From the UK to Bulgaria: Why Hamza Chose Sofia Medical University
For many UK students, the dream of becoming a doctor can feel out of reach due to the intense competition for medical school places. For Hamza Zahur, studying medicine abroad provided the perfect opportunity to pursue his ambitions.
Now a second-year medical student at Sofia Medical University, Hamza has experienced first-hand what it’s like to relocate to Bulgaria, adapt to a new environment, and build a successful academic and social life.
His story demonstrates that with the right support and mindset, moving abroad to study medicine can be an exciting and rewarding experience rather than an intimidating one.
Quick Overview
- Student: Hamza Zahur
- University: Sofia Medical University
- Country: Bulgaria
- Course: Medicine
- Current Year: Second Year
- Applied Through: MedConnect Europe
“The First Month Was Challenging – But I Settled In Quickly”
Like many international students, Hamza arrived in Sofia without knowing many people. Coming from Huddersfield in the UK, moving to Bulgaria’s capital city was a significant change.
However, rather than staying isolated, he actively introduced himself to fellow students, joined group chats, and made an effort to participate in social activities.
Within just a few weeks, he had formed a close friendship group that made the entire relocation process much easier.
According to Hamza, putting yourself out there and engaging with other students is one of the best ways to settle into life abroad.
How MedConnect Europe Helped Hamza Relocate to Bulgaria
One aspect Hamza particularly appreciated was the organised arrival experience provided by MedConnect Europe.
Rather than travelling alone, he flew to Bulgaria alongside other MedConnect students. After landing in Sofia, the group travelled together by coach to their accommodation, where students shared rooms and immediately began meeting one another.
Orientation activities helped new arrivals get to know each other even further, including:
- Group meals
- Social events
- Trips around Sofia
- Visits to Vitosha Mountain
- Ice cream outings and informal meetups with senior students
By creating opportunities for students to connect before university even began, Hamza felt the transition into Bulgarian life became much smoother.
What Is Studying Medicine at Sofia Medical University Really Like?
After completing his first year, Hamza explains that second year becomes significantly more demanding academically.
Subjects include:
- Biophysics
- Disaster Medicine
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
- Histology
He emphasises that success depends on staying consistent throughout the year rather than leaving revision until exam season.
The workload increases steadily, making daily study habits extremely important.
Hamza’s Daily Routine as a Medical Student
Hamza describes himself as someone who enjoys structure and discipline.
His typical day includes:
- Waking up around 7:00 AM
- Going to the gym
- Revising before classes
- Attending seminars and actively participating
- Engaging with professors during lessons
- Returning home for further revision
He believes participating in seminars and asking questions helps build stronger relationships with teaching staff while improving understanding of the material.
The Timetable Is Busy but Well Balanced
Unlike first year, where classes could sometimes be concentrated into fewer days, Hamza explains that second year at Sofia Medical University is more evenly distributed throughout the week.
Students generally attend university daily, but with manageable numbers of classes spread across Monday to Friday.
This balanced schedule allows students to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed by excessively long teaching days.
Where Does Hamza Recommend Studying?
Everyone learns differently.
For Hamza, studying alone at home provides the highest level of concentration. However, he highlights several excellent study locations available to students:
- The university library
- The café near the university
- Quiet study rooms within the pre-clinical and anatomy buildings
Students who enjoy collaborative learning often meet in cafés or libraries, while quieter study spaces are available for independent revision.
Practical Anatomy Facilities at Sofia Medical University
One feature Hamza particularly values is the university’s anatomy resources.
Students have access to:
- Cadaver dissections
- Anatomical specimens
- Skeletal collections
- Dedicated anatomy study areas
These facilities allow students to reinforce classroom teaching with practical experience and independent study outside scheduled lessons.
For many aspiring doctors, this hands-on exposure becomes one of the most valuable parts of pre-clinical education.
Cost of Living in Sofia as a Medical Student
One of the biggest advantages Hamza highlights is affordability.
Compared with living in the UK, he finds many day-to-day expenses significantly cheaper, including:
- Groceries
- Restaurant meals
- Social activities
- General living costs
However, because he relies on financial support from his parents rather than working alongside his studies, he has learned the importance of budgeting carefully and managing monthly expenses responsibly.
Monthly Transport Costs in Sofia
Hamza recommends purchasing the monthly student transport pass.
For approximately 15 Bulgarian Lev per month, students can use Sofia’s metro, tram, and public transport network without paying individual fares for every journey.
He describes the system as one of the most cost-effective aspects of living in the city.
Accommodation Costs in Sofia
Housing costs vary depending on whether students choose to share.
Hamza estimates:
- Shared apartment: approximately 300–400 EUR per month
- Private apartment: approximately 450–600 EUR per month
He also recommends trying to rent directly from landlords or taking over apartments from existing students to avoid unnecessary agency commission fees.
The Best Way to Transfer Money from the UK to Bulgaria
Based on his own experience, Hamza recommends using Monzo for UK students studying medicine abroad.
He explains that using Monzo generally provides favourable Mastercard exchange rates without many of the additional fees charged by traditional banks.
For everyday spending in Sofia, he primarily uses card payments, although some landlords may still request rent in cash.
Hamza’s Advice for New First-Year Medical Students
Perhaps Hamza’s biggest piece of advice is simple:
Do not fall behind.
He encourages incoming students to revise consistently from the very beginning rather than trying to catch up shortly before exams.
Leaving revision too late creates unnecessary stress and sleepless nights, whereas regular study makes the workload far more manageable.
Why You Should Take Colloquiums Seriously
At Sofia Medical University, students regularly complete colloquiums—small assessments covering recently taught material.
Hamza explains that these grades can influence professors when awarding final marks.
Strong colloquium performance may help borderline students achieve a higher overall grade, making them an important component of academic success rather than something to overlook.
Hamza’s Study Tips for Success
When preparing for exams, Hamza recommends focusing primarily on official teaching materials.
His advice includes:
- Study lecture slides carefully.
- Pay attention to topics individual professors frequently emphasise.
- Learn important factual details where relevant.
- Memorise biochemical structures thoroughly for chemistry.
- Adapt revision methods depending on the subject being studied.
He believes understanding each professor’s teaching style can significantly improve examination performance.
Would Hamza Recommend MedConnect Europe?
When asked whether he would recommend MedConnect Europe, Hamza’s answer was clear.
He credits the organisation not only with helping him through the admissions process but also with making the transition to Bulgaria much easier through organised travel, accommodation arrangements, orientation activities, and helping students build friendships from day one.
According to Hamza, many of the friends he made in Bulgaria also came through MedConnect, creating an instant support network that continued throughout university life.
Thinking About Studying Medicine in Bulgaria?
Hamza’s experience demonstrates that studying medicine at Sofia Medical University offers far more than just a medical degree. It provides an opportunity to develop independence, build lifelong friendships, experience a new culture, and receive high-quality medical education in one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international students.
With preparation, consistency, and the right support network, the transition from the UK to Bulgaria can become one of the most rewarding decisions an aspiring doctor ever makes.