktogon 3; Deak Ferenc u. 7-9; Thokoly ut. 4
How to Open an Account?
Once you go in, head straight to the Token Machine, start by choosing the English option at the top, then pick the option for opening a new account. Get a token and wait for your turn (prepare to wait for 1hour+), and go to the designated table for your token. There is a good chance that they may tell you that they can not help you today, and instead ask you to make an appointment (just let them know when you are free and they’ll make it for you).
OTP requires that a person is there to officially translate Hungarian → English so you can open your account. Keep in mind that each location may be different. I would personally recommend the Westend Brand, there is usually an English Speaking worker there who will officially translate for you. The Kalvin Square and Corvin Plaza branches also have English speaking workers, but you may not find anyone there willing to officially translate for you. Essentially, if you find a worker who is willing to help you out, they will just ask you to sign a paper saying that they did in fact translate everything.
The following are the documents you need to bring with you:
Passport or National ID of your own country
Residence Permit
You will also need your Address Card which has a QR code on it. It's the document sent to you by the embassy after your visa is issued.
A Hungarian speaking person Depending on the Branch).
I went to a branch to open an account on the 1st of August, and the lady took my application. I had to fill out a form which asked me stuff like “How much will you be spending in a month?” and “How much can you expect to be transferred into your account annually?”. Pretty basic stuff, nothing too complicated.
Revolut is an International Online Bank with a European banking license. It is facilitated by the Bank of Lithuania and is based in the UK. It's practically modern-day PayPal with a bunch of extra services at your disposal. You can find very mixed reviews regarding Revolut on the web. I have been using it since I came to Budapest, and it's been working pretty well for me. One of the seniors also told me in the group chat that they use it too, but do your own research and don't take mine or anyone's suggestion blindly. Your money is a sensitive case, and I would like you to know what type of water you're dipping your toes in yourselves.
How to Open Your Account?
Somehow even simpler than OTP. You download the app, sign up via your mailing address and make a password. You need to verify your identity for Hungary, so you need to submit your residence permit on the app, as well as recording a video of your gorgeous face to prove that it is truly you behind the screen. After which, you need to tell them what country you're living in other than Hungary, and if you pay taxes in that specific country, then they need your tax number, too or your social security number for the US. And that's it. You have your account, and you can make more accounts too for separate currencies such as Euros, USD, AED, SAR, QAR, INR, etc.
Religious Sites
Religious Sites
Mosques
Mosques
Masjid Al-Taqwa, Closest to Semmelweis University
Churches
Churches
St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, and tied as the Second tallest building in Hungary along with the Hungarian Parliament. Ticket prices go from 2 400 – 6 200 HUF, student discount available. (If you attend for mass, you do not need to pay)
Our Lady of Hungary Russian Church
Sacred Heart of Jesus Jesuit Church
Budapesti Árpád-házi Szent Erzsébet Plébániatemplom
Synagogues
Synagogues
Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest Synagogue in Europe. Ticket prices for students ~ 10 500 HUF
Temples
Temples
Restaurants & Delivery Apps
Restaurants & Delivery Apps
Restaurants
Restaurants
Kalvin Kebab, Reviews indicate this is a Halal Turkish Restaurant
Laffa, ME and Mediterranean Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’
Star Kebab Turkish Restaurant, Reviews indicate this is a Halal Turkish Restaurant
Oriental Bar, Egyptian and Mediterranean Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’
Midos Chicken, Middle Eastern Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’
Darband Restaurant, Persian Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’
Taj Mahal, Indian Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’ (Serve alcohol though)
Indus Restaurant and Bar, Indian Cuisine
Pándzsáb Tandoori Indiai Étterem, Indian Cuisine
Devbhoomi Indian Restaurant, Indian Cuisine
ZAIQA Restaurant, Pakistani Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’
Hanna Orthodox Kosher Restaurant, Kosher
Carmel Kóser Étterem, Kosher
MINA Burrito, Mexican Cuisine, ‘Halal Certified’
Taiwan Restaurant, Chinese Cuisine
AN Asian Restaurant, East Asian Cuisine
Bangkok Thai Étterem, Thai Cuisine
Hi Bing, Chinese Cuisine
Komachi Bistro, Japanese Cuisine
Kpub, Korean Street Food Cuisine
Oliviks Kitchen, African Cuisine
Lagos Büfé African Fast Foods, African Cuisine
African Buffet and Bar, African Cuisine
Supermarkets/Butchers
Supermarkets/Butchers
Cairo market, Egyptian w/ Halal Butcher Shop
Turul Turkish Halal Meat and Grocery Store, Turkish w/ Halal Butcher Shop
Kashmir Bazar Budapest, South Asian and African w/ Halal Butcher Shop
Syrian Center, Syrian Halal Butcher and Foodstuff
Dubai Szupermarket, ME and African
Spices of India Store Budapest, South Asian
Desi Market, South Asian
Troya Turkish Food Store, Turkish w/ Halal Butcher Shop
Namaste India Budapest Store, South Asian
Kohinoor Bazaar, South Asian
Kosher Market, Kosher
Kosher Supermarket in Budapest, Kosher
YAFO kosher deli, Kosher
Asian Grocery Store, East Asian
Asian Food Center, East Asian
ASIA MARKET, East Asian
Tao Oriental Market, Korean
Taste The World, Asian and Middle Eastern
Momoko - Japan Treats & Bubble Tea, Japanese
Silk Road Market, Asian and African
Note the following:
For Silk Road Market, Dubai Szupermarket, Kashmir Bazar Budapest Google Reviews insinuate that they sell African food and condiments as well.
Some breads have pork in the form of Gelatin or pork skin, kindly check the labels or inquire the owners.
Cocorico (Pre cut chicken company) sells its products at SPAR, and even though their website explicitly mentions that it is Halal certified, their customer service through email has indicated the products sold in Hungary are not Halal.#
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Wolt - Most popular app in Budapest; great UI, fast delivery from restaurants & stores.
Foodora - Huge selection of restaurants, groceries, and pharmacies.
Kifli.hu - Online supermarket that aims to provide convenient, fast, and high-quality grocery shopping.
Amazon Deutschland - Amazon for Germany, Many people in Hungary use this alternative because amazon does not operate in Hungary yet. Delivery and import fees are affordable as well. Students can use Semmelweis University’s Package Room to receive packages to prevent the delivery driver from leaving it at their door step unattended.
Marwa Foods - For delivery from Restaurants and Supermarkets in Budapest and Debrecen and other useful services. It also indicates restaurants and supermarkets which serve halal meats.
Student Clubs
Student Clubs
Official Semmelweis Teams
Student Clubs
Organisations and Student Interest Group
H4H Hungary (Hearts for Homeless): Originally an American Non-profit, H4H focuses on preventative medical care for homeless people and direct donations. Volunteering events include food and clothes distribution, blood pressure tests &blood glucose tests
Associations
Associations
As international students, you will be officially represented by the International Semmelweis Students Association (that's us!) in official and academic settings. But if you would like to connect more closely with people in your own community, feel free to reach out to the international associations at Semmelweis.
International associations at Semmelweis
International associations at Semmelweis
South Korean association - SKA
Japanese Student Association - JSA
Persian Student Association - SISA
Arabic Student Association - ASAS
South Asian Association - SASS
African Student Association - A.S.U.S
Chinese Students Association - SCSA
Norwegian Students Association - ANSA
Turkish Students Association - TUSA
Semmelweis LGBTQ+ Association - QSSA
Central Asian Students Association
Taiwanese Students Association
British and Irish Student Association - B.I.S.S.A.
Israeli Students Association - ISOB
The following people have worked on making this document: Anna Katinka Forsmark; Kyce; Khaled El Hosni; Mohammed Omar Wasim; Yan Kojoukhine; Sidrah Khan; Sarah Abu Salem; Zoha Yaseen; Muhammad Yahya Iftikhar Lone; Kandarp; Kawthr Muhayad; Renata Carvalho; Omar Oqaili. We thank them for all their hard work!
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