A Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Bandung

A Student’s Guide to Living and Studying in Bandung

Blog Article

Bandung, the capital city of West Java, Indonesia, is one of the most popular student cities in Southeast Asia. With its vibrant youth culture, relatively affordable cost of living, mild climate, and academic opportunities, it has become a favorite among both local and international students. Nicknamed the "Paris of Java" for its colonial and European influences, Bandung offers a unique blend of modern city life, creative energy, and natural beauty. slot bisa depo 5000

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what it’s like to live and study in Bandung as a student—from choosing a university to finding housing, discovering the best hangout spots, understanding the local culture, and getting around the city.

1. Why Choose Bandung for Your Studies?

A Hub of Higher Education
Bandung is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Indonesia, such as:

Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB): Indonesia's top technical university and a leader in research and innovation.

Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD): Known for its social sciences, law, and medical programs.

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI): Specializing in education and teacher training.

Telkom University: A private institution known for its focus on telecommunications, IT, and creative industry.

These universities attract students from all over the country and abroad, making Bandung a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and academic excellence.

Creative and Youthful Energy
Bandung has a distinctively creative culture, with a strong emphasis on fashion, art, design, and culinary innovation. It's often seen as a trendsetter city in Indonesia, especially among the younger generation. The atmosphere is relaxed yet energetic, perfect for students who want both a quality education and a stimulating environment.

2. Cost of Living in Bandung

Compared to Jakarta, Bandung offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle, which makes it ideal for students. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated monthly expenses:

Category Estimated Cost (IDR) Notes
Rent (kos/shared) 800,000 - 2,500,000 Varies by location and amenities
Food 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 Street food & warung meals are very affordable
Transport 300,000 - 700,000 Use of angkot, Gojek, or buses
Internet/Phone 100,000 - 200,000 Depends on provider & usage
Miscellaneous 500,000 - 1,000,000 Entertainment, clothes, etc.

Total Monthly Estimate: 2.7 - 6 million IDR
That’s approximately $170 - $380 USD/month depending on lifestyle and housing preferences.

3. Accommodation Options

Kos (Boarding Houses)
“Kos” is the most popular choice for students. They come in various types, from basic rooms with shared bathrooms to furnished rooms with private bathrooms, AC, and Wi-Fi.

Tips for Choosing a Kos:

Proximity to campus is key.

Check for security, cleanliness, and noise levels.

Visit in person before signing any contract.

Student Apartments and Hostels
Some private student apartments offer more upscale amenities like gyms, study rooms, and cafes. Popular areas for student housing include Dago, Jatinangor, Ciumbuleuit, and Setiabudi.

Sharing a House
Students often rent houses together to split costs. This is common among international students or groups of friends.

4. Getting Around Bandung

Angkot (Public Minivans)
Color-coded and covering various routes, angkot is a cheap way to get around. However, routes can be confusing for newcomers.

Ride-Hailing Apps
Gojek and Grab are essential for students. They're cheap, fast, and easy to use for both rides and food delivery.

Bikes and Motorcycles
Some students choose to buy or rent motorcycles. Just be sure to have a valid license and wear helmets.

Walking and Cycling
Some campus areas are walkable or bike-friendly, especially in Dago or near ITB.

5. Student Life and Culture

Cafes and Co-working Spaces
Bandung has countless cafes where students study, hang out, or work on projects. Many are affordable and have fast Wi-Fi. Popular spots include:

Two Hands Full

Noah’s Barn

Warunk Upnormal

Yellow Truck Coffee

Shopping and Entertainment
Students often visit factory outlets in Dago and Riau or malls like Paris Van Java and Trans Studio Mall. There are also plenty of indie markets and thrift stores.

Outdoor Activities
Surrounded by mountains, Bandung is perfect for weekend hikes, camping, or short trips to:

Tangkuban Perahu volcano

Kawah Putih crater lake

Lembang Floating Market

Maribaya waterfalls

Music and Arts Scene
With an active indie music and arts culture, students often attend local gigs, art exhibitions, and film screenings. The annual Helarfest and KICKFEST are popular among youth.

6. Culinary Adventures in Bandung

Bandung is a food lover’s paradise. From street food to Instagrammable cafes, here are some must-tries:

Street Snacks:

Seblak: Spicy and chewy noodle dish with crackers and eggs.

Cimol: Deep-fried tapioca balls.

Batagor: Fried tofu with peanut sauce.

Cireng: Fried chewy rice snacks.

Traditional Dishes:

Nasi Timbel: Rice wrapped in banana leaf served with fried chicken and sambal.

Lotek: Javanese vegetable salad with peanut sauce.

Sate Maranggi: Grilled beef skewers with sweet soy sauce.

Desserts & Drinks:

Es Cendol: Icy green jelly dessert with coconut milk.

Bajigur: Warm drink made from coconut milk and palm sugar.

Bandung also boasts a strong coffee scene, with many local roasters and specialty cafes that students love.

7. Cultural Etiquette and Social Life

Politeness and Respect
Sundanese culture, dominant in Bandung, emphasizes humility, friendliness, and politeness. Saying “punten” (excuse me) or “hatur nuhun” (thank you) will earn you smiles.

Student Organizations (UKM)
Most campuses have active student bodies offering clubs for sports, arts, religion, entrepreneurship, and volunteering. Joining these is a great way to make friends.

Religious Considerations
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. Respect for local customs, especially during Ramadan, is appreciated. Many campuses offer prayer rooms and student mosques.

Language
Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken, though English is used in many academic settings. Learning some Bahasa will help you navigate daily life more smoothly.

8. Healthcare and Safety

Health Facilities
Bandung has a number of hospitals and clinics. Universities usually have their own health centers. Popular hospitals include:

RS Borromeus

RS Hasan Sadikin

RS Santo Yusup

Pharmacies are everywhere and easy to access. Bring a basic health kit and check if your health insurance covers Indonesia.

Safety Tips:

Bandung is generally safe, but avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas.

Use trusted transportation apps.

Secure your valuables in public spaces and kos.

9. Banking and Money Matters

Open a local bank account if you're staying long-term. BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and BRI are major banks. Many students use digital wallets like:

OVO

GoPay

DANA

ShopeePay

These apps are commonly accepted at food stalls, minimarkets, and online shops.

10. Tips for International Students

Student Visa: Ensure your visa is up-to-date and understand the reporting requirements.

Language Prep: Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia before arriving or take courses once you’re there.

Cultural Adjustment: Be open-minded, make local friends, and embrace new experiences.

Stay Connected: Join expat or international student groups on social media.

11. Final Thoughts

Studying in Bandung is more than just academics—it’s a cultural, social, and personal journey. With its affordable lifestyle, top-notch universities, friendly people, and beautiful scenery, Bandung offers a perfect mix of study and exploration. Whether you're sipping coffee in a cozy cafe, discussing ideas on campus, or hiking a volcano on the weekend, life as a student in Bandung is bound to be unforgettable.