Solomie Samanya Munnangi

Study program: Communication and Media Studies MA

Country: India

Period of studies at ELTE: 2023.09.01 - 2025.07.15

I come from a beautiful beach city on the east coast of India, surrounded by lush greenery and blessed with perfect weather year-round. I love hiking through the hills with friends, exploring hidden paths, and going on bike rides along the coastline—always stopping for some spicy corn on the cob, the perfect beach snack! I’m also passionate about photography and use my camera as a visual journal, especially to capture stunning sunsets in my hometown.

In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and getting my family’s feedback. My brother and I also love discovering new food spots in the city, which has turned into a fun hobby for us. I’ve travelled to some amazing places across India, including solo trips that have been both thrilling and enriching. I’m always eager to embrace new experiences, and that spirit of adventure led me to Budapest.

Since moving here, I’ve continued exploring new places, travelling across Europe, and making friends from all around the world. I’m proud to say that these friendships have become like family to me, and the community here has truly become my home away from home.

"The campus is alive with cultures and perspectives from all around the world. I’ve made friends from nearly every continent, and we never run out of topics to discuss."

WHAT STOOD OUT TO YOU ABOUT ELTE?

What stood out to me about (ELTE) was its reputation as the oldest and largest university in Hungary, combined with its location in the stunning city of Budapest. I was immediately drawn to the rich history and academic excellence of ELTE.

Beyond the academics, the university’s beautiful and diverse campus, set against the backdrop of Budapest’s historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene, was truly captivating. It felt like the perfect place to pursue my passion for Media Studies. The dynamic and multicultural environment at ELTE, with students from all over the world, also made it a place where I could broaden my horizons and grow both personally and professionally.

WHAT MAKES STUDYING AT ELTE SO GREAT?

What makes ELTE truly special for me is its incredible diversity. The campus is alive with cultures and perspectives from all around the world. I’ve made friends from nearly every continent, and we never run out of topics to discuss, whether it’s about our countries, shared hobbies, or simply life. The vibrant mix of people and ideas here keeps me inspired and reminds me every day why I chose to be part of this community.

Being surrounded by such a dynamic, international atmosphere has exceeded all my expectations. Seeing people from different backgrounds come together with a common goal—to learn, grow, and make a difference—gives me the motivation to push myself further. That’s what I love most about ELTE: it’s a place where we don’t just dream big; we work together to turn those dreams into reality.

WHAT ARE / WERE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in my Communication and Media Studies program was staying up-to-date with the constantly changing digital media landscape. With new platforms, tools, and trends emerging so quickly, it was hard to balance everything along with my coursework.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?

To manage this, I started attending workshops by the university and industry experts. I also teamed up with classmates to explore new tools through group projects. This approach made me more adaptable and allowed me to apply fresh insights to my projects, strengthening my skills and confidence as a media student.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE ELTE IN THREE WORDS?

Diverse, Prestigious, Vibrant

HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER?

My degree at ELTE is equipping me with the essential tools and practical experience to pursue a career as a video journalist. The curriculum goes beyond traditional learning by integrating hands-on projects that align with my passion. From creating multimedia content to exploring innovative communicative techniques, each course is helping me build a versatile skill set. I’m confident that the knowledge and experience I’m gaining here will enable me to share stories from around the world in dynamic and engaging ways, making a real impact in the field of journalism.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT ELTE?

Studying at ELTE has been a truly enriching experience for me. The campus is located so close to some of the city’s most iconic spots, like the National History Museum and the picturesque River Danube. There’s something special about walking through these historic grounds each day—it feels like being part of a story that’s much bigger than myself.

One of my favourite places here is the university library. It’s where I go to get lost in my studies or work on projects, and it always has this quiet energy that motivates me. But ELTE isn’t just about books and lectures. There are plenty of cosy hangout spots, like our on-campus café and the outdoor bean bags where I often relax between classes or catch up with friends.