What can a foreign student (and their parents) expect in Kecskemét?
The town, streets, programmes, free time activities, recreational facilites, eating out, shopping, public transportation, healthcare and safety
Although Kecskemét has a growing population (currently it is over 110 000), the local people are friendly and welcome foreigners. There is no shortage of leisure activities, either in the centre or in the suburbs. Taking a walk in the centre of the city, relaxing and having fun with other university students in cafés, bars, pizzerias and restaurants is always an option to get away from the daily grind for a while. Whether winter or summer, you will always find something entertaining in the main square or the surrounding streets. Concerts, performances, festivals, open-air film screenings add colour to the town.
The University’s park is also a botanical garden, created by the staff and students of the Faculty of Horticulture and Rural Development. It is a great place to take a rest, chat with friends or study. If you choose something from the wide variety of food, hot and cold drinks and snacks from the cafeteria, the small wooden huts provide tranquil spots to enjoy your meal. It is also possible to have a two-course lunch at the University’s canteen at reasonable prices.
If you lead a sporty lifestyle, you have several options. The town has a swimming pool, gyms, fitness clubs, sports fields and running tracks around the hill, and even a beach near the lake.
There are also plenty of shopping facilities in Kecskemét. The most popular of these is the Malom Centre mall in the heart of the city. Not far from it you will find “Alföld” department store. A little further away from the centre, hypermarket and supermarket chains (Tesco, Auchan, Lidl, Aldi, Spar etc.) sell everything you could possibly need.
Local public transport helps you get from the centre to the suburbs quickly, easily and cheaply. Buses run from early morning until late evening. You have nothing to fear, just like the centre, most of the suburbs are safe. However, at night it is advisable to travel in groups or take a taxi. The city has a low crime rate and patrols are on duty, but it is best to stay out of trouble.
Should you have any safety concern or emergency, do not hesitate to ask for help. In Hungary, 112 is available 24 hours a day in Hungarian, English and German.
Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holders are automatically provided with a health insurance policy during the process of claiming Hungarian National Health Insurance, which includes the following cost-free healthcare services: preventive examinations, primary healthcare, specialised inpatient care, specialised outpatient care, certain dental care, rehabilitation, the ambulance service, patient transport and accident-related benefits, drug reimbursement, reimbursement for medical aids, medical spa services, reimbursement of travel expenses and benefits granted on grounds of equity. (www.neak.gov.hu)
Self-financed students must take out their own life and health insurance.
In both cases, the International Office will help students arrange their necessary insurance.
Healthcare in Kecskemét is particularly good. A central, training hospital, several clinics with modern equipment, private practices and clinics offer help in diagnosing and treating any health problem.
There is always something going on in Kecskemét, whether it's entertainment, sporting events, and of course university programmes, all in a friendly and safe environment.