SLOVAKIA | Accommodation | Finding accommodation

General (student) housing situation

It is good to know that in Slovakia and especially in the capital city it is relatively expensive to rent a flat or house in comparison with accommodation in a student hostel. It is important to consider all the costs according to your budget. There is also a big difference in rents in the centre of the city and its suburbs. The local transport is relatively reliable, so you don't have to live within walking distance. Furnished flats usually have a fridge, dishes, cutlery, bed linen, washing machine, vacuum cleaner or other appliances.

Before you start looking for an accommodation, you should ask yourself a few questions:

Would I prefer to live on my own or share accommodation with others?
What is my budget?
Do I already have a preferred area where I would like to live?

Types of accommodation

Student Hostel: If you travel to Slovakia for a long-term stay, it is advisable to make sure you have reserved accommodation in advance. If you are a trainee, contact the international office of a nearby university, so that it can help you find accommodation in a student hostel. Student hostels are not very comfortable, because you usually have to share the room with one or two other people, and there is only one kitchen, bathroom and toilet for a few rooms. The rooms are furnished modestly with just a bed, wardrobe and desk. However, there are also advantages of living in a student hostel. It is the cheapest type of accommodation, and there are facilities such as a swimming pool, gym or fitness centre. There is also a cafeteria, where you can get a cheap meal and a snack bar. You can watch TV in the lounge, and sometimes there are discos or other social happenings. A student hostel is suitable for young people who prefer a low price over luxury, and want to be in touch with other young people. If you did not make a reservation in advance, go straight to the foreign department of the university/faculty. You can also be helped by student organizations.

Rented Flat: If you want to have something more comfortable and private, you can rent a flat. In that case, we advise approaching real estate agencies. They have a list of flats or houses for rent. The tenant can live in a rented flat by himself/herself, or two or three young people can decide to share the flat. In comparison to a student hostel, this type of accommodation is more expensive.

There are also extra expenses for electricity, water, gas, rubbish disposal, using the lift and a cable TV connection. There is usually a kitchen equipped with a cooker, oven and fridge, and cupboards with pots, plates and cutlery; sometimes there is also an electric kettle. In flats in Slovakia, the bathroom and toilet are separated. Rented flats are furnished very modestly; sometimes there is also a washing machine, microwave oven or dishwasher, but that is not common. Most flats have central heating, which is included in the rent. Prices for renting a flat depend on the region. The most expensive is accommodation in the capital city, and the unwritten rule is the closer it is to the city centre, the higher the price is. However, it is not a problem to stay in the suburbs, as the public transport is relatively reliable and there is a dense network of buses, trams and trolleybuses that interconnect all the parts of the city.

Living with a family: In Slovakia, it is less common to rent a room with a family and get your food provided. This type of accommodation is used only in the case of student exchanges. Occasionally, you might find such accommodation in detached houses. The landlord/landlady will rent you one room with a bathroom, and as an extra service may offer to wash your clothes. Very few young people make use of this type of accommodation.

Once you have found suitable accommodation that meets your needs and preferences, you should consider the following:

Is the accommodation secure? (Check the locks on doors and windows)
Is the accommodation multicultural?
Is the accommodation located near you place of work?
What is the public transport like?
What equipment is available in the accommodation (furniture, appliances), and is everything working?
What type of heating is it, and is there an extra charge for it?
Are there extra charges for electricity and water?
Do I have any allergies, for example to animals?