Hitchhikers guide through Zagreb student life

When I first set my foot out of the train at the Zagreb Main Railway Station in order to start the adventure named 'student life' six years ago, I was aware that I was standing in the heart of the living organism of million people. Such abundance of laughs, murmurs and footsteps filling up the cafes, streets and parks that I hadn't had the chance to meet yet. And I was anxious to do so. At the time, I thought of Zagreb as a biosphere for itself, with its own beat and rules but yet willing to accept everyone eager to see the treasures this city beholds. And, believe me, that is quite an amount. In the city with a student population of approximately 60 000 people, I dare say that they are some fundamental things that the majority of Zagreb students would¸agree. Bearing that in mind, I have decided to share 4 simple truths that I will always think of when someone mentions 'student life in Zagreb'.

Image credit: esavainfo.hr

1. Goodbye to the luxury of parent's nest, hello to the cheap food from 'menza' and student discounts!

One of the first things I learned about student lifestyle was eating in the student canteen popularly called menza. Ripped away from parents cuisine, Zagreb students have two choices: either learn how to cook or eat in the canteen, which is the majority's choice. In about 15 places all around the city, like student dormitories or faculties, you can get a decent meal for one euro.

'Menza' is not just a place to get your lunch or dinner, it is also a meeting place to catch up with your colleagues or to take a break from studying. Oh, and don't be surprised if you and your friends go for a coffee that will take more than an hour. We like to rest after meal. You can go with the crowd of 15 people or you can go by yourself with your headphones in your ears. Nobody cares and that is awesome! :)

Apart from the cheap food, Zagreb also offers great discounts for students, whether we are talking about movie or theater tickets, travelling discounts or clothing stores. So, you might want to ask around about that. For example, there are often student stalls in front of the Student centre giving out the 'Zlatna karta' (golden ticket) with numerous discounts from hairdressers to printing exam literature made especially for students. Being a student in Zagreb means that you don't have millions to spend, and Zagreb is perfectly fine with it! In fact, being humble is a part of the student folklore because you can get a lot of free stuff because of your student status. By the time you reach your bachelor's degree, you will be a true master of cheap living. So bohemian, right?

Image credit: Mato Stipić/ esavainfo.hr

2. Sava (Stjepan Radić) dormitory is a state of mind

Throughout my years studying journalism, I've experienced living in an apartment, commuting from my hometown to classes, and living in dormitories. And, as far as I can say, if you want the full student life experience - dormitory is the way to go. But, you need to be aware that this is not for people used to having their own peace and quiet any time they feel like it.

But, that's the part of the charm. With eleven buildings and 4000 beds, Stjepan Radić is the biggest dormitory in Zagreb. It is situated right next to the Sava river, the origin of its nickname. Sava never sleeps, that is a fact. There is always someone you can have a cup of coffee or a glass of beer with, go to the city or just borrow a pinch of salt from. People living in Sava are very proud of it, and they often say that time spent there was the time of their lives. How wouldn't they be! There is always something going on in Sava: Pancake night, water balloon fight, snowball fights during the winter etc. You can not be indifferent towards Sava. You can either love it or hate that communal 'Sava state of mind'.

There are two other big dormitories near Sava : 'Cvjetno' and 'Šara', but none of them got that legendary status which Sava enjoys. They are more intimate and peaceful, but still pretty great to live in.

Image credit: Mario P.

3. Leisure time is as much important as studying

Even though there is a common knowledge how life in the north of Croatia is much more hectic than in the south; northerners love their leisure time as much as the southerners. :) When we study and work, we study and work, but there is always time for a quick cup of coffee in the city centre or in the hood. During your studying years in Zagreb, this will become your daily routine whether it is morning coffee before classes or the afternoon break after them. Zagreb is full of chic street cafes just waiting for you to rest or socialize in them. We love themed interior cafes, which Zagreb isn't in shortage off, like for example book cafe ' Kava&Knjiga' (Coffee and Book) opened by the late famous writer Zvonimir Milčec.

But the most popular places are those with the adjective 'alternative' standing in front of them, just like one in the picture above, Krivi put, which literally means 'the wrong way'. Located in the wider center, it is always full with jolly chattering students, artistic souls and other wanderers who were attracted to the insides of the urban garden. People are pretty relaxed around there and open for conversations as well. Any time of the day and night, you can always come for a good time. You will notice how every faculty in Zagreb has a lot of cafes around them, because one of the Zagreb students characteristics is to study in cafes. :)

When it comes to nightlife, we also prefer the adjective 'alternative'. In the past few years, there has been a boom of industrial complexes which were turned into cultural centres and clubs, like for example the old medicine factory 'Medika', which was also a former s+quat, or former tar factory 'Katran', which is also favoured by the students. You can never get bored in Zagreb - there is always something going on in the city and you can practically choose where do you want to go every night. For jazz lovers, there is 'Booze and Blues'. For people loving commercial house music, lake Jarun with its clubs is the place to be, and for alternative rock people Vintage is the right choice. Clubs are numerous and they are always full, with a small entrance fee. Zagreb, thank you for that!

Image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

4. We take our culture and extracurricular activities very seriously

Art galleries, museums and film festivals aren't just for older people. Zagrebian students are quite aware of that as well. Since Zagreb cultural offer is everything but not scarce, we are not afraid to use it. If you are a young artist in Zagreb, there are plenty of places to affirm yourself like the galleries Greta, Medika or Boonika, which are very open and willing to give young people the chance.

If you are just an art lover, there are plenty of festivals and events to attend to through the entire year, indoor and outdoor. Those have the special place in Zagrebian hearts, like for example 'Cest is the best' - the festival of street art or Summer on Stross presented in the picture. They are often free or cheap so there is no excuse for not participating. A lot of students like to volunteer for those kind of events because that is a great way of networking with likeminded people and an excellent opportunity to meet some fascinating people and learn something new. Maybe the best example for that is Subversive, a film festival problematizing current social affairs and problems with a lot of relevant public figures as guests, which is favoured by the younger crowd. Zagreb students have a lot of hobbies and are often members of some student association, whether it is based on the political, cultural, professional or other kind of preference. We like engaging!

There is a lot to be said about being a student in Zagreb. It truly became an international mecca for those craving for adventures, especially for a small town girl like me. And if you know a few life hacks like theese four, you are on your way to having a great rollercoaster ride. Just remember to fasten your seat belt because Zagreb will sweep you off your feet! 

Header image credit: Zagreb Tourist Board, Marko Vrdoljak

Author: Lana Suša