How to be a sustainable student in Pécs?
2026. július 24. 11:32
What is sustainability?
Today, this is no longer just a catchy buzzword or a corporate marketing strategy. It is an essential part of our daily lives. As university students, we often feel that with limited time and a tight budget, environmental protection is just an extra burden that is hard to fit between exam periods and parties. However, living a green life doesn’t necessarily mean sacrifice, in fact it often offers budget-friendly solutions. Here are a few tips on how to make your years at the UPFBE more sustainable!
Water stations: Bottles in bags!
One of the simplest and most effective changes you can make within the campus walls is saying goodbye to disposable PET bottles. At the Faculty of Business and Economics building, you can find modern water refill stations on every floor. A stylish, durable water bottle not only looks good on your desk during lectures but can also save you thousands of forints over a semester, not to mention the kilograms of plastic waste avoided. If you’re craving coffee, bring your own thermos or choose the dine-in options at the university café.
Selective waste collection: Don’t just drop it, think about it!
The recycling bins placed in the hallways aren't just for show. However, it is important to use them correctly. Unfortunately, a greasy pizza box does not belong in the paper recycling bin because it contaminates the other, otherwise recyclable materials. Pay attention to the labels, and if you're unsure, check the information stickers! Conscious waste management is the foundation for reducing our university community's ecological footprint.
Paperless learning
Digitalization has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Although many people love the smell of paper, it is worth considering taking notes on a tablet or laptop. If you prefer to stick with the traditional method, use recycled notebooks and write on both sides of the pages! Don’t throw away your old notes, pass them on to lower-year students or use the blank backs for sketching or drafts.
Conscious shopping
Ecological awareness starts with our consumption. Before buying your fifth fast-fashion t-shirt or a brand-new textbook, check out local Facebook groups or charity shops in Pécs! On that kind of platforms, you can not only find treasures at a lower price but also prevent items from becoming waste prematurely. If you have stuff you no longer need, don't throw it out, what is useless to you might be a treasure for someone else. The sharing economy is not only eco-friendly but also a great community-building force.
Transportation: Pécs, the city of hills and walking
Although the slopes of the Mecsek hills can be challenging at times, the area around our university and the city centre are perfectly suited for walking or cycling. Use the PécsiKe public bike-sharing system or hop on a bus instead of driving. Public transport is not only more environmentally friendly but also saves you from the stress of hunting for a parking spot before an 8:00 AM lecture.
Summary
Sustainability is not about perfection, it is about many of us taking small, conscious steps. If you simply stop buying bottled water and refill your flask in the hallway, you have already done something for the future. Let’s be proud that the UPFBE community is responsible not only regarding numbers but also regarding its environment!
Nagy Virág