Living in Ljubljana: a vibrant experience for young adventurers! Welcome to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s enchanting capital! If you’re looking for a unique, dynamic and culturally rich experience, then this vibrant city is for you. Let me guide you through the wonders of student life, the dazzling cultural scene, the energetic youth, the trendy bars and the safety of this welcoming city. What’s more, if you’d like to read about our experiences in this incredible country, we’ve put together a blog post just for you! Enjoy the read.
Life in Ljubljana is dynamic!
Student life in Ljubljana: Ljubljana is known for its vibrant and dynamic student atmosphere. With the University of Ljubljana, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Central Europe, the city attracts students from all over the world. The lively campuses, modern libraries, sports facilities and numerous clubs and associations provide an environment conducive to learning, personal development and the establishment of new and lasting friendships.
A vibrant cultural life: Ljubljana is a veritable cultural mosaic. The city is packed with fascinating museums, art galleries, theatres and festivals that embrace all forms of artistic expression. The Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Slovenia exhibit masterpieces by local and international artists. The National Theatre of Slovenia offers quality performances in a variety of genres. Festivals such as the Ljubljana Summer Festival, which runs from June to September, offer a rich and varied programme of concerts, dance performances and open-air theatre. Ljubljana’s young people are passionate about culture, and this is reflected in the diversity of cultural events and venues on offer.
Going out to bars and restaurants: Ljubljana is full of trendy bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. For a lively night out, head to Metelkova, an alternative district renowned for its art scene and eclectic bars. The Klub Cirkus bar offers lively evenings with local and international DJs, while the Orto bar is a popular destination for fans of alternative music. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to the Maček urban garden, where you can sip a glass of Slovenian wine in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. When it comes to restaurants, Slovenian cuisine is renowned for its traditional dishes and quality local produce. The Gostilna As restaurant, located in the historic centre, offers refined cuisine featuring regional products. Restaurant Strelec, located in Ljubljana Castle, offers panoramic views of the city and creative cuisine inspired by Slovenian traditions.
Safety and well-being: Ljubljana is one of the safest cities in Europe. According to the Safe Cities 2021 safety index, it is one of the 20 safest cities in the world. The streets are well lit, and there is a strong police presence, which contributes to a sense of security for residents and visitors alike. The city is also well-maintained, with plenty of green spaces and modern facilities for leisure and sporting activities. Ljubljana’s residents are known to be friendly and welcoming, which creates a friendly and reassuring atmosphere.
Living in Ljubljana is a captivating experience for young adventurers on a quest for discovery. With its dynamic student life, vibrant cultural scene, trendy bars, delicious restaurants and safe environment, Ljubljana is the ideal place to live and enjoy life. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this bewitching city and let yourself be seduced by its unique charm. Ljubljana awaits you with open arms for an unforgettable experience!
How much does it cost to live in Ljubljana?
Living in Ljubljana can be affordable compared to other European capitals. The cost of living varies according to lifestyle and personal preferences, but here’s a general overview of the main costs to consider:
The cost of accommodation in Ljubljana depends on the size, location and type of accommodation you are looking for. Rents for a one-bedroom flat in the city centre can range from 500 to 800 euros per month, while outside the centre rents can be slightly lower. What’s more, it’s fairly easy to find accommodation or large ERASMUS flatshares! The advantage of sharing a flat is that you’ll split the costs, and above all, you’ll meet young people your own age very quickly: and that makes it a lot easier to get to grips with the city and go out!
Food: Shopping in local supermarkets can be fairly affordable. The cost of basic foodstuffs is generally similar to the European average. If you eat out regularly, prices may vary depending on the establishment and the type of cuisine, but overall it’s still much cheaper than in France! Prices will be more like those in southern Italy, or in the north outside Milan and Turin. Welcome the 3 euros spritz!
Transport: Ljubljana has a well-developed public transport system, including buses and trains. A monthly season ticket for public transport costs around €25-30. If you prefer to use a bicycle, the city also offers an affordable bike hire scheme.
Entertainment: Going out to bars, restaurants and entertainment venues can vary in price. On the whole, prices are often lower than in other major European cities, allowing you to enjoy an active social life without breaking the bank.
Living in Ljubljana: acceptance of minorities
Ljubljana is generally considered to be a tolerant city, open to minorities. However, as in any society, there may be isolated cases of racism, sexism or discrimination against minority groups. Here is an overview of the acceptance of minorities in Ljubljana:
Racism: Slovenia is a relatively ethnically homogenous country, but there is a growing presence of various foreign communities in Ljubljana. Overall, racism or discriminatory acts based on race are considered unacceptable and are discouraged by Slovenian legislation. However, it is important to note that isolated incidents can occur, just as in other places.
Women: Women in Slovenia generally enjoy equal rights and opportunities, and Slovenian society is relatively progressive in terms of gender. Women hold important positions in various fields, including politics, business and culture. However, as in many countries, disparities remain in certain areas, particularly with regard to pay and career opportunities.
LGBT: Slovenia is considered one of the most progressive countries in the region when it comes to LGBT rights. Same-sex relationships are legal and same-sex couples have the right to form registered partnerships. Ljubljana hosts the annual Pride March, which brings together thousands of people to promote LGBT rights. However, there are still challenges and prejudices, and it is important to recognise that not all LGBT people may feel fully accepted in all areas of society.
In general, Ljubljana is a relatively open and welcoming city for minorities. Tolerance and respect for differences are values promoted by Slovenian society as a whole. However, it is still essential to be aware of the rights and realities of different minorities and to continue working towards a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
So, as you’ll have realised, living in Ljubljana is pretty cool, so doing an internship in Slovenia is bound to be a real highlight! The city is relatively small, which is particularly nice. Personally, I found it ultra-safe, and I’m going there with my eyes closed: although God knows we’d had a bit too much to drink with our hosts, and we only got home at dawn! What’s more, it’s really cheap, and the Slovenians are very welcoming, and they all speak three languages: one secondary school pupil even replied to me in impeccable French. In short, Slovenia is clearly in my top 3 places to do an internship abroad. And if you want to go to this little country too, this is the place to do it! All you have to do is register for free on the International Horizons website, and a member of the team will call you back as soon as possible to find you the perfect work placement to match your wishes! 😀
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.