Is Bucharest Safe for International Students?

Every year, thousands of foreign students choose Romania for undergraduate programs (especially Medicine) or through Erasmus scholarships. Beyond the quality of education, a key question we receive from young people and their parents is: “Is it safe to live and study there?“

The answer is a categorical “YES“, supported by real data.

1.Romania as a country (Official data and global statistics)

• US Government Assessment (State Department): Romania is classified at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the safest level assigned by the U.S. government and places Romania in the same safety category as countries such as Switzerland, Norway, or Finland.
• Global Peace Index ranking: Romania ranks 45th globally out of a total of 163 countries evaluated based on citizen safety, the absence of conflict, and political stability.
• Homicide rate (Eurostat): Romania has an extremely low rate of violent crime, recording a steady decline in serious incidents. According to official analyses, the overwhelming majority of crimes reported annually are economic or property-related offenses (such as petty theft), while violent crimes or street assaults against tourists are extremely rare.

2.Bucharest (Comparative urban safety indices)

According to the independent Numbeo Safety Index (which measures perceived crime and the risk of assault), Bucharest records an excellent urban safety score of 71.5 (and a very low crime index of only 28.44).

• Carefree nightlife: Bucharest is renowned for its vibrant urban culture and active nightlife. Unlike other major European cities, students can return from clubs, libraries, or campuses at any hour of the night—on foot or by public transport—without fear of violent street attacks
• Absence of “no-go” zones: There are no off-limits neighborhoods or ghettos in Bucharest where the police do not enter. Even the areas surrounding major university centers or student complexes (Regie, Grozăvești, Tei) are safe and bustling with life.
• Close-knit multicultural communities: Universities of Medicine and Pharmacy (such as UMF Carol Davila in Bucharest or those in Cluj and Iași) host large communities of students from France, Germany, Italy, Israel, and Arab countries, facilitating rapid integration and an environment of mutual support.

Practical safety tips for international students:

As in any big city, the recommendations are common sense: use official ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt) instead of taxis on the street, pay attention to personal belongings on the metro or in the Old Town, and avoid purchases from unauthorized persons.