Program Details: Romania Babes-Bolyai University
Is this program for me?
With more than 39,000 students, UBB is a large, public University with students from all over the world. It was originally established in 1581 making it one of the oldest Universities in Romania. UBB is a comprehensive university with academic programs offered in different languages, depending on the department. UBB offers a very welcoming and open campus and embraces multiculturalism as a core value of the institution. The University is spread throughout the city of Cluj, so this offers students a more urban campus environment. The exchange is open to all majors. This program is ideal for students interested in a full immersion into a highly regarded Romanian University.
Babes-Bolyai University is located in the city of Cluj-Napoca, the second most populous city in Romania. Cluj-Napoca is in the heart of the region of Transylvania which is most often recognized because of author Bram Stoker's fictitious character Dracula. The city offers a great deal to students who choose to venture to this less-traditional study abroad location. It hosts very well-known film and music festivals, many restaurants, clubs, and beautiful parks. It prides itself on offering a great blend of strong traditions and modernity, as well as being an open and welcoming environment and embracing its multicultural roots. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to hike the Carpathian Mountains near Cluj. Also, Romania offers the largest beaches along the Black Sea.
International Relations Office
Housing and Meals
Students can apply for on-campus residence halls which cost around 220 Lei per month or around $55 USD per month. On-campus housing is limited, and not guaranteed. Rooms are double or quad occupancy. There are no single units available. Also, students will have public toilets, showers, and sinks. The bathrooms are cleaned and maintained. Students who apply by the deadline will be offered a housing placement in the on-campus residence halls. There are several residence hall buildings located on the Hasdeu complex. Most of the halls house at least 400 students. There is a cafeteria on the Hasdeu campus, and many of the academic buildings around town also offer a small cafeteria for students.
Students will be provided with sheets for their bed, but they will be required to purchase towels and other necessary items. Each of the dorms has a front desk with an attendant available 24/7. Many of the halls do not have elevator access. Buildings with over 10 floors do have elevators, but students should expect to take the stairs in many buildings. More information
Students who prefer more independent living arrangements can rent a local apartment. BBU recommends that students work through a real estate agency to find an apartment. Students can usually find a local apartment for between 200-250 Euro per month.
Meals are inexpensive in Romania. A typical meal in a cafeteria will cost around $2 - $3.
Academic Program & Courses
Courses available at the Babes-Bolyai University
This program is open to all majors. Students will be required to take the majority of their courses from one primary academic department. Students will not be free to select any course taught in English across the university. For example, students majoring in business will be required to take the majority of their courses from the Faculty of Business at BBU.
Links to Department pages for available courses:
International Relations courses
Physical Education and Sports courses
UG students may be allowed to take Masters level courses at BBU. This is subject to approval by the Department Erasmus Coordinator.
Students applying for the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration may have the option of participating in an internship during the semester.
How will the courses I take at BBU transfer back to my GVSU transcript?
Campus Information
BBU has a robust Erasmus Student Network that organizes events and activities for international students. They also serve as an important resource for students as they adjust to the life and culture of Cluj-Napoca and BBU. Information about the Erasmus Student Network in Cluj-Napoca. BBU has campus buildings throughout the city of Cluj. Most students will live in the Hasdeu Complex which is walking distance from the city centre. Depending on the area of study, students may need to travel by bus or tram to the academic buildings. There is a large student activity building which hosts many events throughout the year.
Travel Information
Students will fly into Avram Iancu International Airport in Cluj, Romania which is about 15 minute drive to the Hasdeu Student Complex. From the airport, students can take a taxi to the student housing.