My first weeks at ELTE: Tips I want to share with new students
I’m currently a student ambassador at ELTE, studying in the Buddhist and Tibetan Studies Department, and I understand how overwhelming the transition to a new university system can be, especially if you're joining from abroad.
When I first arrived in Hungary, I scoured countless blogs and guides on topics like admission, visa procedures, and hostel applications. While those resources were incredibly helpful, I quickly realized there were many small things about university life that became clear only once I arrived. That’s why I’ve written this blog: to share the essential tips and tricks that can make your first semester smoother and less stressful.
What is Neptun and Why is it Important?
If you haven’t heard of Neptun yet, get ready to know it well.
Neptun is the heart of your university life at ELTE. This online platform is where you'll handle almost everything related to your academic journey, from course registrations to checking exam schedules. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do in Neptun:
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Register for courses and subjects.
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Check exam schedules.
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Manage finances (tuition fees, scholarships, etc.).
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Submit administrative requests.
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Track your academic progress.
For many international students, Neptun can seem like a complex system, especially if you come from a country with a different academic structure. But trust me, once you get the hang of it, Neptun will make your life much easier.
Course Registration Deadlines
Each semester, there’s a short window of about one week for course registration. Here are the typical deadlines:
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Autumn semester: 2nd week of September.
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Spring semester: 2nd week of February.
Even if you haven’t arrived in Hungary yet because your visa is still being processed, it’s important to log in and choose your subjects on time. Missing the first registration deadline isn’t the end of the world — there’s usually a late registration period. However, keep in mind that it comes with a late fee, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.
Elective Courses: Expand Your Horizons
One of the coolest things about studying at ELTE is the opportunity to take elective courses. These courses are not limited to your department; you can explore a variety of subjects from other fields, such as:
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Sports.
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Arts.
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Music.
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Dance.
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And so much more!
In Neptun, you’ll find two types of courses:
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Compulsory subjects (from your department).
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Elective courses (from other departments).
Whether you’re looking to broaden your skills or simply explore a passion, elective courses are a great way to enrich your university experience.
Credits and Degree Requirements
To earn your degree, you’ll need to accumulate a specific number of credits. Here’s what you need:
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Bachelor’s degree: 180 credits.*
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Master’s degree: 120 credits.
* more or less true for most ELTE programs. There are exceptions, .e.g., Finance and Accounting BA is 7 semesters = 210 ECTS, International Business Economics BA = 8 semesters = 240 ECTS
Each course you take in Neptun will contribute a certain number of credits toward your total. Make sure to keep track of your progress and plan your semesters accordingly. Remember, you’re in control of your own academic journey!
Final Advice
While some international students might already be familiar with online university tools, others may need some time to adjust. Neptun can feel overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it will soon become second nature.
Here’s my advice to make the process easier:
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Log in regularly to keep track of updates.
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Register for courses on time to avoid any late fees.
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Ask for help if you’re unsure about anything. The ELTE staff and student community are here to support you!
Taking these small steps will make your first semester at ELTE much more manageable. Best of luck, and I’m sure you’ll do great!
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions – find my email under my student profile.