It’s been less than two weeks since the academic year at AUBG began, and we’re already hearing students share their positive experiences about the city and the campus. For first-year students, especially those coming from abroad, Blagoevgrad is unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
As first-year student Savelii Timokhov puts it:
“The city has its own pace. Blagoevgrad is a great blend between a city in the broader sense and a university-centered community, with many facilities, sports activities, clubs, and places to hang out with friends.”
For Vayana Sinabova who hails from Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad “feels better than home. Here, there are so many places to go for fun or study in peace. There is nature all around, it’s not too crowded, and for me, it’s the best place I could be. I’m so thankful to be here.”
Inspired by these first-year students, we decided to immerse ourselves in the rhythm of Blagoevgrad and help you picture life in Blagoevgrad and AUBG.
First visits to Blagoevgrad
Some students had the chance to visit the city before their first semester, either through our Educational Summer Camp or Open House events.
But when we asked them if their impressions had changed, they unanimously agreed: their perspectives have expanded.
Here is a glimpse of AUBG freshmen’s first impressions of Blagoevgrad and its surroundings.
The mountain views
“I love how I can wake up, simply step out of my dorm and be greeted by stunning mountain views. Every day, it feels like I’m seeing something new, and it’s honestly so different from New York,” said Sebastian Ore.
Andreya Stoynova shares the sentiment: “One thing that I noticed immediately was the mountain views, which is something I appreciate a lot. They bring a sense of peace and calmness in such a dynamic area where we study. Not many universities have this kind of setting.”
Indeed, Blagoevgrad takes a very favorable spot on the map. Surrounded by the Rila and Pirin mountains, a river flowing next to the AUBG campus, and many nature spots around the area, the city creates a breathtaking environment that supports student growth.
While many freshmen haven’t had the chance to explore the.area fully, they’re eager to hit the Cross trail, and some have even joined AUBG’s hiking club.
The food
When it comes to grabbing a hot drink or having a satiating lunch, Sebastian praises Polca, a cozy deli just ten minutes from the ABF building. He describes their chicken ranch sandwich with honey mustard as “phenomenal”.
Yoana Lyubenova, a fan of traditional Bulgarian cuisine, loves leek banitsa, a local specialty. With bakeries across the city catering to early birds, students can easily grab a fresh Bulgarian pastry before morning lectures. And don’t forget to pair it with traditional drinks such as fermented wheat Boza or yoghurt-based Ayran.
For dining out, Borghese, a new Italian restaurant, is a favorite, alongside Roots for pizza and Nikki’s for traditional Bulgaria dishes.
Of course, no student experience in Bulgaria would be complete without a Doner from Aladin, a particular fascination for New Yorker Sebastian.
Student life
According to Sebastian, “It feels like the majority of the city is catered to the needs of the university students. You’ve got everything you need right on campus.”
Andreya, an adrenaline-seeker, loves that Blagoevgrad offers adventure, too. “I enjoy zip-lining and skiing, and it’s great that these activities are nearby.”
As any university city, Blagoevgrad boasts a vibrant nightlife, combining international music with Balkan beats.
Among first-year students, popular dance clubs include Underground, Level, Billion, and The Face. For New Yorker Sebastian, experiencing Blagoevgrad’s nightlife was intriguing:
“To be honest, I’m not that well-versed in nightlife culture in the Balkans, but it definitely has its own style. It’s a much bigger culture shock than I was expecting, but it’s nice to have a night like this. Being able to dance on chairs is a game-changer, because it’s too crowded.”
Beyond nightclubs, which are not everyone’s cup of tea, student clubs and organizations at AUBG are a huge draw. As Momchil Stankov says, “I’ve seen the nightlight; now I want to see the day life.”
“I’ve already signed up for six clubs,” Yoana shares, highlighting the variety of extracurricular activities from Dance Crew to TEDxAUBG.
Blagoevgrad: a blend of urban life, cultures, and tradition
The students we spoke to have already embraced the unique pace and vibrant community of Blagoevgrad.
Yoana, particularly drawn to the architecture, says: “I love the design of the main AUBG building and the older architecture in the city.”
The main AUBG building, originally build in 1987 as headquarters for the local Bulgarian Communist Party, stands as a prime example of communist architecture. Today, it’s part of a city and a university that welcomes people from diverse cultures.
AUBG Main Building
Alen Mak Hotel
“Something I appreciate a lot is the diversity in nationalities and interests. It’s fascinating how each new person you meet is totally different from the previous one. I’ve made friends from Georgia, Russia, America, as well as from many other countries,” says Andreya.
One hub for all
Blagoevgrad has become a hub where students from all over the world come to learn, grow, and connect.
Yoana loves how walkable the city is compared to Sofia: “In Sofia, it’s impossible to reach so many places just by foot.”
Momchil agrees: “There aren’t so many people here as in Sofia, and it’s less overwhelming. There are lots of parks and trees, especially around campus – it feels like one big park.”
Deya Popova, also from Sofia, adds, “I was in Sofia this weekend, and I couldn’t wait to get back here. I love how peaceful it is, and I can walk everywhere—even when the weather isn’t great.”
Savelii notes the warmth of the local people and those he met on campus: “People here are so nice in contrast with those in the capital city, where it feels more isolated. Here, I feel protected. It’s not a dangerous city, and you can feel at ease, even in the darkest of the night.”
A second home
“I can firmly say that Blagoevgrad is a beautiful place. It’s a great depiction of what a city in Southwestern Bulgaria can be. It’s really comfortable and cozy,” Savelii remarks.
Sebastian offers some parting wisdom from his father: “Whether you’re at Harvard or AUBG, the experience is what you make of it. If you just trust the process and make the most of your opportunities, you’ll have a fulfilling university life with no regrets.”
But beyond the AUBG education, life in Blagoevgrad continues. When asked if she could imagine herself living in ‘Blago’ after she graduates, Vayana said:
“I’m from Plovdiv, and before I even came here, I was thinking that I really want to live in a smaller city such as Blago or Veliko Turnovo after I graduate. Blago is a great city, so I can see myself living here.”
Ready to find your new home in the heart of Southwestern Bulgaria? Visit our admissions page to explore your academic opportunities and join the AUBG community.
