Practicalities of life in Slovenia
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT (TRP) PROCESS AND ARRIVAL TO SLOVENIA
In order to enter Slovenia, citizens of non-EEA countries must acquire a visa or a residence permit from Slovenia’s diplomatic mission abroad. After we enrol you, you will receive instructions as to which documents to supply so that we can start the TRP process for you. (In addition to proof of admission to the Faculty you will also need proof of sufficient financial resources, a valid passport, a police clearance certificate, an authentic photo, appropriate health insurance, and you will also be scanned for fingerprints.) The TRP process usually takes around six months.
After you’ve arrived to Slovenia, you will need to register your temporary address in Slovenia at the Administrative Unit Maribor, where you will also apply for an extension of your TRP every year. Don’t worry, we will help you with everything! For more information, contact Ms Mateja Vidovič Orešek at the Student Affairs Office.
Don’t forget:
To legally reside in Slovenia and the EU, you need a valid TRP. In order to be granted/extended your TRP for study purposes, you need proof of enrolment into a higher-education institution, i.e. Certificate of Student Status. Our Faculty will issue a valid Certificate of Student Status to you every year after you have completed all courses and collected the ECTS as per the syllabus. If you fail to meet your study obligations, your Certificate of Student Status (and thus your TRP) may be revoked.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Before coming to Slovenia make sure you have appropriate health insurance coverage (including for accidents and liability) and enough supply of any prescription medications that you need. Alternatively you can purchase coverage in Slovenia; Coris Insurance is best suited for non-EU students.
If you need medical help, you will usually have to pay for the visit (the cost depends on the type of visit and your type of coverage) and then ask for a refund from your insurance company. Another option is applying for Slovenian national health insurance, in which case you get to choose your personal physician and visit specialists in the same way as Slovenian residents.
BANKING IN SLOVENIA
If you stay in Slovenia for a year or more, you will want to open an account with a local bank. Most payments in Slovenia are done with cards (therefore most shops, hotels and restaurants accept Eurocard, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and other payment cards).
Moreover, it is recommended to deposit your money in an account rather than carry cash around.
MOBILE PHONES
In addition to several others, there are four main mobile network operators & Internet service providers in Slovenia: Telekom, A1, Telemach,... They offer a range of prepay plans. Visit a local store or their website for more information. Mind you: you will need a phone with a Slovenian SIM card to use the system of subsidized student meals.
THINGS TO DO
Slovenia feels a bit like all of its neighbours (Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia), in the best possible ways. There are spectacular mountains and lakes, historic cities, and warm people. Take time to discover our beautiful green country at the intersection of the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain.
GEETING AROUND
Slovenia is situated in Central Europe and borders Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. It is only a few hours’ drive from Venice or Vienna. Slovenia is easily accessible from all neighbouring countries, as it has good road and rail connections, with daily flights from many European cities. Since it is a coastal country, you can also get to Slovenia by sea. Explore the options.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The Global Peace Index ranks Slovenia a top 5 destination in terms of safety in the world. You will rarely see police officers patrolling the streets – simply because there is no need for that; the crime rate is low. However, it is important that you take precautions in keeping yourself and your possessions safe, particularly in busy streets, at big events and at the peak of the tourist season.