What to expect in everyday life

Safety is one of the most common concerns when moving abroad.

So let’s answer it directly:

 Yes — Košice is generally a safe city for international students.

But like anywhere, it’s important to understand how things work locally. Here’s a realistic, honest overview.

 Overall Safety in Košice

Košice is the second-largest city in Slovakia, but compared to many European cities, it has:

• low levels of violent crime
• a calm and relaxed atmosphere
• a strong student presence

Most students feel safe walking around the city, even in the evening.

 Night Safety

The city center (especially Old Town) is active in the evenings, with cafés, bars, and restaurants.

At night:

• Main streets are well-lit
• There are always people around
• Public spaces feel safe

 As a general rule:

• Stick to lit areas
• Avoid completely empty or isolated places late at night

But overall, nightlife in Košice is considered safe compared to bigger cities.

 Public Transport at Night

Public transport (trams and buses) runs regularly, even in the evening and night. Night lines operate on main routes and leave about every hour from the Railway and Bus station stop and go through downtown on the way to all neighborhoods. 

• Stops are well-marked
• Vehicles are generally safe and used by students

 Many students also use apps like Bolt or Uber for late-night transport.

 Common Scams to Watch Out For

Košice is not a scam-heavy city, but there are a few things to be aware of:

 Rental scams

• Fake apartment listings
• Requests for deposits before viewing

 Always verify the apartment or use trusted contacts.

 Online scams

• Fake offers in Facebook groups
• Too-good-to-be-true deals

 If something feels off, it probably is.

 Pickpocketing (rare but possible)

• In crowded places (events, public transport)

 Keep your belongings secure, especially in busy areas.

 Important Local Habit: Pedestrian Crossings

This is something many international students notice quickly:

 Cars do NOT stop automatically at pedestrian crossings.

Even though pedestrians technically have priority:

• Drivers may not slow down in time
• You are expected to make eye contact and be cautious

 Always:

• Check both directions
• Make sure the driver sees you and is going to let you pass
• Don’t step onto the crossing blindly

This is probably one of the biggest “practical safety differences” compared to some other countries.