Erasmus Experience in Graz, Austria by Eeva-Mari

Why did you choose to go to Graz, Austria?

I chose Graz due to its good location (Central-Europe) with a nice climate. I have also studied German before.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My exchange is 4. 5 months, and I could have chosen anything between 3 to 5 months. I receive(d) Erasmus support money 300 euros per month; most beforehand and a smaller part after I finish my exchange.

What is the student lifestyle like in Graz?

There are thousands and thousands of students living in Graz. Many live in dorms with 2 to 6 other people in order to save money in the living expenses. Graz is a really relaxed city for students, there is always something going on.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Graz to other students?

Yes, absolutely. The city is beautiful and the professors I have had in the university are really good and nice. If there are any problems, you can always ask anything.

What is the food like?

I don't know what to say to this.. European food, nothing special. Wiener schnitzel and pumpkin seed oil (only in Graz) are local specialities. Kebab is quite cheap and really good!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Graz?

I got my accommodation via the local student housing organization OeAD. I had to pay about 900 euros of deposit even before I sent the application and they started looking for an accommodation for me. So that is normal, don't panic. It is a lot of money to pay months before your exchange. Most of the money you get back when you leave, I think it is about 100e the OeAD keeps of that money. The rent, however, is reasonable, and most of their housing is located really well. I did not manage to get any of the accommodations (locations) I asked for, but even with 2. 5km distance to the university I can easily go by bike or bus.

How much does it cost to live in Graz?

Almost everything is pretty expensive for exchange student who come outside North-Europe (because we're used to high prices). Public transportation is quite expensive with 2. 10 euros per hour, but Graz is really a biker-friendly city. Many leaving exchange students (like myself) are selling their used bikes when they head back home. Cosmetics, etc., are pretty expensive.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

There are language courses available before and during the exchange period but they're not for free. I suggest to participate intensive German language course one month before the semester starts if you don't have any German knowledge. I did not take part in those courses, and I have managed fine because I have studied German before. Hoewever, the Austrian accent is so difficult to understand, that it sounds like a whole another language.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Graz from your city?

From Finland the only way is flying. There's an airport in Graz, but there are no proper flights from Finland. So I flew to Vienna and took a bus (also train is good) to Graz, it takes about 2. 5 hours.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Graz?

I don't have any good tips for this. Some cocktail bars and Irish pubs, maybe. Just head to the Old Town and go around Sporgasse, there should be something you like.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Graz?

Cafe Mitte serves super good Thai food. I would also recommend pubs or restaurants that serve traditional Austrian food. Pub food in general is also really good, for example shepherd's pie. Why eat always burgers and fries when you can have them everywhere in the world?

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In the Old Town there's plenty to see. Attend a city tour (ESN at least has one every semester) to learn more about the interesting facts! My favorites: Schlossberg, Glockenspielplatz and Priest's seminary.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Graz in the future?

Be prepared to pay everything in cash. I only had Visa Electron and it does not help a lot here. After a few weeks I opened myself a local bank account, it was easy and for free. The bank gave me a Maestro card so that I don't need to have as much cash with me. The shops are open only until 7pm and everything is closed on Sundays. People are also allowed to smoke somewhat freely almost everywhere. So, in a restaurant, ask for a non-smoker area if you wish not to have all your clothes smelling like cigarettes. The smoking in Austria really shocked me when I arrived here!