Schönherz Kollégium

Did the towering Schöhnherz Kollégium always grace Budapest’s skyline? No. Its story begins far from here, in the bustling heart of Buda Castle. In 1954, the Ministry of Finance building at Szentháromság tér 6 became a temporary home for electrical engineering students. It wasn’t officially a dormitory until 1962. The students called this place simply “Vár Klub.” They held lively dances and gatherings there. This building fostered a unique camaraderie among the students. But their haven was short-lived. The construction of the Budapest Hilton Hotel in 1977 forced them to relocate. Some found refuge in the newly built Kruspér Street dormitory. Others were scattered, creating a logistical nightmare for maintaining their close-knit community. Around this time, a new vision emerged. In 1976, construction began on a 20-story tower at the corner of Irinyi and Budafoki streets. This was the Schöhnherz Kollégium, designed by Ybl-prize winning architect József Finta. The students, eager to shape their new home, collaborated with Finta during the construction. In the summer of 1981, an international construction camp formed. The students helped clean and furnish the building, a testament to their dedication. Finally, in September 1981, they moved into the Schöhnherz Kollégium. The dormitory was named after Zoltán Schönherz, a communist electrical engineer. The Schöhnherz Kollégium is more than just a dormitory. It’s a vibrant hub. It’s home to the Simonyi Károly Szakkollégium. This organization fosters a passionate community of students. These students delve into various technical fields, from radio operation to digital design. The building’s unique design includes 17 student housing floors. Each floor boasts 16 four-person rooms, study rooms, kitchens, and common areas. The lower levels house a large hall, offices, a gym, and a large kitchen. The Schöhnherz Kollégium underwent extensive renovations in 2007. These renovations modernized the facilities while preserving its unique character. This modernization ensures that the Schöhnherz Kollégium continues to serve as a vibrant center for generations of students to come.