Student Stories: My Life at the University of Pécs

Ever wondered what it would be like to study in Hungary? In today’s blog, we’re interviewing Draha Syeda Abrar Toaha, a Bachelor’s student in Business Administration and Management at the University of Pécs, who takes us inside her journey of studying and living in Hungary’s oldest university city.

If you’re considering less common (and more affordable) study abroad destinations, Pécs could be a great choice. The city has recently been ranked 14th on a list of the world’s best student cities, surpassing other popular European cities, including London, Leuven, and Barcelona. Pécs topped the ranking for cost of living and also received high scores for student friendliness and safety.

Draha shares what initially drew her to Pécs – the university’s strong academic reputation and international focus – as well as what student life is like in this charming city.

Why the University of Pécs?

My journey to Pécs actually started when I applied for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship back in 2022. I had the chance to choose from several universities across Hungary, and after going through all the options, I put the University of Pécs at the top of my list.

I’d heard from a lot of students that Pécs has an amazing international community, and that really stood out to me – I wanted to study somewhere that values diversity and has a welcoming environment.

What attracted you to the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pécs?

The first one was the EFMD accreditation, which basically means the faculty meets international standards for business education. That gave me a lot of confidence that I’d be getting a high-quality degree – and it really turned out to be true.

What I love most, though, is how the courses combine theory with practice. It’s not just reading from textbooks; we actually get to apply what we learn. For example, in some classes, we’ve worked with real companies to come up with business or HR strategies. Those projects really helped me see how what we learn in class connects to the real world.

The faculty also gives a lot of space for entrepreneurial creativity. My favourite event is the iExpo, where students present their business ideas to professionals. I’ve taken part twice and even won prizes both times – with great mentoring from my professors. And during the Simonyi Summer School, we got to work with students from the US as business consultants for real companies, which was such a cool and eye-opening experience.

How did the Faculty support you during your Bachelor’s degree?

The staff and professors here are honestly one of my favourite parts of studying at Pécs. Moving to a new country is never easy – everything feels unfamiliar at first – but the support I received made things so much smoother. My program administrator was always patient and helpful whenever I had questions about my studies or paperwork, and I knew I could always count on her.

Since the education system in Bangladesh is quite different from Europe’s, it took me a while to adjust. But my professors went above and beyond – they shared extra notes, offered extra help, and really made sure I was keeping up. Thanks to them, I got back on track and started enjoying my courses more.

They also support us outside the classroom. I’ve gone to professors for career advice, CV tips, and internship guidance, and they’ve always been encouraging and open. Because of their mentorship, I’ve had the chance to work in different roles within the faculty, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

All in all, the people here genuinely care – and that makes the whole university experience so much more meaningful.

What is life like in Pécs?

Student life in Pécs is the perfect mix of calm and lively. It’s a small city, so you quickly get familiar with people and places – it feels cosy and personal, almost like one big student community. As an international student living far from home, that sense of community really made a difference for me.

There’s also a huge variety of student organisations, so you can either take part in the events they organise or become one of the people creating those events. I personally loved being on the organising side and got involved as a board member in ESN Pécs and ISO KTK. It felt like stepping into a real working environment – managing events, planning projects, and collaborating with other students – which became the perfect transition for me toward professional life. Plus, through these organisations, I met people from other faculties too, so my friendships and connections grew far beyond just business students.

There’s always something happening – art workshops, student concerts, factory visits, cultural events – you name it. Some days we’re all studying together for exams, and other days we’re out organising or joining fun events. That balance between academics and student life makes living here really fulfilling.

What has been your highlight of studying at the University of Pécs?

My experience at Pécs has been amazing and full of variety. I study with people from all over the world, and that diversity makes everything so much more interesting. Group projects are never the same – everyone brings different ideas and perspectives, and that’s taught me a lot about teamwork and adaptability.

Being the student representative for my cohort has also been a big highlight. I got to communicate with my classmates, help solve problems, and organise things, which really improved my leadership and communication skills. Plus, it made me connect with almost everyone – I ended up with friends from so many countries, and that’s something I’ll always cherish.

How would you summarise your experience at the University of Pécs?

Overall, it’s been a mix of fun, challenge, and growth. I’ve learned a lot – not just about business, but also about people and cultures – and that’s what makes the experience so special.