Bucharest students face rising costs and financial pressure

Students in Bucharest are facing significant financial pressures that impact their ability to complete their education. High costs for housing, food, and transportation are forcing many to make difficult compromises.

Monthly expenses for students living in dormitories range from 350 to 1,000 lei, while integrated public transport subscriptions cost approximately 160 lei. Food represents the largest burden; students who cook at home spend between 1,200 and 1,600 lei per month, though those eating out can spend significantly more. A decent monthly budget is estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 lei, excluding additional social or educational expenses.

To manage these costs, many students work part-time jobs, such as animation or other flexible roles, to supplement parental support. In extreme cases, the financial strain leads students to reduce food intake to once a day, contributing to rising university dropout rates in Romania.