Housing is available at the University Residence Hall, in shared apartments and with a host family.
Your housing will depend on preferences and availability.
Accommodations in the residence hall consist of double or triple rooms.
A bathroom is shared by several rooms.
Space in the residence hall are limited.
Typical apartments consist of a living room, kitchen, bathroom and several bedrooms.
Most bedrooms are double occupancy.
Larger sized bedrooms may be triple occupancy, while smaller sized bedrooms may be single occupancy.
Living with a host family is great way to learn about Bulgarian culture and language.
Families are screened by the KEI Onsite Director and/or the University of Varna.
Most bedrooms are single or double occupancy.
Common living areas are shared with the family.
Apartments and host families are located throughout the city.
Students may be required to commute between their housing and the University.
Varna offers numerous cafes and restaurants to satisfy various tastes.
Along with local specialties you can find Italian, Indian, Chinese and other cuisines.
Most restaurants are open from 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM daily.
University of Economics has a modern cafeteria.
Lunch costs approximately $2.50 (4.00 leva).
Students living with a host family may have breakfast (and possibly other meals) included.
Students living in a shared apartment have access to a kitchen.
Supermarkets are open from 8:00AM to 9:00PM.
Many shops are open 24 hours.
KEI program participants are encouraged to become involved in campus clubs.
The University Student Council keeps students informed on a wide range of activities, both on- and off-campus.
Students receive a student ID card, which allows them to receive discounts at swimming pools, fitness halls, museums and clubs.
Varna offers plenty of entertainment and recreational options.
Places of natural and architectural beauty include the Roman Baths Varna, Euxinograd Palace, Pobiti Kamani and Aladzha Monastery.
There are a number of interesting museums, including the Archaeological Museum, Natural Science Museum, Varna Museum, Museum of the Newest History and National Revival Museum.
The National Theater (Opera, Music and Ballet), Cinemas, Dolphinaruim, Aquarium and Planetarium offer shows and events throughout the year.
Varna is famous for its Seaside resorts such as the Golden Sands, Sunny Day and Albena.
Many students enjoy spending time on the beach with their friends.
Varna's public transportation system consists of city buses, which cover most of the metropolitan area.
The bus tickets cost between $0.25 and $2 for a single ride, depending on distance traveled.
Students can use their university ID to obtain discounts on bus passes.
Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
The price per kilometer varies from $0.40 to $1.50 during the daytime and from $0.50 to $2.00 during the night time.
KEI will provide each student with a mobile telephone during the program.
The phone may be used for local and international calls.
International calls can also be made from phone booths, which tend to cost much less.
Computer and Internet facilities are provided by the University library.
Free wireless internet is available in the main University building.
Iskra Kadicheva is the KEI On-Site Coordinator in Varna.
Iskra will meet students at the airport, conduct the orientation, organize planned excursions, and mediate any problems that may arise during the program.
She is available at any hour by mobile phone.
During the first few days you will learn the basics of life in Varna.
The orientation covers the following topics:
using public transportation
course registration
academic expectations
safety and security in varna
cultural adaptation
housing policies
a few social activities to meet your fellow students
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your KEI On-Site Coordinator!
