Etiquette guide for new people in Hungary

The new semester has begun, and along came new people to the country. And as someone who was once new in town, I completely understand that this kind of change can be hard to deal with, especially since you are alone trying to manoeuvre a completely different environment.

In these cases, I often thank my dear friends and lifesavers, Google Maps and Google Translate. Now, both of these apps cannot be trusted blindly because they are not foolproof, but 90% of the time these are pretty reliable. But, please, do not use Google Translate to make conversation – that is my only advice.

If you are seeking to make friends and are having a hard time, you might want to hit up spots set up by Erasmus Life on their Facebook page or you can check out whatever events are happening in the city. There is also an international meeting point party every week, I am not sure about the location, though, because the previous one closed down. But for parties, Facebook is your go-to option. You can definitely hit up Morrisons for a lively pre-drinking spot at any given point.

Another foolproof way to make friends if you are specifically aiming for Hungarians is to ask for cigarettes. They are genuinely generous with their cigarettes and are bound to make conversation with you because they are, again, sociable people. Or just get in an elevator with them (Shameless Plug) because they are bound to talk to you then.