Erasmus Experience in Heidelberg (Germany), by Lara

Why did you choose to go to Heidelberg, Germany?

Being an Asian Studies' Graduate, Germany wasn't my first Mobility choice - in particular, I was interested in going to Japan for an academic exchange. However, since cumulative costs to live and study in Japan were particularly high, I looked for some alternatives throughout Europe, following the Erasmus Programme as a Guideline. In particular, I considered Germany because of some formerly acquired language knowledge. This was how I discovered Ruprecht-Karls University, an interesting variety of internationalized and well organized courses, which included some really specialized seminars for my Study Area.

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How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive to help you with living costs?

I spent 10 full Months in Heidelberg, between the beginning of October 2013 and the first days of August 2014.

The living costs' contribution consisted in a 230€/month scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is filled up with students during lecture periods, which are held between mid-October/mid-February for the Winter Semester, and between April and July for the Summer Semester. Most of Students are not strictly locals, but come from all over Germany and from many different World's regions. It's a very global town, thanks to this feature and to the great amount of tourists visiting every time of the year. So anyone can easily get caught into an internationalized mood!

The University, Mensa and Student Associations organize many excursions, social and cultural events, as well as parties.

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

Without doubt, I would.

What is the food like?

Food is very "German-like" and standardized, in my own opinion. There are some local "Kneipen" that offer typical dishes (usually accompanied by home-made beer), as well as International Restaurants. Night life is pretty active, too.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Heidelberg?

I spent my early days in Heidelberg in a Hostel, to personally go searching for accommodation, but I didn't pay any other expenses (like commissions or such). I paid one-month rent of deposit, though, but it is a regular practice in most Countries I know of.

How much does it cost to live in Heidelberg?

Living costs depend on how much people pay for accommodation, given that it could be between 200€ (commonly in Uni-dorms) and 350€ (even more for private houses, depends on style and distance from the city).

I didn't go beyond 250€/month rent, so my living costs had been about 500/600€ per month (including accommodation). Since my Scholarship didn't grant me a full coverage, I applied for a Student Job with the Zeughaus-Mensa - a very good chance both to earn something and to improve one's language/communication skills.

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

Since I was already acquainted with German, it didn't prove so difficult, but it is very personal. It might be hard to understand and use properly in the first few months.

Anyway, the "Institut für Deutsch als Fremdsprachenphilologie" has many interesting courses available, as well as the "Max-Weber Haus" centre (this last needs some supplementary fees).

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

By flight: the nearest airport is Frankfurt Hahn (Ryanair and Low cost) or Frankfurt International, linked to the city main Station through Bus-shuttle or train.

Heidelberg can also be reached by train, with a full served Hauptbahnhof. I took it as I first came in town and though I didn't found any direct trains from Italy, I just had to change once in Munich.

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

There are plenty of amusing pubs (traditional or not), especially in Unterestrasse, but there are some interesting ones in Hauptstrasse and Neuenheimerfeld as well. People can also consider several parties, usually organized between Thursday and Saturday, held by the University or Student groups.

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

I would suggest to look for a good restaurant in Unterestrasse or near Karlsplatz. A little more expensive than other cheap ones, but really good. There are some interesting locals near the Old Bridge, in particular Breweries.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Castle and its Gardens, the Philosophenweg, the Unibibliothek and Uni-Museum, the Neuburg Abbey (a little bit further than the centre) and, out of town, the Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens.

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Moreover, I lived for the first months in a little town at about 15km from the centre, called Dilsberg, which is a very good place for excursions and to visit for its medieval burg.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Heidelberg?

Enjoy your time in Heidelberg!