Student Life in Zagreb

Language

Croatian is the official language in Croatia. However, due to the rising numbers of tourists and students, it is possible to get by with English and German. Children learn English and German as their main foreign languages in school. In the MSE Programme you will speak mostly English, but it is still important to learn Croatian, as otherwise you will not be able to communicate with patients during the clinical phase. Croatian is taught during the first two years of the degree.

Travelling

Important transport routes cross Zagreb by road and air. With its international airport, you can reach Zagreb from many different European cities. It is also possible to come by train to the main station of Zagreb (Zagrebački Glavni kolodvor), as there are many international railway connections, but your trip will last much longer.

Sport

There are plenty of possibilities to do sport in Zagreb. You can choose to just go for a jog in one of its many parks, or visit the sports facilities at Jarun or Mladost, which offer swimming pools, gyms and a variety of cultural events. You can also swim in the Jarun lake or go skiing to Medvednica, a big nature park very popular for trekking and excursions.

Culture and Events

Zagreb has two main parts: Lower Town or Donji Grad and the Upper Town or Gornji Grad. As they are very close, it is very easy to reach mostly everything on foot.

However, it is possible to try the rack railway between both parts of town. Those who like a bit of history will deeply enjoy Zagreb. In the baroque old town you can still see the Lotrščak Tower, the old city’s defense system..

The Ban-Jelačić Square is the main square and it used to be called the Square of the Republic. Many monuments and historical buildings can be seen from the square. If you would like to go a bit further, Zagreb is surrounded by castles and medieval towns.

Finding entertainment is not complicated, as the city is rich in cultural and artistic events. There are many museums, theatres, galleries and art exhibitions.

There are spontaneous concerts on the Square of the Flowers (Preradović Square). Here, there are some coffee shops, bars and restaurants, but also in Tkalčićeva Street and near Jarun lake.

Other interesting places:

  • Mirogoj Cemetery
  • Croatian Museum for Naïve Art
  • Archaelogical Museum
  • Maksimir Park with Zoo
  • St. Markus Church
  • Stone Gate
  • Cathedral
  • Croatian National Theatre