budapest student trip

Budapest City Guide

A student guide to budapest.

Stuck not knowing where to start? We got you! Here is our guide to your perfect Budapest experience. Check out our blog for hints and tips on what to see whilst you are here, how to stay safe and the best events taking place.

Welcome to your new life as a student in Budapest! We're crazy about this city, and we're sure you will be too! Not sure where to start in your new home? No worries! We've put together this student guide to Budapest just for you!

Budapest Basics

Let's start with the basics!

Of course, apartment hunting will be high on your list. There are plenty of Facebook groups specifically made to help you find student accommodation in Budapest. Find out more here !  

And we know student life requires being kind to your wallet, so we have some tips to help you see Budapest on a budget . In the meantime, get to know the city, whether that's through a scavenger hunt walking tour , or even a guided ride on MonsteRollers .  

Meeting People

Now that you're all settled, it's time to meet all the people you'll make memories of a lifetime with! Don't be afraid to show up alone to a boat party or pub crawl --these events are made for you! And when it comes to making friends in Budapest , try putting yourself out there at one of the gyms , expat bars , or classic ruin bars in Budapest .

It's time for you to make the most of student life in Budapest! You've met other students in Budapest, you can all get together for some group activities ! Try your hand at an escape room , or even Paintball or ax throwing ! And of course, don't miss out on some of the best parties in Budapest .

Looking for a Job?

Our partner company, PartyBookers , is always looking at applications for party promoters and guides! If you'd like to take people on pub crawls, boat parties, and party for free, take a look at their job listings !

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Budapest Student Trips

Student tours to budapest during a semester abroad.

Discover one of the greatest student travel destinations in Europe: Budapest. Our student tours to Budapest are some of the most popular of our Weekend Trips in Europe for study abroad students – and not just because Hungary is such an affordable country to visit!

Head to the heart of Europe on one of our Budapest student trips. In the Hungarian capital, you can visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths of Budapest, get to know the city’s history on a communist walking tour, and take in the architectural beauty from a Danube river cruise.

If you want to do three cities and two countries in one weekend, our Budapest, Vienna & Salzburg – Meet Us There is an awesome way to explore the rich culture of these central European countries.

If you’d like to add another stop to your central European trip, get in touch for a custom trip option!

Check Out Our Budapest Student Tours

Budapest Szechenyi Bath Entry

Vicenza 2 Budapest, Vienna & Salzburg

Florence 2 budapest, vienna & salzburg.

Budapest Christmas Markets

Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg – Meet Us There

Customize your trip.

Exploring Budapest: A Student’s Guide to the Heart of Hungary

Planning a trip to Budapest? You’re in for a treat. This city isn’t just about beautiful sights and history; it’s a whole vibe that you’ve got to experience. From the stunning Danube River that splits the city into Buda and Pest to the lively streets filled with music and art, Budapest is a world waiting to be explored.

Why Budapest is the Best for Students

If you’re a student, Budapest is your dream destination. It’s affordable, packed with things to do, and you’re always just a walk away from something amazing. Whether it’s the ruined bars, the historic baths, or the endless cafes, each with its unique charm, there’s something for every mood. 

And speaking of unique charm, don’t forget about managing your study time even while you’re on the move. Tools like EssayPro essay writing helper can be lifesavers, blending seamlessly into your travel experience and ensuring your academic tasks are handled with ease. 

Getting Around: Easier Than You Think

Worried about getting lost? Budapest has one of the best public transport systems. Trams, buses, and metros are easy to use, and they’ll get you everywhere. The city is also super walkable so that you can soak in all the beautiful sights at your own pace.

Discover the Heart of Budapest

Let’s dive into what makes Budapest the heartthrob of many. The city is a treasure chest of experiences. From the historical Castle District in Buda that offers breathtaking views of the city to the bustling streets of Pest, every corner has a story. The Hungarian Parliament Building isn’t just a treat for the eyes; it’s also a symbol of the nation’s past, present, and future.

Culture, Cafes, and Cuisine

Budapest’s cultural scene is as rich as its history. You’ll find galleries, theaters, and museums at every turn. But let’s talk about the cafes. They’re not just places to grab a coffee; they’re where history meets the modern day. Spend an afternoon in a cafe, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time, only with Wi-Fi. 

As for the food, get ready to have your taste buds dazzled. Hungarian cuisine is all about flavor, with dishes like goulash and langos that you’ll dream about long after you’ve left.

Nightlife and Nooks

When the sun sets, Budapest transforms. The city is famous for its ruin bars—old, abandoned buildings turned into the coolest bars you’ll ever visit. It’s where history, art, and nightlife meet. But if you’re looking for a quieter night, there are plenty of little nooks throughout the city, from bookstores that turn into bars to cozy spots by the Danube, perfect for a peaceful evening.

Making Memories on a Budget

One of the best things about Budapest is how budget-friendly it is, especially for students. There are plenty of free or low-cost attractions, and eating out won’t break the bank. Plus, there are discounts available for students on everything from transport to entry fees at many sights.

Embrace the Unexpected

Traveling to Budapest is as much about discovering the city as it is about discovering yourself. It’s a place where every street, every café, and every night out has the potential to turn into an adventure, an unexpected friendship, or a moment of inspiration. So, while you’re exploring, embrace the unexpected. It’s all part of the Budapest experience!

The Thermal Baths: A Soak in History

One of Budapest’s most cherished jewels is its thermal baths. Drawing from natural thermal springs, these baths aren’t just a place to relax; they’re a dive into history. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, with its majestic yellow façade, offers outdoor and indoor pools where you can soak amidst architectural grandeur. 

Imagine floating in warm, healing waters, steam rising into the cold air, surrounded by the echoes of the past. It’s an experience that blends relaxation with the awe of historical legacy. Each bathhouse in Budapest tells its own tale, from the Ottoman-era Rudas Baths to the Art Nouveau Gellért Baths. These places are not just about unwinding; they’re about connecting with the city’s soul.

Exploring the Danube’s Banks

The Danube River is the lifeblood of Budapest, a shimmering vein that bisects the city into Buda and Pest. 

A walk along its banks offers more than scenic views; it’s a journey through the city’s heartbeat. The riverfront is dotted with landmarks, from the imposing Parliament building to the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, commemorating those lost during World War II. 

Cruising on the Danube by boat gives you a different perspective of the city, especially at night when Budapest lights up, and the river mirrors the twinkling lights of the city. It’s a serene yet powerful reminder of Budapest’s resilience and beauty.

The Castle Hill: A Walk Through Time

Perched above the city, the Castle Hill (or Várhegy) is not just a destination; it’s a voyage back in time. Walking up the hill or taking the funicular, you’ll reach a district that feels like a different world. Here, the Buda Castle overlooks the city in all its glory, housing the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. 

The cobblestone streets, the Fisherman’s Bastion with its fairy-tale turrets offering panoramic views, and the Matthias Church with its intricate tiles all contribute to a sense of stepping into a storybook. Exploring Castle Hill is like wandering through the pages of history, with each turn offering a new chapter.

Final Thoughts

As your adventure in Budapest comes to a close, you’ll find that the city leaves a mark on you. It’s a place that combines beauty, history, and a vibrant modern culture in a way that’s both exhilarating and deeply comforting. 

Whether you came for the sights, the history, or the ruin bars, Budapest offers a world of experiences that resonate long after you’ve returned home. So pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready for an adventure. Budapest is waiting to welcome you with open arms and a heart full of stories!

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Tips for Student Travelers in Budapest

Students can take advantage of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). Additional museums and entertainment venues have been offering discounts more than they have done in the past. Still some require that you are a student in Hungary, while others will give a discount to any student with an international ID card. If you purchase your airline tickets through STA, you will receive basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour help line. The card is available for $22 from STA Travel (tel. 800/781-4040 in North America; or www.statravel.com ), the world's biggest student travel agency. If you're no longer a student but are still 25 and under, you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) for the same price from the same people, which entitles you to fewer discounts. Travel CUTS (tel. 1/866/246-9762 ; www.travelcuts.com) offers similar services for both Canadian and U.S. residents. Irish students may prefer to turn to USIT (tel. 01/602-1904 ; www.usitnow.ie), an Ireland-based specialist in student, youth, and independent travel. Also, it is licensed in Australia. Note that in Hungary, student discounts are only given at some hostels, not all of them. Museums and other attractions may reserve the student discounts for Hungarian students only; ask anyway.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Enjoy your stay in Budapest with discounts

With the Erasmus Life Budapest Card, you will have access to a large variety of discounts and offers provided by our partners or get access to our events

Welcome to Erasmus Life Budapest

Erasmus is not one year in your life but your life in one year

Let us begin by explaining who we are: Erasmus Life Budapest was created in 2016, when a couple of Hungarian students returned home from their awesome Erasmus semesters from Lisbon. We knew our semester could not have been the same without the help of the organisation: Erasmus Life Lisboa.

That is how we came up with the idea of ELB: we wanted to give all the incoming international students just as much of a cool experience in Budapest as the one we had in Lisbon. ELB was founded to make you feel at home, by helping you before and after moving to Hungary.

We also aim to give you the most amazing time by creating life-long memories you will never forget. Soon enough, your new favourite city will be Budapest and you’ll wish your life here would never end. We will be here to welcome you, help you with whatever you need and show you our amazing city, the destinations around Hungary and even central Europe. We will take you to trips, cultural and chill events, but most importantly, we’ll party like there’s no tomorrow.

We will make your exchange in Budapest the best time of your life!

Events and trips

Check out the parties waiting for you!

Our Huge Boat Party and Pool Party became instantly legendary, you really can’t miss one.

Create your Erasmus Card

Some reason why you should create your card as soon as you arrive….

Free entry at clubs & Exclusive events

Check out the next HUGE parties coming up! Don’t miss the best clubbing events, and bucket list parties such as the legendary Pool and Boat Party!

Come discover Hungary, and the surrounding countries’ most beautiful destinations with us and fellow international students! Culture, amazing places, and great programs!

Other events

Beer pong championships, pub crawls, nights out with discount drinks, cultural city tours, sport watching, get-together events and a lot more, check out what’s coming up!

Check our partners and discounts

Partners & Discounts

Would you like 1€ beer every night in famous ruin pubs? All you can eat food with 25% discount? And how about an unlimited 3-month gym pass? These are only a few of the discounts you can access with the ELB card! Check out the detailed list of our partners and discounts

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ELB make the Erasmus experience richer and full of distractive and cultural events. I met a lot of new friends thanks to it and I recommend it to every student. 👍🏽 It’s the optimum organization to create good memories.

“The best parties in town!“

“It’s such a great community to join as an international student in a new city! You make new friends instantly!

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Join our Facebook group for all international students in Budapest. Find your university groups also to get in touch with your future classmates!

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Budapest Local City Tips And Events

Erasmus Budapest | Student accommodation, prices & tips

Congratulations: you picked the perfect spot for your Erasmus. Budapest is cool, enthralling, and one of the most student-friendly capitals on the planet. It’s big enough to keep discovering new things month after month, but small enough to stay navigable. Also: AFFORDABLE. Yum-yum!

So Budapest Erasmus students, prepare to live in downtown, within walking distance of the best parties in the city, super close to all the cool Budapest events throughout the semester. With this post we’ll help you get ready for the experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Budapest has a lot more layers than you realize

Did you know that Northern Buda was a Roman settlement founded in 89 AD, and still has the ruins of a beautiful little amphitheater and the Roman military barracks? Or that the conquering Turks built amazing Turkish baths on natural spring water wells, some of which operate to this day?

Or that the gigantic Communist statues that ruled the landscape 50 years ago have been relocated to a really cool Statue Park? You’ll never feel like you’ve seen everything even if you stay here for a whole year or more! Read our post on the best 20 Budapest attractions as a teaser.

Student City + What district should I live in?

Apart from almost 20% of Hungary’s own population, Budapest today is also home to a large expat and exchange student community – students especially love the low prices, and its fast-changing cultural and party scene that caters to every taste. There are over 30 universities and a student community of almost 100 thousand in Budapest – you can get by with English in most aspects of daily life, although locals really appreciate if you learn a little Hungarian!

Learn to say Köszönöm [ˈkøsønøm] – = Thank you, and you’ll definitely begin to make friends on day 1. Oh, and don't forget to go to some of Budapest's best pub crawl .

Study in Budapest: Erasmus accommodation in Budapest

Erasmus Budapest should start out with a place to stay. Rent in Budapest is a lot cheaper than in Western Europe, and usually finding the right place for the right price takes 5-10 days, but it’s best to get started before everyone else (mid-August for the fall semester and late-December or early January for spring). Nowadays for foreigners and locals alike, Facebook groups are the best options for flat-hunting:

• Rent a flat / room in Budapest
• Budapest Flats Apartments Rent
• Budapest Sale & Rent Apartments,

and thematic groups for universities such as (starting with the biggest, for all schools combined)

• Rent a FLAT / ROOM in Budapest for Semmelweis, ELTE, CEU, Erasmus etc
• Budapest / Semmelweis flat rental
• Budapest apartments for CEU students

Usually plenty of people who search for Erasmus student accommodation Budapest look for roommates, so no worries even if you arrive alone, you’ll have no problem finding the right people. Most apartments in the groups are near the most popular universities, and also close to all the fun bars and clubs in town!

Don’t forget: studying abroad will change you as you grow as a person. To go the right way, you have to find the right people you want to share your journey with. Take enough time to set up the perfect environment for your life-changing time abroad.

You can also contact the university in advance for help – they usually assign buddies for incoming Erasmus students, who volunteer to help you with logistics, making friends and taking your first steps at the university and the city.

You might also want to check out Hungarian language Facebook groups for roommate hunting, simply because they are bigger – for example, “Lakótárs, szobatárs, kiadó szoba, kiadó lakás kereső - Budapest és környéke” (ie Roommates, rooms and flats for rent – Budapest and nearby).

Student accommodation for Erasmus in Budapest

For the first few days, we recommend Maverick Student Lodge , right in the heart of the city. We have created a very flexible place that offers you the chance to stay just a few days or even an entire semester or academic year while enjoying the benefit of the same set of in-house services and professional maintenance.

Or if you prefer, our staff will be happy to give you insider tips about locations and prices. The student accommodation Budapest and Maverick have is great, we look forward to welcoming your friends too also as they visit!

Getting around Budapest: Transportation

The pass may be cheap compared to other cities, but this doesn’t mean the service sucks. With a student discount, a monthly pass is 11 euros, and that’s valid for any public transit in the city! Budapest has a pretty impressive system of buses-subways-trams-trains and even loveable red trolleybuses that are all covered in the monthly pass and can get you anywhere in the city.

Pro-tip for transit lovers: the public transport company organizes special trips through the city on vintage buses and trams every now and again. You can find out more about their website: bkk.hu.

Getting a student job

OK, so life will be much less expensive, but I still need a student job. Actually, your best bet may be to tap your language skills: teaching or tutoring languages pays a lot better than regular student jobs. Teachers often charge 3-5000 HUF or more (10-15 euros and above) an hour depending on the language and their experience. And no, you don’t want to know the wages at McDonald’s compare to that.

What’s going on in the city?

A lot. And even more. It’s highly recommended that you should look beyond the Erasmus network, to make good Hungarian friends, maybe through student associations like AISEC, or through exploring the city in search of great people and good fun. For a start, read our post on Hungarian food Budapest , and find out about the best events on the biggest Facebook groups for international exchange students in Budapest: ErasmusPest as well as some others.

Watch out: if you take part in all the cool events, you won’t have any time for sleep (let alone study!). Whatever way you take, we’re always looking forward to meeting you during your Erasmus Budapest!

Beware: pickpockets and overcharging cab drivers

It wouldn’t be fair to leave out the things that you have to be careful with. As in any city with so many visitors, busy streets and crammed subway trains, pickpocketing happens in Budapest too. Don’t count money in public or leave your wallet or valuables in sight. Also, some cab drivers have a tendency to overcharge.

The city sets the official price, which everyone has to adhere to, but some cabs (especially the ones you hail and not call by phone) try to cheat. Hint: always call an established taxi company such as Fő Taxi, 6x6 Taxi, or Taxi 4 (this one is actually easy to remember: +36-1-444-444, where 36 stands for Hungary and 1 for Budapest). Don’t hail cabs, especially at night. Locals have a better sense of prices, so hyenas (as overcharging drivers are called over here) are likely to target visitors ;(

How much will life cost? From beer to public transport

You’ve just fallen in love with Budapest and you know you want to spend every night out – so you start wondering how much your stipend will be enough for. We have good news: life in Budapest will be much cheaper than anywhere in Western or Northern Europe. Cheap beer starts at 500 HUF (or 1.5 euro) at a bar, and quality craft brands on tap range between 6-1500 HUF (2-5 euros).

A monthly student pass for public transportation costs 3450 HUF (11 euros), and you can get a decent lunch for 1500 Forints (5 euros) especially if you discover the lunch menu deals most restaurants have. Fancier meals can cost 10 euros and above in good restaurants. You can find our even more detailed list below.

Prices in Budapest: the ultimate guide

• Meal in inexpensive restaurant 1500 HUF/5€ (lunch menu deal), 2100 HUF/7€ Regular meal
• Domestic beer at a store 250 HUF/0.7€ Regular lager, 400 HUF/1.2€ More sophisticated brands
• Beer at a student-friendly bar, from 500 HUF/1.5€
• One-way transportation ticket 350-400 HUF/1.3€
• Monthly pass with student discount (you have to have a valid student ID) 3450 HUF/11€
• Taxi 300 HUF/1€ / km + 700 HUF/2.3€ fixed fee per ride (don’t hail cabs, remember to call an established company that will charge the official price!)
• Fitness club monthly membership 9000 HUF/28€
• Cinema ticket 1500 HUF/5€
• One bed at Maverick Student Hostel: From 4,5€/night
• One double bed room at Maverick Student Hostel: From 21€/night
• One bedroom apartment in city center 500€
• One room in shared flat in city center 220€

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Oh gorgeous Budapest, for you I’d leave it all!

The beautiful castle, the peaceful Buda and the energetic Pest, the monumental Parliament, the romantic river side… It’s not enough to visit Budapest, you have to live there to live it all!

If Erasmus+ couldn’t get any more epic you can now book your room in Budapest in the easiest way! 

Live the best international experience in budapest!

Flatshares, studios, rooms and accommodation in budapest.

Looking for a flatsharing experience in the famous city of Budapest? Check out our selection of spacious rooms in shared flats and private studios available for mid and long term rental! Safely book your erasmus accommodation now entirely online!

Your international adventure in the capital of Hungary is one room away, make sure you don’t grab it!

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Live a real Hungarian Erasmus+ adventure in Budapest and find yourself falling in love for an imponent city full of wonders and picture worthy corners!

Live a life worth remembering and dare to go on Eramus+ to one of the prettiest capitals in Europe! 

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• During all summer (for lease agreement starting 1st of May till end August) and without specific conditions,  providing the cancellation notice is sent at least 7 days prior starting date of the lease agreement (if not the deposit will be refunded but not the booking fees). 
• For all bookings done with a lease agreement starting in December, January or February, if the university where you plan to study or the company you plan to work for in the coming months, cancelled the study program (be aware the online classes are not a reason for canceling your reservation) or the internship due to the Covid-19 crisis or if the ban to travel does not allow you to reach your destination, your bookings fees will be fully refunded.

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COVID-19 Flexibilní zrušení rezervace

Vaše zdraví a spokojenost jsou a vždy budou naší hlavní prioritou!

Proto jsme vzhledem k nejistotě vyvolané krizí Covid-19 aktualizovali zásady pro zrušení rezervace, abychom našim uživatelům umožnili větší flexibilitu a možnost rezervovat naprosto bez rizika. 

Buď si jistý/a, že:

– pokud univerzita, na které jsi měl/a studovat, nebo společnost, pro kterou jsi měl/a v plánu pracovat v následujících měsících, zruší studijní program nebo stáž z důvodu krize Covid-19,

– pokud ti zákaz cestování nedovolí dorazit do cílové země:  Kryjeme ti záda a rezervační poplatky ti budou vráceny v plné výši kdykoliv ti COVID-19 překazí plány! 

Naplánuj své budoucí dobrodružství, zarezervuj bezpečně už teď a tvůj vysněný pokoj na tebe bude čekat.

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17 Fun Things to Do in Budapest – Ruin Bars, Thermal Baths and Kayaking (+ Insider City Tips)

So you are traveling to the Hungarian capital and want to know what to do in Budapest? There are many cool and fun things to do in Budapest – besides its actual tourist sights.

Know for its fairy tale architecture and its thermal baths, we collected many other experiences for your next trip.

Because we just simply want you to enjoy Budapest as much as we do.

Together with our 5 Star Hostels in Budapest : Maverick City Lodges , Maverick Hostel , and Maverick Student Lodge we completed a full list of things to do in one of the most beautiful European’s capitals to have an amazing time.

In this guide, we cover as well the best time to visit Budapest and where to stay.

Read : best hostels in Budapest – put on a map

List of 17 Fun Things to Do in Budapest

Even better : At the end of this guide we added a Budapest map with all the places mentioned. It will help you plan!

We cover what you can do in November in Budapest, in winter and even in May! Actually, you know what, it does not make a difference. You will have fun with this all year round. You will have just to adapt the activities to the time you are visiting the city and your preferences.

Full list of activities in Budapest:

• Thermal Baths
• Caving under the city
• Contemporary Art and Great Museums
• River Cruise
• Cross the Danube on a floating Boat
• Galleries for Photography
• Escape to the nature
• Ruin Bars and Clubs
• Jazz and Live Music
• Where to eat
• Szimpla Kert
• Deák Ferenc tér – Square
• Kopaszi Gát, Park and Harbor

Where to stay in Budapest

• When to visit
• Extra top tips << be extra prepared! >>

We start our list with one of the main reasons why people visit Budapest…

1. Thermal Baths

Everyone knows about the thermal baths in Budapest.

Budapest may actually be the capital of thermal water. There are many baths in town.

The most visited are:

• Gellért, ( skip the queues buying your ticket here )
• Széchenyi ( Buy your ticket here and skip the line)

All 3 are really cool places, you won’t be disappointed.

Our favorite we enjoyed is the Széchenyi Bath .

However if you look for something a bit more hidden then check out:

• Kiraly bath

Both can be found on the Buda side.

So choose at least one place and let your body relax in the naturally hot thermal water after you do a couple of rounds of sauna or steam bath.

If that still hasn’t satisfied you (which we doubt) then take a massage too.

This site will help you with further information about baths in Budapest .

2. Caving under the city

For the more adventurous visitors, we can highly recommend the caving tour under Budapest.

There are several large cave systems as ragstone is quite typical rock in this area.

You can go underground on the hilly Buda with a guided tour where you will get a suit and a helmet and you will crawl in narrow routes and explore some of the caves.

Not convinced? Check out this video

3. Contemporary Art and Great Museums

If you are looking for more mainstream exhibitions then you cannot miss:

• Museum Ludwig
• The National Art Gallery
• Museum of Fine Arts

Furthermore, you can find quite a few nice little galleries:

• Godot Galéria – along the Bartók Béla road, where you can check out contemporary Hungarian art
• Kiscelli Museum – located in a nice little castle in Óbuda.

4. Kayak the Danube

Do you know you can kayak on the Danube?

The tour is not in Budapest city, but on the riverside beach, Római. You will also paddle on the Buda side.

You can get to Rómani in 45 minutes by public transport from downtown or you can join a tour.

A cool and different experience we totally recommend it.

Not a fan of tours?

You can just rent a kayak in Római. Once in Római, look for Béke Csónakház , it is the place where you will be able to rent a kayak or canoe.

From Római, you can get up to the tiny Lupa Island within 1 to 1,5 hours.

I would recommend stopping there for a short rest and looking around as it has a very unique architecture, almost all houses are built in Bauhaus style.

After that, you can take the downstream back to Római and enjoy the fact that mother nature still exists even in a major capital.

5. A Rivers Cruise

If you do not want to paddle around the Danube here you have an easier option…

A cruise along the Danube River!

Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour on the Danube River and see the landmarks and monuments on both shores from a different perspective.

6. Cross the Danube on a floating Boat

This is not a boat, nor a normal coach.

It is a floating coach!

I saw it in little places, like Hamburg (in Germany) and Budapest.

7. Galleries for Photography

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and that is certainly true.

Also a great inspiration for many people. If you do love photography, you will love these galleries:

• Mai Mano Ház
• Capa Center

The latest is named after a world-famous Hungarian photographer who has several emblematic pictures for example „ The Falling Soldier ”, made in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.

8. Escape to the nature

If you want to escape the city then explore the nature and parks in or around Budapest.

Two popular places among locals for a walk or a nice run or even for a delicious picnic are:

• Hármashatárhegy

Both are large forests still inside Budapest.

You can also catch some splendid views towards the city, especially from Normafa.

Things to do in Budapest at night

Budapest is also famous for its party scene and Bars. This is really no surprise. Budapest has one of the most fun and active nightlife in Europe. It is an open secret, yes yes!

No doubt the ruins bars are something special that you should visit even if you do not normally go out. For the night owls, there are also many other options.

Obviously, you will need a party hostel. The best ones are:

• Onefam Budapest by Hostel One
• The Hive Party Hostel
• Vitae Hostel Budapest
• Carpe Noctem Hostel
• Wombats City Hostel
• Maverick City Lodge

Read : The COOLEST Party Hostels in Budapest 2024

Keep scrolling, we are revealing all the good places here for the different kinds of travelers:

About Safety in Budapest : Like East Coast vs West Coast, Buda vs Pest and the Danube in between.

But don’t be worried, the biggest Hungarian city is very safe.

You can go out late at night and walk around the town without any problem.

9. Bars, clubs, pubs….are only the start of the night

There are many many bars and clubs to discover, so you will have some heavy nights if you feel like going for it. The old Jewish district is the busiest area in the nighttime.

There are an extreme amount of bars and restaurants. Just to mention a few tips to enjoy the night in Budapest:

Gozsdu passage is full of mainstream places and packed with people.

In Kazinczy Street you can find some interesting ruin bars like:

• Ellátókert.

Fogas in Akácfa Street is like a giant combo of a disco and a Ruin bar, you will get everything in one.

10. Specific Ruin Bars and Clubs

Here is a little guide for ruin pubs in Budapest .

On Madach Square you can find some hipster bars:

And for clubbing? Check out:

A38 boat is a bit further out, but a very unique concept.

A boat is transformed into a super concert hall and open-air bar, where you can feel the connection between the river and the city. It was elected the best club in Europe at one point.

They organize concerts from jazz to black metal. So do not forget to check their homepage before you go there.

You can also join a tour and learn about what propelled the development of the ruin bars.

And how things have changed in Budapest since then.

https://youtu.be/0-Dp-m72M58

11. Jazz and Live Music

For classical music and jazz fans, we can offer some cool venue places and almost all year round you will find something interesting to listen.

Müpa is a modern and the largest music hall in town.

It is also worth checking the program of:

• The List Academy
• Budapest Jazz Club
• Budapest Music Center
• Mom Cultural center

Trafo also organizes many modern dance performances as well.

Quite a few Hungarians like to participate in sophisticated cultural events, so join them and enjoy the nice melodies or contemporary ballet together.

12. Join the Pub Crawl

An easy way to meet for sure other travelers who want to party is a pub crawl, and Budapest is famous for having really good ones!

Joining a pub crawl is probably one of the best FUN things to do in Budapest.

What do you get joining a Pub crawl beside new party fellows from around the world in Budapest?

• free shots and drinks offer all night
• VIP entrance to one of Budapest’s best and biggest clubs
• experience the nightlife scene with a party-loving guide

Good to know : There is also a classic backpacker pub crawl .

This is one of the most crazy things to do in Budapest. Promise us, that you will bring your brain with you.

13. Where to eat in Budapest (good food!)

Eat or eat a lot, that is the question as for some reason Hungarians still prefer huge portions and many restaurants.

Go with the flow and you will probably get an enormous size of meal, especially in the more traditional diners.

The typical dishes are really heavy too like stuffed cabbage, Beef stew, sausages, or liverwurst.

There are many different meat plates, usually made as a stew, but sometimes it can be a steak too.

The meat quality is pretty good as all game meat is local from the forests of Hungary where the wild animal population (deers, wild boars, roes, rabbits) is very numerous and they have a fairly nice life compared to industrial farming.

So, where to go to eat locally and delicious?

• Getto Gulyas
• Kaptafa – you have to try the raspberry fizzy coffee drink!

All of these places are nice options.

If you want to master the basics of Hungarian cuisine during, then join a cooking class!

It is a fun and interactive way also to learn about the traditional dishes.

14. Nightlife + Art + Flea Market: Szimpla Kert

We already mentioned the ruin bars. And here comes our favorite bar in Budapest: Szimpla Kert!

If you are looking for a fun night out in Budapest, this pub is your place to be.

The bar is a typical old-school bar/ pub with lots of students, and an international atmosphere. Szimpla Ker is located near the city centre, right around the corner from our 5 Star Hostel Maverick City Lodge .

The Szimpla Kert is more than just a place to get a drink, it’s a Ruin Pub.

You will find here concerts, flea markets, workshops, art galleries, and more more more!

The design of the bar is kept in an eclectic mix of old cars and bikes, trees, and old foosball tables, we can’t even name everything.

Find more information about Szimpla Kert and the events on their Facebook Page .

15. Chill: Deák Ferenc tér – Square

One of the best things to do in Budapest in summer: Dek Ference Ter!

This square is the place to be on a warm summer night.

Join the atmosphere, and bring your own drinks. You can also get some delicious cocktails and beer at the bars around. The square is located just a 10-minute walk from the 5 Star Hostel Maverick City Lodge, and you can sit there in a small park.

This square hosts also a lot of events, so maybe there is even something special going on when you are in town!? Last but not least there is a fountain to cool off.

16. Tasty Food: Mak Bistro

Not far away from the Dear Ference Ter Square, you will find this bistro!

Experience art and creativity in the kitchen!

Be prepared for tasty flavors of modern gastronomy of the highest quality. The waiters make this place a home and are always joking around and enjoying their work. This makes this place very friendly and welcoming.

The Mak received many awards, and its concept is unique.

You can find more details about the concept, the bistro, and the team at the website Mak.hu . We recommend making a reservation before coming here.

17. Relax: Kopaszi Gát, Park and Harbor

This park is one of the best green spots to chill on a sunny day.

You can get some food and drinks as well at the harbor or bring your own picnic with you.

Either way, this is a cozy local place.

Kopaszi Gát is located slightly outside the city center and you can come here via Public Transport or by renting a bike.

With its small beach, the beautiful sunset behind the bay, and obviously the green trees surrounding it, this place is a local’s favorite spot to get outside the city to relax.

When to travel to Budapest?

Budapest is located in the good old continental climate region with four seasons, cold winters and hot summers.

Although it cannot escape from global warming either.

Lately, Budapest has experienced more and more monsoon-type rain-showers during summer and spring and autumn is melting into the summer temperatures.

Still, we think the best time to come to Budapest is… anytime !

You will find interesting activities and a nice historical city with loads of bars and restaurants. The nature of this city means there is something fun to do all year round.

Budapest is dotted with great hotels, apartments, and even cooler hostels.

We wrote a big guide to the best hostels in Budapest jam-packed with epic accommodations and useful information.

It includes luxury hostels, backpacker paces, and budget, party hostels. Oh, and we can’t forget… two 5 Star Hostels !

Your shortcut:

• Maverick City Lodge – 5 Star Hostel for female solo-travellers
• Maverick Hostel – 5 Star Hostel for flashpackers
• Flow Hostel – great for solo travellers
• BONUS : Maverick Student Lodge

Read the full guide best hostels in Budapest – all hostels are put on a handy map.

Insider Tips You Should Know

We’ve visited Budapest a few times and have collected a few tips along the way. You know, the kind of insider tips you only find out once you’ve visited a place, and the kind of things you wish you knew before you got there.

So, save some stress and glance over these handy insider tips…

Pee strategically

We hate to break it to you, but once you’re out exploring and unless you decide to sit in and eat your food, you’re going to have to pay to use the toilet! We thought we’d mention it so you can take a strategic pee before leaving the hostel…ok, that’s a bit of a weird recommendation, but still…

Get the Airport Shuttle

Whilst many hostels offer an airport transfer, if you don’t have too much luggage, we recommend taking the Airport Shuttle. A single ticket costs 1,500 HUF and the number of the bus is 100E. They run every 10 minutes 24/7 from outside the main terminal.

This is one thing we really wish we had known beforehand; slippers are mandatory at the popular thermal baths, including Széchenyi Bath. Make sure you take your own or risk spending over half the price of the entrance ticket for ‘official’ slippers which are nothing exciting or worth keeping.

Top tip : Hang around outside the main doors and approach people coming out to see if they’d be willing to give you slippers they no longer need. We did this and saved a lot of money this way!

Service fee

If you’re travelling on a budget, this is a good thing to be aware of. The nicer, more fancier restaurants automatically add a service fee which you won’t know about until you get the bill. Keep this in mind and budget an extra 12.5% if you decide to eat out.

Summary of Cool Things to Do in Budapest

Still there? I guess you have enough inspiration now about what can you do in Budapest city. If you want more, then make sure you check out this bloggers guide to 5 days in Budapest . It even covers an itinerary and a map.

Therefore, is time to start looking for the best deals to travel to Budapest.

What’s next?

• 27 fun things to do in Berlin
• 29 fun things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
• 29 fun things to do in Skopje , North Macedonia

We hope this big summary of activities around Budapest city is helpful.

Here you have a map with all the activities we mentioned.

Do you have another cool idea for Budapest? Then leave a comment below.

We are always keen to help our fellow traveler, to improve this article and add more activities!

And now, have fun!

Pin me baby one more time!

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I love your description about the Hungarian food, this is very true! As a food journalist and food tour guide I always see confused guests when it comes to food: where and what to eat?! 1500 restaurant in Budapest, and hard to know where to eat I’m your few days… If you do not have time to do food tour, just make sure to visit one of the food markets in the city – just not only the Great Market Hall, coz this is almost for tourists only now.

Virtual high-five to that, Mate! Great Market Hall is a great idea!

Thanks, Matt

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Student Accommodation in Budapest

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When compared to other cities within its region, Budapest makes for an affordable location for students to school. This city's low cost of living has been a major attraction for most of the international and local students that have come into the city in drove. Currently, thousands of foreign students have turned the city to their home as they seek for the top-of-the-range educational opportunities that the city of Budapest is capable of providing. Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the Eötvös Loránd University, the Budapest Business School, and the Hungarian University of Fine Arts are just three of the universities you can find in this city. On average, the student apartments in Budapest are pocket-friendly, especially for students that are comfortable with sharing homes with others.

Apartments for Rent in Budapest

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Student Housing in Budapest

For pricey student housing in Budapest, you may want to rent a whole apartment or room for yourself. Not only will this be more comfortable for you, but your privacy is also guaranteed. There is no limit to the places where you can rent apartments in the city because most areas are safe for students as long as they don't walk around at odd hours or in strange areas. Many student apartments in the city are affordable, but if you are still looking for cheap student rooms in Budapest, you need to be careful. This is because they are usually unfurnished; thus, equipping your room may cost you more money than you would have spent on slightly pricey apartments that are furnished. The city has various cafés, restaurants, and others that can make you while away some time in the city. And if you prefer to spend your leisure time learning about different subjects, the National Széchenyi Library and the Szabó Ervin Library have nice collections of books that will be worth your time.

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What to Pack for a Trip to Budapest

If you’re headed to Budapest to enjoy world-class art, architecture, food, and thermal baths, don’t forget these essentials to make the most of your trip.

By Alan Henry

Resting along the Danube, with the Hungarian Parliament Building on one bank and the Fisherman’s Bastion standing watch over the other, Budapest is a city of art, architecture, history , and of course, luxurious thermal baths. If you want to visit, you’ll need to prepare. Here’s what to bring.

We’ve shared packing essentials for any 36-hour trip in previous lists , so I asked Evan Rail, our travel columnist who’s been to Budapest several times, to name a few items he thinks any tourist would be glad they packed.

Then we turned to Ria Misra, an editor at Wirecutter , for the best products to fill those needs — and her expert suggestions for other things to pack to make the most of your trip. Here are their picks.

Don’t Forget Your:

Comfortable, Quality Sleep Mask. For the already jet-lagged traveler, Budapest’s late-night scene can be as much a challenge as a charm — especially since, as Mr. Rail notes, “hotel curtains rarely seem to be designed with the city’s night life in mind.” I can vouch for this, having once slept in a hotel room looking out at the Budapest Eye , which was always beautiful and quite colorful, but bright even at night. Bring a good sleep mask, like the Nidra Deep Rest . Ms. Misra offered a helpful reminder: Pack it in your carry-on for the flight so that you get some rest on the way. (For best results, combine it with a good pair of ear plugs and the Travelrest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow .)

Swimsuit and Towel. For the thermal pools at the Rudas Baths , you’ll want your swimsuit and a quick-drying towel. The Packtowl Personal , collapses down into its own little pouch, has a loop for hanging between soaks, and is made of a fast-drying microfiber, so you won’t need to worry about pulling a sopping towel from the bottom of your pack at the end of the day.

Lightweight Daypack. “Budapest is the kind of place where you can find wonderful souvenirs: storied antiques, Communist-era tchotchkes, and stuff from the city’s surprisingly cool contemporary design scene,” Mr. Rail said. A lightweight, durable daypack, like L.L.Bean’s Stowaway Day Pack — which you can stuff into its own pocket until you need it — will be incredibly useful.

Sun Protection. “Even in the winter, the sunlight there can be startlingly bright, especially compared to grayer destinations in Central Europe,” Mr. Rail said. Bring sunscreen (and use it correctly !) and a pair of sunglasses, like these Kent Wangs .

Pen and a Notebook. “In Budapest, plans change quickly,” Mr. Rail explained. “I’d recommend carrying a good pen and a small notebook so you can keep track of any recommendations you get, and where you can write things down in case the locals don’t understand your unique pronunciation of ‘Hármashatár-hegy.’” To keep all that info neatly together, Ms. Misra suggests a notebook that you can customize. You can fill the Traveler’s Notebook with inserts ranging from calendars to blank sheets to holders for loose cards or scraps. Tuck a reliable pen, like the Uni-ball Jetstream , into the notebook’s elastic closure before you set out.

Collapsible Water Bottle and Lip Balm. “Budapest is a ton of fun, but when it’s warm it’s easy to get dehydrated,” Mr. Rail said, and I completely agree — Budapest can get hot, especially in the summer, and often humid during rainy seasons, which can make you sweat even more. Pack a collapsible water bottle, like the Platypus Meta Bottle , which can serve as cup, mug, or bottle. On the other hand, cooler seasons can kick up cold winds off the Danube, so bring a lip balm with sun protection. Ms. Misra recommends Wirecutter’s pick, Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen .

Alan Henry is the editor of Smarter Living , a section that aims to help readers live better, healthier, happier lives. Before joining The Times, he was editor-in-chief of Lifehacker. He is based in New York. More about Alan Henry

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Budapest Student Guide: Accommodation

In the build-up to the new term, we’re aiming to provide international students in Budapest with all the information they need to make the best of their time in the city. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be offering tips on finance, food and fun, transport, trips and nightlife. First up: accommodation. How do you find a room? Where should it be and how much should it cost? The Budapest Student Guide is here to help!

If you’re relocating to Budapest to study, finding a room can be pretty time-consuming. Lodging will be one of your biggest costs and the main priority – everybody needs somewhere to live.

When to look

First, decide the best month to start renting. Start as soon as possible . Usually, most of the shared flats are vacated at the end of each semester, in early July and early January . This is when to find the best prices , along with the best rooms or flats .

Where to look

The location of your university or institution will obviously affect where you look but Budapest is a surprisingly compact city with superb transport links . Few urban journeys take more than 20-30 minutes . The entire length of red metro line 2 is 18 minutes, so even if you’re staying in District X and studying in Buda , you can whizz across town in no time. We’ll be dealing with transport and getting around in another section of the Budapest Student Guide .

All the same, the neighbourhoods closest to the city centre – Districts V, VI, VII and VIII – are the most convenient for many colleges. Depending on your budget and preferences , there are four types of accommodation to choose from.

The cheapest are student dorms , known in Hungarian as kollégium . (We’ll be helping out with language , too, later in the series!) As anywhere, these usually mean a small room , sometimes shared with another student, with communal kitchens and bathrooms . Prices range from €150-€250/month .

Many universities only have l imited capacity , and these are not available for Erasmus students , only for international ones studying in Hungary full-time, for example with the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme . Ask your particular university for details.

Shared apartments are the rung up the lodging ladder , offering your own bedroom in a flat shared with a handful of other people. This is the perfect choice for those who want to live with other international students while having their private space . Typically, you should be paying around €250-€400/month .

Finally, there are private apartments . Privacy costs, of course, somewhere around €350-€700/month , depending on various factors such as location , whether the building has a lift , condition and layout of the flat, and so on. Wherever you happen to be in Budapest, you’ll be close to a bus or tram stop , even ideally a metro station .

How to look

Of the many ways to look for a flat in Budapest , perhaps the easiest is through Facebook . (Hungary still communicates primarily through Facebook.) Pages and groups dedicated to helping Erasmus and international students find a place should produce reasonably swift results. Within these groups , you can make a post where you specify your needs and have people contact you with offers. Another example is Erasmus Life Budapest – Housing , with details of available flats . For a customised offer tailored to your needs, fill out the Flat & Flatmate Finder form and someone will contact you once they find a match for your needs .

After finding a place, you’ll need to make a contract with the landlord or agency on the agreed terms. The contract should detail price , exact dates of moving in and moving out , compensation in case of damage to property etc. Be aware that the landlord will ask you for a deposit and rent for the first month . Make sure that the contract states when and how you are going to get your deposit back .

Tips & scams

Being a foreigner and not knowing how real estate works in Budapest might leave you vulnerable to scammers . The most common is when people ask you for a rent deposit while using fake housing posts to draw your interest and eventually steal your money.

To protect yourself , here are a few tips : Avoid using cash if possible –  bank transfers are more secure. 

Check the profile of the person posting the flat advertisement, perhaps through Facebook. If it’s an agency , do a quick background check . If you can, see the flat before you rent it – or at least, arrange a video call . 

Don’t transfer deposits or rental fees without a written and signed lease agreement.

Don't be afraid to ask questions –  Erasmus Life Budapest  are happy to help co-ordinate if need be.

Your lease agreement should identify the owner’s name or operating company.

Sub-leasing  is probably not a good option – check whether the  original tenant  has the rights to do so.

Try to check the current market rates for the area and make sure the asking price matches up to what’s being offered.

After you have these all figured out, and you have your dream nest in your new city, you can really start to enjoy your time in one of Europe’s liveliest and loveliest capitals .

Stay tuned for the next article in our Budapest Student Guide series , with more useful tips and info to follow!

Tips & information

Erasmus Life Budapest is an organisation dedicated to helping students in their search for lodging, plus a myriad other services, including the useful ELB card . This form should help you help them find you rooms and roommates. Alternatively, send a PM on Facebook to  Erasmus Life Budapest – Housing  or send an email to [email protected].

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From Curious Student To Travel Guru: How Tonia Hope Is Making Europe Affordable For All

M eet Tonia Hope, a  UK-based traveler  whose adventures are captivating a global audience. Tonia has transformed her passion for exploring new destinations into a vibrant career. With her keen eye for storytelling, she shares her journeys through stunning visuals.

Tonia recently added author to her accomplishments with her new book,  Traveling Europe on a Budget . Below, she shares more about her road to becoming an author.

What inspired you to start traveling, and how has it shaped your perspective on life?

Initially, I started traveling out of sheer curiosity and interest. I was a student and heard about some funded opportunities to travel to India and  China  on immersive programs. I jumped at the chance to visit somewhere completely different from where I lived. Travel has really opened my eyes to how big the world is. I love the feeling of being in an unfamiliar place and learning about its traditions, history, people, and way of life. Travel is an opportunity for me to challenge my beliefs and push my personal boundaries.

Your new book focuses on budget travel across Europe. What motivated you to write specifically about this topic?

Travel has changed my life in so many ways. One of my main aims through my content is to encourage people to travel as much as they can. However, one of the main barriers for people living out their travel dreams is financial constraints. Over the years, I have traveled on a range of budgets. It’s truly a misconception that it always has to be expensive, particularly when navigating Europe. Every summer, there’s a joke that it’s that time of the year when everyone wonders how people on social media afford their trips to Europe. I decided to address this phenomenon head-on. Their dream European vacations don’t have to break the bank; thus, the book was born.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about budget travel?

One misconception about budget  traveling around Europe  is that you have to be on a shoestring budget. In my book, I provide a wide range of options for those who are. However, I have also made every effort to include practical options for those with more flexibility in the mid-range area.

Could you share one of your most memorable budget travel experiences in Europe?

The answer to this is super easy: It was a trip to Croatia that I took kind of by accident. It was a country that had not previously been on my radar, but post-pandemic, it was one of the first countries to open. At the time, Croatia was a complete hidden gem. When visiting, I felt so safe. There was so much to do, and everything, such as accommodation, transport, and activities, was affordable compared to other places in Europe. This really changed my approach to travel. I began choosing my next destination by ticket prices rather than being set on where to visit. Skyscanner has an amazing “everywhere” feature where you can check flight prices and locations according to price.

In your opinion, what are some of the most underrated budget-friendly destinations in Europe that travelers should consider visiting?

I would definitely say Budapest, Hungary, and Lisbon, Portugal , are still very underrated cities when it comes to European travel. Having visited both numerous times, these are some of my favorite cities, and they’re very affordable compared to cities like London and Paris. Visiting Budapest is like entering a fairytale. Visitors can expect to be treated to castles, thermal baths, and cozy meals. Similarly, in Lisbon, the epic views are endless, the cuisine is divine, and there are so many low-cost or free activities to enjoy. All this can certainly be experienced for budget-friendly prices.

What strategies do you recommend for finding affordable accommodations, transportation, and dining options in Europe?

I would start by researching locations in Europe that are known to be more budget-friendly for travelers, such as Hungary. Then, I would look for accommodation slightly outside the city center if there are good, affordable transport links or if the location is walkable. I also compare accommodation prices on comparison websites to ensure I’m getting the best deal. In terms of transportation, public transportation tends to be the most affordable way of getting around in Europe. Downloading an app like CityMapper provides the best routes and pricing. Lastly, for dining options, I usually use apps like Instagram and TikTok or check travel blogs from people who have previously visited the location to find the most budget-friendly eating options. These sources often include exact prices, so I know the average amounts to put aside for meals.

How do you balance experiencing the culture and authenticity of a destination while sticking to a budget?

I aim to be both financially disciplined and slightly flexible with my budget when I am traveling. I always have a set amount that I aim to spend within, but I also keep some money in reserve for unexpected occurrences. If there’s a ‘must-do’ experience that’s on the pricier side, I would always lean towards doing it, especially if it is unique to the location. This extra fund also comes in handy when locals recommend hidden gems that require a few extra pounds. Additionally, I tend to save on areas less important to me, like transport, and spend a bit more on areas that matter more to me, like activities and experiences.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I would love readers to use my book as a practical guide to start booking their dream trip to Europe. I cover everything a person would need to start planning, such as background city information, safety, accommodation, food, transport recommendations, and suggestions for bucket-list activities. In addition, I cover many ways people can get financially ready for a big trip.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Lawsuit challenges Southwest’s free ticket program for Hispanic students

A group founded by a prominent anti-affirmative action activist on Monday sued Southwest Airlines, alleging that a two-decade-old program that awards free round-trip flights to Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students is racially discriminatory.

Edward Blum’s American Alliance for Equal Rights in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Dallas alleged that the airline’s program violated federal civil rights laws by excluding non-Hispanic students from eligibility for free tickets.

His group alleged that as a result, two Asian and white students who were members of his nonprofit were barred from applying to the program. The lawsuit seeks an injunction blocking Southwest from using its eligibility criteria.

“Southwest Airlines should immediately open this program to all students, regardless of their skin color or ethnic heritage,” Blum said in a statement.

Dallas-based Southwest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit marked the latest in a  series of cases  Blum has filed in recent months challenging corporate diversity programs after another group he founded last year convinced the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court to  bar the consideration  of race as a factor in college admissions.

Monday’s lawsuit centers on Southwest’s ¡Lánzate! Travel Award Program, which launched in 2004 and is operated in partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

To be eligible for four round-trip tickets, an undergraduate or graduate student must live at least 200 miles from their home and be Hispanic. Southwest says the program has helped more than 1,500 students.

The lawsuit alleged that the program violated Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, a Civil War-era law that bars racial bias in contracting.

It also claimed the program violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in federally funded programs or activities. Federal funding Southwest received during the Covid pandemic means the airline can be sued under that statute, according to the complaint.

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News | As UCLA Chancellor Block testifies in Congress,…

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News | As UCLA Chancellor Block testifies in Congress, students launch new campus protest

Congressional committee slams block for failing to protect jewish students, allowing violence on campus.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block testifies during a hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses on Capitol Hill, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 23: Dr. Gene Block, Chancellor, University of California, Los Angeles arrives at a hearing called “Calling for Accountability: Stopping Antisemitic College Chaos” before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Capitol Hill on May 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. University leaders are being asked to testify by House Republicans about how colleges have responded to pro-Palestinian protests and allegations of antisemitism on their campuses. (Photo by Michael A. McCoy/Getty Images)

University leaders wait to testify before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in Washington on Thursday, May 23, 2024. From left: MIchael Schill, president of Northwestern University; Jonathan Holloway, president of Rutgers University; Frederick Lawrence, secretary and chief executive of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the academic honor society; and Gene Block, chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times)

Gene Block, chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles, appears before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in Washington on Thursday, May 23, 2024. In the hearing hosted by a Republican-led House committee, university leaders were challenged on their handling of pro-Palestinian protest encampments that have spread across college campuses. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times)

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), the chairwoman, is pictured on the video monitor during a hearing before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in Washington on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Seated at the witness table are, from left: MIchael Schill, president of Northwestern University; Jonathan Holloway, president of Rutgers University; Frederick Lawrence, secretary and chief executive of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the academic honor society; and Gene Block, chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times)

MIchael Schill, president of Northwestern University, testifies before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in Washington on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Also appearing before the panel are Jonathan Holloway, president of Rutgers University, second from left; Frederick Lawrence, secretary and chief executive of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, third from left; and Gene Block, chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times)

From left: MIchael Schill, president of Northwestern University; Jonathan Holloway, president of Rutgers University; Frederick Lawrence, secretary and chief executive of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the academic honor society; and Gene Block, chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles, appear before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in Washington on Thursday, May 23, 2024. In the hearing hosted by a Republican-led House committee, university leaders were challenged on their handling of pro-Palestinian protest encampments that have spread across college campuses. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times)

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) questions Gene Block, chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles, during a hearing before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in Washington on Thursday, May 23, 2024. In the hearing hosted by a Republican-led House committee, university leaders were challenged on their handling of pro-Palestinian protest encampments that have spread across college campuses. (Shuran Huang/The New York Times)

Block was summoned before the House Committee Committee on Education and the Workforce, alongside the presidents of Rutgers University and Northwestern University, in the latest in a series of hearings where the Republican-led committee grilled university leaders for their handling of antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

“Our job today is first and foremost, to hold those who are supposed to be in charge to account. Dr. Gene Block, you will testify to the horrific violent events that unfolded at UCLA, leading to 243 arrests ,” said Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., in her opening statement. “You cleared the encampment, only after a violent riot erupted for days and stood by as Jews were assaulted, and the illegal checkpoints blocked access to campus in broad daylight.”

UCLA student protest leaders decried the hearings as “sham trials” designed to “repress organizing to protect the U.S. war machine and its genocidal operations, in collusion with the UC,” in a social media statement.

They took advantage of Block’s absence to launch a new encampment zone on Kerckhoff Hall’s patio using wooden barricades, metal fences and tables. Around 11:30 a.m. university staff delivered a message to the protesters ordering them to “depart the campus immediately or face disciplinary action and/or arrest.”

Protesters dispersed around 1:15 pm after the unlawful assembly was declared. After leaving the encampment zone on Kerkchoff Patio they briefly rallied by Murphy Hall chanting “we’ll be back, we’ll be back.”

Graduate student workers and faculty members at UCLA issued statements condemning the failure of the congressional hearings to focus on accountability for the violence experienced by pro-Palestinian protesters.

“We believe these hearings represent a dangerous attack on higher education, academic freedom and free speech. At UCLA we have seen how failures to protect the rights of free speech and peaceful protests have put our students and colleagues at risk,” said Caroline Luce, communications chair of UCAFT, which represents 6,500 teaching faculty and librarians in the UC system, in a Wednesday press conference.

Graduate workers at UCLA, represented by UAW Local 4811, joined protesters on campus on campus on Thursday afternoon. They also announced their intent to walk out next Tuesday, May 28, in protest of the UC’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests at various campuses. The action was just the latest in a rolling wave of walkouts across UC campuses.

Pro Palestinian protesters have occupied a building UCLA. Not a large group but vocal with police forming a skirmish line in front of the building. #ucla #protest pic.twitter.com/Yw79dRHTeC — Hans Gutknecht (@HansGutknecht) May 23, 2024

As tension simmered on campus, Block was busy navigating a daunting tight-rope of condemning antisemitism, while supporting free speech, while speaking to the need to protect students from violence, while also speaking out against antisemitism.

“No student should be threatened or excluded based on their beliefs or identity and we’ll always have to strive hard to meet this obligation. We must also maintain our commitment to academic freedom and free speech,” said Block in his opening statement. “It’s not always easy to strike a perfect balance but that must be our goal.”

Block also said many Jewish students have had to “confront rhetoric and images on campus that any reasonable person would find repugnant” and that as a Jew himself he knows what the sting of antisemitism feels like. Although he did not go to great lengths to acknowledge any leadership errors, he admitted that “with the benefit of hindsight” the university should have been better prepared to remove the encampment following safety threats.

Over the course of the three and a half hour hearing, committee members questioned Block and the other university leaders about a series of reported antisemitic incidents on campus . In the case of UCLA, the incidents included allegations that Jewish community members were threatened verbally and physically, stalked, harassed and denied access to central parts of campus.

Block said that the university has 100 active investigations into antisemitism and Islamophobia from students and staff. In response to chair Foxx’s questioning, Block admitted that no expulsions or suspensions have taken place in response to antisemitism thus far, but he said consequences will come.

“We will hold accountable all those engaged in violence or (who) violated our policies,” he said. “No student should be threatened or excluded based on their beliefs or identity.”

Foxx was visibly upset by his response and closed the hearing by vowing that the Congress’s investigation into campus antisemitism was only beginning.

“Congress will not stand by while you violate your obligation to uphold Title Six of the Civil Rights Act, fail to protect Jewish students and cut deals advancing divestment and promoting terrorism and radical antisemitic ideologies,” she said to the three presidents.

Orange County Rep. Michelle Steel, R-CA, questioned Block about allegations that a UCLA faculty member offered students extra credit for attending a Gaza teach-in at a protest. Block said he was unaware of this incident and would look into it.

“Chancellor Block, I’m aware of it and you’re not, that’s really, really odd because you are head of your university,” Steel said.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-MN, was the only member of the committee to question Block about the violence against pro-Palestinian protesters when pro-Israel counter-protesters attacked the encampment on April 30.

“You, the UCLA leadership and law enforcement stood by for hours as the mob of agitators gathered near the encampment with a clear intention to cause violence,” she said. “And because of your inaction, they acted on the intention and brutally attacked students you were responsible for.”

Omar criticized Block for allowing a peaceful protest to get “hijacked by an angry mob” and said that the violence will be “weaponized by Republicans in this committee” to repress student movements.

Thursday’s news came on the heels of a sweeping controversy spurred by demonstrations the week of April 30 that dissolved into violence and, later, a police response and arrests. On Tuesday, UCLA Police Chief John Thomas was removed from his post and reassigned, as the new Office of Campus Safety continues to conduct an examination of the school’s security processes “aimed at enhancing the well-being and safety of our community,” campus officials said on Wednesday, May 22.

The move came weeks after the police agency and some administrators were criticized over their handling of demonstrations — key among the complaints was the slow law-enforcement response when violence broke out at the encampment the night of April 30 and continued into the next morning.

That attack started at about 11 p.m., with LAPD officers arriving at 1 a.m. and not breaking up the confrontation until 3 a.m. Several people were injured before police arrived. The following day, hundreds of California Highway Patrol officers cleared the encampment, ripping apart a barricade of plywood, pallets, metal fences and trash dumpsters while also dragging away tents and canopies.

More than 200 protesters or their supporters were arrested, with classes temporarily shifted to remote learning.

Days later, 44 people were arrested in a campus parking garage. UCLA police said they were carrying materials indicating they were prepared to break into and possibly barricade themselves in a building. Of those arrested, 35 were UCLA students. All but two were arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, ABC7 reported.

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UEFA picks Budapest to host 2026 Champions League final but delays 2027 decision on San Siro

The Associated Press

May 22, 2024, 12:10 PM

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DUBLIN (AP) — UEFA picked Budapest on Wednesday to host the men’s Champions League final in 2026 and delayed giving the 2027 game to Milan amid uncertainty over the future of San Siro.

The Puskás Arena and San Siro were the only two candidates for the two finals scheduled to be awarded. The next final on June 1 is at Wembley Stadium in London and Bayern Munich’s home will host next year.

The iconic San Siro, formally known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and owned by the city of Milan, has been under long-term threat of demolition. Its shared tenants AC Milan and Inter Milan have looked for new homes they can own.

UEFA put off a decision until a September meeting of its executive committee subject to the Italian soccer federation “submitting information on refurbishment plans” for San Siro.

Earlier Wednesday, uncertainly increased in Milan as ownership of Inter switched from Chinese corporation Suning to United States investors Oaktree because of failure to repay debts.

The 75,000-seat San Siro still could host the European Cup or Champions League final for the fifth time, one year after staging the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 70,000-seat Puskás Arena opened five years ago and has been a go-to venue for UEFA, hosting a Europa League final last year and replacement games during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is a big fan of soccer and billionaire banker Sándor Csányi is a FIFA vice president representing UEFA.

UEFA’s executive committee also sent the Women’s Champions League final in 2026 to Oslo, Norway.

Istanbul will host the 2026 Europa League final in the downtown stadium of Besiktas and the 2027 game is going to Eintracht Frankfurt’s home. The 2025 Europa final is in Athletic Bilbao’s stadium, which also hosts the Women’s Champions League final next week.

The third-tier Conference League final in 2026 will also go to Germany, in Leipzig, and in 2027 to Istanbul, potentially also at the Besiktas stadium though that could change.

The Turkish soccer federation said it hopes the 2027 final can move to the new stadium being built in the capital Ankara ahead of the country co-hosting the men’s European Championship with Italy in 2032.

Turkey gets to host European finals in back-to-back years while the Romanian national stadium in Bucharest, which last hosted a Europa League final in 2012, lost in votes to bring that title match back.

The Israeli soccer federation had originally entered the Conference League bidding contest last year proposing Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.

In other UEFA executive committee business ahead of the Europa League final, trials of safe standing areas for fans at European club competition games was extended next season to Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal and Scotland.

The UEFA-recognized Football Supporters Europe group has run a “Europe Wants to Stand” campaign and welcomed the new additions to consent for trials over the last two seasons in England, France and Germany. Also on the permitted list are Italy and Spain.

“Standing at matches positively contributes to the atmosphere of games enormously, is a significant element of fan culture across the continent, and helps to lower the pricing for these games generally,” FSE executive director Ronan Evain said in a statement.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/Soccer

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Student airplane accessibility project named finalist for international award

• Lindsey Byars

20 May 2024

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Susan Sale and Mikayla Kaczmar, recent Virginia Tech industrial design graduates from the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design , will travel to Hamburg, Germany, this week to represent their team from the Calhoun Honors Discovery Program and the United States in the university division of Hamburg Aviation’s Crystal Cabin Awards .

The award recognizes exceptional aircraft cabin products and concepts that elevate the passenger’s experience. For passengers who use a wheelchair, Virginia Tech’s project could be life changing.

Chairs in the Air is a collaboration between Virginia Tech’s student team, Boeing, All Wheels Up , and Collins Aerospace. The team’s Wheelchair Space and Securement System concept would allow passengers with limited mobility to sit securely in their own wheelchairs during flight, reducing the risk of injury and protecting their chairs from damage during stowing.

“Our design is pretty simple,” said Kaczmar. “It’s a retrofittable pallet design you put right into an aircraft that involves three economy class chairs. All three chairs fold up, you can wheel the chair into a built-in securement system that locks the wheelchair into place, and the outside chair can fold back down to allow for a passenger or mobility helper to sit.”

“The general concept of the design is that a wheelchair user can remain in their personal wheelchair for the duration of their flight — from booking to boarding to beyond,” said Sale.

Keeping a wheelchair with its passenger protects both the person and the essential device. Wheelchairs are costly to fix, and if damage is extensive or the stowed chair is sent to the wrong location, the person will not be mobile when they reach the destination.   

For travelers with neuromuscular diseases, being separated from their chairs for extended time can be life threatening. Sale recalls two wheelchair-on-airplane deaths when team members started their project. Existing airplane seats don’t include the harnesses and other safey gear that may be essential for passengers who use wheelchairs, so another traveler must be there to hold the passenger’s body up during take-off, turbulence, and landing.

“This is a really big issue for wheelchair users that they have to be separated from their chairs when they fly,” said Sale. “It’s dangerous and painful, not to mention undignified for them to be moved around the aircraft. It’s not how we should be treating people.”

Kaczmar and Sale pioneered this project for the past two years, conducting research with industry partners and listening to stories from many wheelchair users. However, the idea for a team to address airplane accessibility came from Juliana Iacono during her first year at Virginia Tech.

Iacono’s family, who are avid travelers, have been flying with her wheelchair-dependent brother for many years. As he got older, navigating airplanes became more difficult. Based on these experiences, Iacono developed a passon for accessible air travel. She presented the problem with aircraft accessibility to a cohort of students to see if others would be interested in forming a team. Shortly after, Chairs in the Air came to fruition.

“I gave them a lot of insight in meetings that influenced design ideas, helping them also think about the person who is traveling with the person in a chair and what the full experience is on the plane from beginning to end,” said Iacono.

Now in her third year as an industrial design major and a member of the Chairs in the Air team, Iacono is thrilled to see the project come full circle.

“As product designers, it’s rewarding to be able to help create products and make changes that hopefully make the world a better place and make people’s lives easier,” said Iacono.

Ellen Braaten , assistant professor emerita in the School of Architecture , has worked closely with team members for the past two years, using her electric wheelchair to test out prototypes team members created and to help them understand how difficult air travel is in a chair. For Braaten, airlines implementing this system would mean she could fly for the first time in decades.

“I am a polio survivor from 1947. I walked on crutches for 50 years, flew all over the world, and when I had to get into a wheelchair, that was no longer a possibility,” said Braaten, who added that air travel with a wheelchair became a demeaning process that involved being carried in on a gurney and dropped into a seat.

“These kids were so involved and so understanding,” said Braaten. “We could talk about the issues that I’m confronted with, and in the long run, it’s going to be good for everyone by allowing people to have the freedom that they need.”

Braaten is proud of the team’s accomplishments and adds that their recognition as a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Award makes her feel hope that one day she’ll be able to fly again, allowing her to visit her daughter more often.

On May 28, the winners will be announced in Hamburg, Germany. Supported by funding from the Virginia Tech Honors College and the School of Design, Sale and Kaczmar will be in attendance to present their project. They hope industry experts attending the event will be inspired to help make air travel more accessible.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a new rule in 2023 requiring airlines to make lavatories on new single-aisle aircraft large enough to permit a passenger with a disability and attendant. Both Sale and Kaczmar see potential for the legislature to continue working toward better accessibility.

“On the issue of improving accessibility on aircraft there’s still work to be done for it to be a legislative requirement, so I think it’s good for people to keep this in mind in the future,” said Sale. “This is an issue that they can influence with their vote.”

Zeke Barlow

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Holocaust museum will host free field trips for eighth graders in New York City public schools

A Holocaust museum in New York City will offer free educational field trips to eighth grade public school students in a program aimed at combating antisemitism

NEW YORK -- A Holocaust museum in New York City will offer free educational field trips to eighth grade students in public schools in a program announced Thursday aimed at combating antisemitism .

The program will allow up to 85,000 students at traditional public schools and charter schools to tour Manhattan’s Museum of Jewish Heritage over the next three years, starting this fall. New York City is the largest school district in the nation, serving more than a million students. Organizers say the museum and the new program have the capacity to host up to one-third of the district's eighth graders each year.

City Council member Julie Menin said she raised the idea with the museum after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, in an effort to combat rising antisemitism in the U.S. Incidents targeting Jewish and Muslim Americans have been recorded across the country since the Israel-Hamas war erupted, ranging from offensive graffiti to violence.

“We needed a proactive approach to combat this hatred at its roots," Menin, a Democrat and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement. “That’s why I approached the Museum of Jewish Heritage with the vision of a universal field trip program.”

The effort will cost around $2.5 million, with $1 million coming from the Gray Foundation, a nonprofit backed by Blackstone CEO Jon Gray that funds other programs for New York youths, as well as cancer research. Menin said the museum will look to other sources for the rest.

The museum already offers student discounts and free admission days. The new program will cover transportation, guides and take-home materials for the eighth graders, Menin said.

The tours will focus on the global history of antisemitism and propaganda that precipitated the Holocaust, as well as offering an experience for students to reflect on current events, Menin's statement said.

Principals will play a key role in deciding which schools will participate in the program, Menin said in a phone call. Schools can sign up through the museum website.

New York City Public Schools spokesperson Nathaniel Styer said in a statement that “programming is a school-based decision, but the funding in this announcement will help remove barriers to participation.”

In testimony before U.S. Congress earlier this month, New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks said the city had already begun rolling out new measures to combat antisemitism in schools, including developing a new curriculum “highlighting the culture and contributions of the Jewish community.”

New York schools are required to teach about the Holocaust, with explicit curriculum covering the subject beginning in eighth grade.

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4 must-know camping tips

Camping is a quintessential Colorado activity. If you are planning a summer trip, here are some must-know tips. 

1. Choosing a campsite 

Spur of the moment camping trips can be fun, but if you’re new to camping it’s usually better to plan ahead. Here are some things to consider when choosing a campsite. 

Make a reservation. Many campgrounds require a reservation, and spots can fill up fast. This means you might have to plan out your trip well in advance to snag a spot. Take some time to research the areas you’d like to visit and familiarize yourself with the reservation process. You can explore a variety of options online through resources like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Parks and Wildlife or the federal recreation site . 

Know the rules. It’s important to review the rules and requirements for your specific site before booking your trip. For instance, campgrounds may restrict the number of cars you’re allowed to have, prohibit dogs or have fire bans in place. This means you may need to arrange a carpool, leave your pets at home or skip the s’mores. Knowing (and following) the rules can help you avoid unexpected citations and fines. 

Check the amenities. Not all campsites are created equal, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you book your trip. Here are some common terms that are used to describe the amenities for different types of campsites: 

• Full hookup or electric: These sites are typically reserved for RVs only. That’s because they usually come equipped with electricity, sewage connections and paved roads. They may also include amenities like picnic tables, potable water, trash receptacles, supply shops and more. Full hookup campgrounds can usually be accessed on paved roads. 
• Basic: These sites can accommodate tents and car campers. They typically have amenities like picnic tables, trash receptacles, potable water, bathrooms, grills and fire rings. These campgrounds are usually accessible by partially paved and unpaved roads. These campsites may also come with bearproof lockers (call ahead to double check). 
• Dispersed or primitive: These sites are ‘bare bones.’ They have few, if any, amenities. In many cases roads to these campsites are not paved or maintained, so it’s usually best to have a high clearance vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive. They may also require walking, so be prepared to carry all your gear a few hundred feet or yards to the site. If you stay at a primitive site, you’ll likely need to collect and carry out your own trash, pack drinking water and use vault toilets (some may not offer toilets at all). Disperse campsites can also fill quickly and don’t have reservation systems, so plan on arriving early and have a backup plan in place. 

Keep in mind that this list provides a general overview of possible amenities and conditions. However, you will need to review the specifics of individual campsites, as they may vary depending on location. 

2. Packing your bags 

Check your gear before heading out to ensure it’s in good working condition, and repair if needed. 

• Tent (with footprint and stakes)* 
• Sleeping bag* 
• Sleeping pad* 
• Camp chairs* 
• Lantern, headlamp 
• Mallet, hammer (for stakes) 
• Local firewood (outside firewood may be prohibited)
• Camp stove, fuel* 
• Firestarter, matches, lighter (check fire restrictions beforehand) 
• Pots, pans* 
• Sharp cutting knife 
• Utensils (cooking and eating) 
• Plates, bowls, mugs, cups 
• Water bottles 
• Camp sink, biodegradable soap 
• Dish towel 
• Trash, recycle bags 
• Cutting board 
• Food, drinks, snacks 
• Quick-drying pants, shorts* 
• Quick-drying tees, long sleeves 
• Warm layer (e.g., sweater, sweatshirt, etc.) 
• Rain jacket* 
• Windbreaker 
• Extra socks, underwear 
• Sturdy shoes (e.g., boots, sneakers) 
• Water sandals, swimsuit 
• Hat, sunglasses 

Personal care

• Toilet paper, wipes 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Trowel (primitive camping) 
• Toothbrush, toothpaste 
• Toiletry kit 
• Quick-dry towel 
• Medications 
• First aid kit 
• Insect repellent 
• Camp reservation (if needed) 
• Power bank 
• Cellphone, electronics 
• Pet gear, supplies 
• Entertainment (e.g., books, games, etc.) 
• Binoculars 
• Navigation tools 
• Field guides (e.g., flowers, insects, trails, etc.) 
• ID, wallet 
• Bear cannister* 
• Trekking poles* 

* These items can be rented from Outdoor Pursuits at the Rec Center.

3. Planning your meals 

Meal planning can be stressful, especially when you’re out in the woods. If you are worried about creating a camping menu or packing food for your trip, here are some tips to help make it easier. 

Keep it simple. Keep your menu simple by packing a limited number of easy meals. Things like oatmeal, sandwiches and other basic staples are low stress and simple to make. 

Be mindful of perishables. If you plan to bring perishable foods like lunch meat, eggs or hotdogs, plan ways to keep them cold. You’ll need a cooler of ice, and it’s usually best to freeze foods in advance. You can always thaw them once you’re ready to cook. It’s also a good idea to keep perishable foods separate from drinks to avoid cross contamination.   

Don’t forget the little things. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean your food has to be bland. Plan to pack spices, seasonings and condiments with you as part of your meal plan. If you’re worried about keeping condiments cold, consider buying single serving packets of mustard, ketchup or mayo. 

Use prepackaged options. Lugging around a cooler can be hard work, especially if you are going to a walk-up campsite. If you want to lighten your load and don’t mind splurging a bit, you may want to consider bringing prepackaged, freeze-dried options. These meal packs are lightweight and can be prepared with hot water. 

Keep bears at bay. Black bears are common in Colorado. You can help keep them at bay by using bear-resistant food containers, keeping your campsite clean, not eating in your tent, clearing food out of your car, locking your car doors and stashing your trash. Keep in mind that bears may also be attracted to other scented products like toiletries and sunscreen. 

4. Being good a steward 

Camping comes with a variety of regulations and other unspoken rules. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you’re being a good steward while enjoying the great outdoors. 

• Use established campsites. 
• Avoid damaging natural features or taking natural souvenirs home with you. 
• Use biodegradable soap and dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet from natural water sources. 
• Don’t burn or bury your trash. 
• Check for fire bans ahead of time and follow all restrictions and regulations. If fires are allowed, be sure to properly extinguish your campfire by ensuring that the coals and ashes are cool before abandoning it. 
• Bury human waste away from natural water sources in a hole that is at least four to eight inches deep (do not bury toilet paper). 
• Clean your campsite by disposing of trash and putting everything back where you found it. 
• Respect your neighbors by observing quiet hours, keeping your voice down and not cutting through other campsites.  
• Avoid camping right next to other people. 
• Avoid trespassing on private land by sticking to designated trails. 
• Do not approach or feed wildlife. 

Following these rules can help everyone have a more positive camping experience and prevent damage to your surroundings.  

Outdoor equipment rentals

Outdoor Pursuits offers outdoor equipment rentals for activities like camping, hiking, climbing and water sports. Equipment rentals are available for all students, staff and faculty (no Rec Center membership required).

Adventure Resource Center

Stop by the Adventure Resource Center on the first floor of the Rec Center to explore guidebooks, resources, atlases and wall-sized maps of Colorado areas.

Apothecary Pharmacy

Need to stock up on sunscreen, aloe vera, bug spray, allergy medications or other essentials? Stop by the Apothecary Pharmacy at Wardenburg Health Center for over-the-counter products.

Medical Services

Sometimes, accidents happen. If you get injured or sick while camping, you can make an appointment with Medical Services on campus.