EUTOPIA WEEK – Cluj-Napoca – 2024

Welcome to EUTOPIA Week in Cluj-Napoca!

We are delighted to welcome you to Cluj-Napoca, a vibrant and dynamic city known for its rich history, thriving culture, and academic excellence. Hosted by Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB), this edition of EUTOPIA Week brings together innovation, collaboration, and inspiration.

A Journey of Growth and Connection

Since joining the EUTOPIA alliance, our community has grown significantly—from six to ten partner universities—and our projects and activities have expanded and diversified. With this growth comes the essential need to reconnect, reflect on our achievements, and define a path toward greater cohesion and continuous development.

What to Expect

Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to engage in activities designed to spark creativity, foster collaboration, and strengthen bonds within the EUTOPIA network.

This will be a memorable experience, as we create a space for dialogue, idea exchange, and a collective vision of a brighter, more connected future.

We are honored to host you at Babeș-Bolyai University, right in the heart of Romania.

Registration
To register, please email:
Stefania Szeibert-Kerekes
EUTOPIA Officer
stefania.kerekes@ubbcluj.ro

About Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB)

UBB is proud to be Romania’s oldest academic institution, founded in 1581 as a Jesuit college. Today, it is one of the largest academic communities in the country, with over 45,000 students and more than 3,000 national and international staff members.

UBB is a multicultural, multilingual, and multi-confessional institution, with three official academic languages (Romanian, Hungarian, and German) and study programs offered in even more languages across its 22 faculties, including four theological faculties. This makes UBB one of the most complex universities in the European Union.

UBB has consistently ranked first nationally in recent years and boasts advanced academic infrastructure, including research, development, and innovation units connected to European networks.

• In 2021, UBB became the first Romanian university awarded five stars by QS.

• In 2020, UBB joined The GUILD, an alliance of prestigious research-intensive European universities.

• The university also holds the HR Award for Excellence.

• UBB joined the EUTOPIA European University Alliance in 2021.

Who Are Babeș and Bolyai?

Victor Babeș (1854–1926) was a renowned Romanian microbiologist, student of Louis Pasteur, and expert in rabies, leprosy, diphtheria, and tuberculosis. After World War I, he became a professor at the University of Cluj.

The Bolyai family is famous for its contributions to mathematics. Farkas Bolyai (1775–1856) was a close friend of Carl Friedrich Gauss and taught mathematics in Târgu Mureș. His son, János Bolyai (1802–1860), is known as the founder of non-Euclidean geometry.

Discover Cluj-Napoca: The Heart of Transylvania

Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s second-largest city and its most academic, offering a perfect blend of urban life, historical richness, and cultural vibrancy.

• Union Square (Piața Unirii): The city’s social and architectural hub, featuring Gothic churches, the Matthias Corvinus statue, and charming cafés.

• Cetățuia Hill: For panoramic views of the city. Originally an Austrian fortress, it’s now a beloved recreational area.

• Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden: Founded in 1920, it’s a peaceful place of scientific precision and natural beauty.

• Central Park: Dating back to 1827, this park is a green oasis in the heart of the city, with scenic paths, lakes, and cultural spots like the former summer theater, now home to the Hungarian State Opera and Theatre.

Culture & Events

• Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF): Romania’s largest international film festival takes place in Cluj between June 14–24, 2024. With over 250 films, concerts, art exhibitions, and meet-and-greets, it draws more than 100,000 visitors annually. Learn more

Accommodation Options

• Courtyard by Marriott Cluj-Napoca
  Str. Avram Iancu 23-25
  +40 364 800 000
  Website
  Parking fee: €20/night. Local tax: 0.5% not included.

• Grand Hotel Napoca
  Str. Octavian Goga 1
  +40 264 580 715
  Website

• DoubleTree by Hilton – City Plaza
  Str. Sindicatelor 9-13
  +40 264 450 101
  Website

• Beyfin Hotel
  Piața Avram Iancu 3
  +40 264 403 804
  Website

• Universitas Hotel (UBB)
  Str. Pandurilor 7 (entry from Str. Plopilor)
  Reservations: tagsorean@ubbcluj.ro

• Sport XXI Dormitory
  Same address as above
  Reservations: tagsorean@ubbcluj.ro

Getting Around Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca’s public transport includes buses, trolleybuses, and trams operating from 5:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and 6:00 to 22:00 on weekends. Tickets can be bought at bus stops, from ticket machines, or on board using a bank card or mobile apps.

Every Friday, enjoy “Green Friday”, when public transport is free throughout the city.

Prefer a bike or scooter? You’ll find plenty of rental options, including Bolt. Most EUTOPIA Week venues are within walking distance—a perfect way to enjoy the city’s charm.

Public Transport App: Tranzy
Google Play
App Store

Getting From the Airport to the City

• Bus A1E: Connects the airport to Piața Mihai Viteazul. 04:30 – 00:00 daily.

• Bus 5: Connects the airport with the Central Train Station.

• Bus 8: Also connects the airport with the Central Train Station.

Taxi / Ride-sharing (Bolt, Uber):
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. A trip to the city center is usually under €10. Standard fare is approx. 4.05 RON/km (~€0.82). Travel time: ~20–30 minutes.

Practical Information

• Language: English is widely spoken. You’ll also hear Romanian, Hungarian, and some French.

• Time zone: Eastern European Time (EET) – UTC+2

• Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs are widely available. Card payments accepted nearly everywhere.

• Phone: Country code +40 | Emergency number: 112

• Internet: Romania has one of the fastest internet infrastructures in Europe. Free Wi-Fi is common in public spaces.

• Electricity: 220V / 50Hz, EU plug types.

• Smoking: Not permitted in indoor public areas.

• Recommended Taxi App: Bolt