Erasmus Experience in Aachen, Germany by Stefan

Why did you choose to go to Aachen, Alemania?

I chose Aachen because I wanted to live an academic experience in Germany.

I had other options like Rostock but I chose Aachen because the city itself is small but nice and If you want to go to a bigger city you have Cologne 50 km away, where the carnival is awesome. Aachen itself is a cosy small city but has lots of things to offer.

Also you have the advantage of being right next to the Netherlands, Maastricht is around 30 min away by bus and it is really nice.

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

I was for 6 month in Aachen but as I am from Portugal, despite of receiving the highest scholarship, I only got 1200 euros for 6 months, so I had to pay all the rest myself.

What is the student lifestyle like in Aachen?

You have all kinds of parties going on every day and the Ponstraße is really nice to go to eat something and of course have some cocktails or even to have a blast in one of the discos there.

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

Yes, I would.

I had a really fullfilling experience, the classes were nice, teachers were good.

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In general I have a really positive feedback as far as I remember, I was from class 2008.

What is the food like?

It depends on what you want and how much you are willing to pay.

The most affordable places are Turkish and Italian restaurants, where you pay between 3- 8 euros for a meal. If you want to try some German food you will have to pay a little more, starting from 8 euros, I guess.

I am not really a big fan of German cuisine, but the problem is not German food, it is that I come from Portugal and we have really amazing food.

But I encourage everyone to at least try German food because there are good things like bratwurst, currywurst, wiener schnitzel, Sauerkraut mit Kassler, nice salads and also pasta.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Aachen?

No, I didn't pay anything to find the room. The university gave me the contact of a student building were I contacted the Hausmeister and he arranged a room for me.

How much does it cost to live in Aachen?

It depends if you want to live in a flat with other students or if you stay in a room only.

I stayed in a room and paid 180 euros/month. I had to share the kitchen and bathroom but you get used to it and if you have nice people around it is good. Other people I knew stayed in an apartment together with other people right in the center and paid 400 euros.

If you have a nice scholarship you have many options.

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

I don't really know because I already speak German since I am 3 years old.

The university offers German classes which even give you some credits.

If you have some other people interested in learning the language it will be much easier.

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

By plane.

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

Pontstraße and surrounding streets. Also you have a big disco named "Starfish" which is a little more outside the city.

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

Pontstraße.