University life can be exciting, but it can also bring challenges. The Student Welfare department is here to support you with anything outside of your studies, so you don’t have to face difficulties alone.
Our doors are always open. You can drop by whenever you need advice, a listening ear, or practical help. We encourage you to reach out early if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck. Sometimes just talking things through can make a big difference.
We work together with both academic and administrative staff to look after your well-being, both mental and physical. Students often come to us for support with staying motivated and focused, coping with stress or anxiety, feeling isolated, insecure, or homesick, handling conflicts or personal challenges, adjusting to a new culture or environment
No matter what you’re going through, big or small, we’re here to help you feel supported, understood, and ready to move forward.
At VUM, we truly care about our students. You are always welcome to stop by Office 410D for a chat, support, or guidance.
📍 Varna Campus
13A Oborishte Street, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
Office: 410D
Tel: +359 88 237-00-14
E-mail: student.experience@vumk.eu
🚨 In case of emergency
If you need immediate assistance, call 112 (free of charge). The operator will ask which service you require: Fire Brigade, Police, or Ambulance.
🩺 Non-emergency medical care
For non-urgent health concerns, you can contact Dr. Mariela Mihaylova at the Military Hospital Varna.
Phone: 052 386 241
Office hours: 08:30 – 13:00, daily
Address: 2nd floor, Room 4, Military Hospital Varna
💡 If you have health insurance, don’t forget to request an invoice from Dr. Mihaylova so you can apply for reimbursement from your insurance provider.
🦷 Dental care
For dental needs, we recommend Dr. Boneva.
Phone: +359 877 88 68 16
Office hours: 09:00 – 21:00, Monday to Friday
Address: 46 Neofit Bozveli Street
Getting Around Varna
🚐Public Transport
Varna has an efficient public transport system with buses and trolleys, making commuting convenient and affordable for students. Services run daily from 05:00 to 23:00.
Check schedules here: Varna Traffic or busVarna app.
Tickets can be purchased on board, keep your ticket during the ride, as random inspections may occur, and fines are possible. For cheaper travel, consider getting a prepaid transport card. Cards can be purchased at “Bacho Kiro” 1. Once issued, the plastic card can be reloaded at machines on some bus stops or directly on buses/trolleys.
🚖 Taxis
Taxis are widely available, but we recommend using reputable companies or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging. Recommended providers: Triumph Taxi and Hippo Taxi.
Getting Around Bulgaria
🚆 By Train
Traveling by train is the cheapest way to explore the country, but delays are common, so patience is required. Check schedules here: BDZ Schedule
🚌 By Bus
Buses are generally punctual, affordable, and well-connected across Bulgaria. Check schedules here: obilet
Staying active in Varna is easy, as students can enjoy football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, swimming, ice skating, squash, and more. Some of these facilities are free, while others require a fee, but the cost is always more affordable when you share it with friends.
The city also offers a wide variety of gyms, ranging from simple and budget-friendly to modern and luxurious, so every student can find an option that suits their preferences and lifestyle.
Once a year, Varna hosts the University Games, where students from six universities compete in different sports disciplines. This event is a great opportunity to take part in friendly competition, show your skills and enjoy the community spirit of university life.
During your free time, you can explore Varna’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is home to museums, art galleries, theaters, concerts, and exhibitions, offering a lively blend of modern and traditional arts and entertainment.
One of the most popular places for relaxation is the Alley of Sport Glory on Stanchov Alley. This scenic walking path stretches for more than a kilometer along the seaside, offering stunning views of the beach and the sea. Along the way, you will find plates dedicated to athletes from Varna who have taken part in the Olympic Games, as well as benches and free fitness equipment that make the alley a favorite spot for both exercise and leisure.
In the very heart of the city stands the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Holy Mother. This impressive landmark is not only an architectural masterpiece but also an important religious and cultural symbol of Varna. Its grandeur and spiritual atmosphere make it one of the must-see places in the city.
History lovers can visit the Varna Museum of Archaeology, one of the largest museums in Bulgaria. It covers more than two thousand square meters and presents artifacts from the prehistoric, Thracian, Greek, and Roman periods. The highlight of the collection is the world-famous Gold of Varna, the oldest known gold treasure in the world, dating back to 4600–4200 BCE.
The National Maritime Museum is another fascinating site, showcasing the maritime heritage of Bulgaria and the importance of Varna as the country’s sea capital. Its exhibitions include ancient anchors, ship decorations, uniforms, and many other items that reveal the history of the naval and commercial fleets.
For performing arts, the Varna Opera House is the cultural heart of the city. Hosting over two hundred productions each year, it offers a diverse repertoire of opera, ballet, and contemporary performances, attracting audiences from all over the country and beyond.
Finally, a unique attraction not to be missed is the Festa Dolphinarium, located in the greenery of the Seaside Garden. Famous for its spectacular dolphin shows and educational programs, it has become one of the city’s most beloved landmarks and a symbol of Varna along the Black Sea coast.
You can buy food from all major supermarket chains in Varna, including Billa, Lidl and Kaufland. In addition, many small neighborhood shops offer fresh fruits and vegetables at good prices. Bedding, kitchen utensils and other household items can be found in larger supermarkets and department stores, or you can visit IKEA, Jysk, Jumbo, AikoXXL or Mömax for a wider selection.
If you are looking for clothes, Varna has three major shopping malls: Grand Mall, Delta Planet Mall and Varna Mall. Another great option is to stroll through the city center, where you will discover a variety of small local clothing stores and boutiques.
Varna is a haven for food lovers, with a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars to suit every taste and budget. You can enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine, fresh seafood, international dishes and plenty of vegetarian or vegan options. Exploring the city’s food scene is a wonderful way to discover Bulgarian flavours and experience the country’s rich culinary traditions. Bulgarian cuisine is known for its fresh vegetables, dairy products and mild spices. Pork and chicken are widely used, but fish, veal and lamb are also popular, and each region of Bulgaria offers its own unique specialties.
When it comes to dining out, some of the most popular restaurants among locals and students include:
- Happy
- Burrata Italiana
- Mono Loco Tacos & Tequila Bar
- Nemo
- Staria Chinar
If you are looking for a relaxed weekend brunch, favourites in Varna are:
- Familia Café
- 12
- Cherry by Mary
- Marche
- Bacaro
The city also has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of places to socialize. Popular bars where students often gather include:
- Cubo
- Kultura
- Averi Beers
- Memento
- Sinatra
Whether you are in the mood for a quiet drink by the sea or a lively night out, Varna has something for everyone.
