Karesz Trombitás is one of the co-founders of ELB. He says that his time in Portugal inspired him to bring the concept of international gatherings to Budapest, as a similar group existed in Lisbon at the time. “They were doing trips, parties, community events, and we went on a lot of these,” he explains. “There was no such organisation in Budapest, so we really thought we should bring this here, for people living that Erasmus life.”
The group began by staging Thursday night parties at the old Corvin Club, now closed. “Now,” says Karesz, “we have events every day, as well as trips abroad and within Hungary, and smaller cultural events such as tours, wine tastings, games nights and walking trips around cultural heritage points in Budapest”.
ELB quickly grew in popularity. Its Halloween Party in 2019 brought in 2,500 people, a record number for the organisation. “It gives me back so much energy when I see all these people,” says Karesz. “They’re having the time of their lives, and that’s really great to see. This is why we’re doing this.”
And ELB goes beyond just parties and excursions. The group’s vision is to become a network where international students and expats can find what they need. Already the group has paired with housing agencies and flat owners, to create a trustworthy network for new arrivals in the city. “There’s a lot of scams out there,” acknowledges Karesz. “They’re trying to rip off students. So we want to help people find a good, affordable, quality flat.”
Most of the students who participate in ELB come from other European countries, but the group also organises for Stipendium Hungaricum students, a programme which brings in students mostly from South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
“We want to unite all international students in Budapest with our fun events,” says Karesz. “And it’s not just exclusively Erasmus students either, it can be anyone, even local Hungarians who have been on Erasmus before and want to keep living this international life. And also young expats who come here without having a network.”
Entry to the group’s events is open to everyone, but special ELB Cards provide discounts to their parties and events, and other services in the city.
“There are discounts to bars, restaurants, car rental, hairdressers, gyms, everything you could need here,” says Karesz. “Every Friday and Saturday, there is reduced admission to downtown clubs.”
The cards cost €15, valid for one year, and can be purchased online or from the ELB office at the Grandio bar. Even if purchased online, they still must be picked up from the office, where a physical card is produced. “There is a photo, a bar code, with your name and details on it,” Karesz adds. “You just need to bring in an ID-sized photo."
Recently the organisation has been able to offer internships to students through the Erasmus+ scheme. “So we have a very international team,” says Karesz. “Interns can come and learn quite a lot – we include them in our events management, social media, front office, and also with website development.” So far, interns have come from more than 20 countries.
A WEEK IN ERASMUS LIFE
A typical week for Erasmus Life Budapest is packed full:
Monday means Erasmus Monday, with 50-cent beer and free entrance through the ELB Card. “Erasmus students call it the ‘Holy Monday,’” says Karesz with a laugh. “They never miss it – there are 1,000 people every week. It’s crazy!"
Tuesdays are smaller events, like wine tastings and UNO championships, as well as quiz nights and community-building events. Most of these take place at ELB’s gathering place, the Grandio Jungle Bar & Grill. The venue, one Budapest's last surviving ruin bars, offers discounted drinks to students holding the Erasmus Card by ELB. By day, it serves as ELB's front office.
Wednesdays are Nations Nights, where a different country is selected and celebrated with typical food and drinks. Alternatively, there are Beer Pong Championships.
Thursdays are more special parties, themed events such as the Halloween, Flag or UV Lights parties. “Our goal,” says Karesz, “is to provide something way more special than if you are just going out to a club. We have decorations, animations, costumes, activities, and also some surprises.”
For underground party people, the Erasmus Dark Rave techno party series takes place once a month as well.
Weekends are when the group organises its big trips, such as excursions to Vienna, Kraków, Croatia, Prague and Slovenia. Within Hungary, they go to Lake Balaton, Lillafüred and many other beautiful destinations.
“We go to places which can be explored in a weekend,” says Karesz, “because, of course, the students are here to study, and they have classes to go to”.
And besides their Pub Crawls discovering the top ruin bars in Budapest, ELB organises all-night Boat Parties and a Pool Party one weekend every semester. It also provides discounted entry to downtown clubs on Friday and Saturday nights. Partnering with large-scale events and organisations such as the Sziget Festival, Sparty and Cinema Hall, they also offer discounted admission to these unique happenings.
“Erasmus is the best initiative the EU has ever had,” says Karesz in conclusion. “This is how you overcome narrow views on international differences, build bridges between cultures. This is where you meet people abroad and realise they’re just like you. I see our interns,and Erasmus students making lifelong friendships and connections, by enjoying their time together. I think it’s really great to experience, and that’s why I’m happy we can be a part of it.”
ELB’s monthly schedules, as well as information on all parties and events, are detailed on the group’s Facebook page and documented on Instagram. Upcoming events can be found here.
ELB information
To
find more information on getting your
ELB Card, visit the group’s website, or head over to the ELB Office in person at VII.Nagy Diófa utca 8.
ELB Instagram
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