Experience in Aachen, Germany by Petch

What is it like to live in Aachen? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's a small city with not much going on but it's full of students and student organizations (including the ones for foreigners) that organize events thoughout the year. It's tiring to bike here because the city is full of small hills and the buses can be very full during rush hour so it's a good idea to live close to where your classes are held. The old town in the center is quite spectacular. The landscape is beautiful especially on the west side outside the city. There are a few very beautiful medieval towns around here to visit too. Moreover, Cologne and Düsseldorf, which are big cities, are only about 1-1.5 hours away by train so it you feel bored in Aachen, you can always go to the big cities. All i all, I would recommend Aachen.

What is the student lifestyle like in Aachen?

I spend most of my time studying so I can't say much about that but there is an area close to RWTH university that is full of bars and cheap restaurants where students go to hang out or grab cheap food (Pontstraße). There are student organizations (including the ones for foreigners) that organize events thoughout the year.

How much does it cost to live in Aachen?

A room in a shared flat cost from 300 to 400 euro/month. If you're lucky, you can find a small one-room apartment cheaper than 400 euro/month too. Rooms in the student dorms are cheaper and cost from around 200 euro/month up. Restaurants here are quite expensive but there are a few cheap restaurants around Pontstraße where you can get one kebab for 3.20 euro (which would cost 4.50 euro elsewhere in Aachen)

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Aachen? Is there any advice you can give?

It is difficult at the beginning of the semester because many new students come to Aachen every semester. Start looking for a room a few months before the semester begins. If you start looking late and can't find a room for long term, try to find a temperary room that people sublease for only a few months first. A few months after the beginning of the semester, it will be much easier to get a room for long term.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Restaurants are quite expensive so I haven't really tried anything fancy yet. There are many cheap Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants and the kebab here is quite delicious. There are very good and popular Lebanese and Polish restaurants too.

What places would you recommend visiting in Aachen?

The cathedral and the city hall in the center. The old town in the city center is very small. You will see everything in an hour. Small medieval towns in the area like Monschau, Kornelimünster and Stolberg are beautiful too. Monschau is a must!

Is it good to eat out in Aachen? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are plenty of cheap bars and restaurants on Pontstarße. My favorites are AKL, Polonia. Close to where I used to live, there's a restaurant called "Deutsches Haus" where they serve German, Italian and Indian dishes. The food there is also nice and the price is not so high.

Is the nightlife good in Aachen? Where is good to go?

Around Pontstraße. I never really went out at night so can't give other advice.