Students in North Mitrovica: Good conditions, the city is like a second home

The Student Center in North Mitrovica is the heart of student life in northern Kosovo. With modern dormitories, a cafeteria, a polyclinic, a library, and numerous extracurricular activities, this center, according to students, offers very affordable accommodation and meals, which is why many of them told Kosovo Online that they feel at home there.

Milica Bulatovic from Herceg Novi, a student at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Priština with a temporary seat in Kosovska Mitrovica, says that the studying and living conditions are excellent.

“As someone who isn’t from here, I can say I’m very proud of what I found. The studying conditions are truly outstanding,” Bulatovic said.

She added that she used to live in a student dorm but now rents private accommodation.

“I can’t say which is better because both have their advantages. Right now, I’m in private accommodation, and I can tell you that the conditions for studying and living are very satisfactory. It all depends on what we are looking for and what our means are. The apartments are modernly furnished, and there are many housing options near the faculties,” Bulatovic explained.

When it comes to life in the city and locals’ attitude toward students, Milica says she is delighted.

“Mitrovica is a special city that truly has a soul. The people are wonderful, hospitable, and always ready to help. I really feel at home here,” she emphasized.

Marko Randjelovic, a sixth-year medical student from Leskovac, said that coming to North Mitrovica was a challenge but also one of the best decisions of his life.

“When I came here, I didn’t know anyone, so there was some doubt and prejudice – a new environment, new people. But I wanted to give it a try. For me, Mitrovica was then, and still is today, the most Serbian city. I came, enrolled in my first year, and everything went naturally from there. Now I’m in my sixth year, and I can say that I have grown to love this city very much,” Randjelovic said.

He added that the accommodation prices at the Student Center are more affordable than in many cities in central Serbia.

“I’ve been staying at the Student Center since my first year. The prices are good. Although there have been minor increases, they are negligible compared to other cities. A full day with three meals in the Student Center restaurant costs 270 dinars,” he explained.

Speaking about student life, Randjelovic said that although Mitrovica is small in size, it has a strong university spirit and that students are very connected.

“We’re together in lectures, dorms, and the cafeteria – the Student Center connects us all. It not only provides food and accommodation but also builds a community. At least once a month, if not more often, there are theater performances, table tennis and billiards tournaments, quiz nights... It is a community that grows and brings us together, and I think that is what makes life in Mitrovica special,” he said.

Luka Virijevic from North Mitrovica, a student at the Faculty of Law, emphasized that studying in his hometown is a great privilege.

“It is truly a great honor and an enormous privilege to complete my law degree here, and I would invite all students from this area to enroll, further their education, and graduate from one of the faculties at our university,” Virijevic said.

He added that studying conditions at the University are very good and that the student experience is on par with that of cities in central Serbia.

“Talking with colleagues from central Serbia, I’ve realized that our city has similar, if not better, conditions than other university centers. Students coming from central Serbia, Montenegro, and other countries are treated as our fellow citizens and are always warmly welcomed. During my studies, I’ve made many friends, and we all feel at home here,” Virijevic concluded.