The closest thing to campus in Belgrade is called Studentski grad (Student’s Town), a nice, calm area in New Belgrade. Built in the mid ’60s, it was the birthplace of the famous 1968 Yugoslav students’ protests.
The era when it was built is obvious in its brutalist-style buildings, but also in its vast plateau and green spaces, not very characteristic (to say the least) of more recent Belgrade’s architecture.
Studentski grad has its own Dom kulture (‘Culture’s home’, literally) with a comprehensive, carefully edited program including films, theater, literature, workshops, panel discussions, concerts… Making it probably the biggest cultural center on that side of Danube, a fact most of the locals are probably unaware of.
And while a big part of program is not in English (discussions, theater…), there are great events such as the student’s bienalle, Balkanima (European animated film festival), Alternative Film Video festival or exhibitions of local and international artists. The music program features some of the best local and regional acts, from garage rock to world music. The thing most local bands would tell you is that they like playing here because the ‘whole of Serbia’ is watching them – students from all parts of the country are here, and the programs are either free of charge or student-wallet friendly.
Film aficionados will like the place, not only for the regular cinema program (more of the good stuff, less blockbusters), but also for its Academic Film Center, home of experimental and student’s film, including the alternative film archive.
