Experience Erasmus Bamberg, Germany by Melissa

Why did you choose to go to Bamberg, Germany?

I chose Bamberg as my Erasmus destination for many reasons. First of all, speaking with other people who where there before me, I received only positive comments about the whole experience. I wanted to start learning German and studying in a good university, but most of all, I wanted to experience how is it like to live in a small city. Bamberg is in Bayern, probably the most famous Land in Germany: it is a beautiful and peculiar city!

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

My scholarship lasts six months. Actually, Italy does not give students a sufficient amount of money. I talked with guys from all over Europe and they all receive more money than we do. This is a bit comical, as before leaving I thought that the Erasmus project (and therefore the amount of the scholarship) was the same in every European country. Unfortunately, I found out that it is not like this. I had to make many sacrifices and save up money to come. But it is definitely worth!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bamberg?

There are many international students in Bamberg, a foreigner does never feel alone here. It is very easy to meet Erasmus or exchange students, they are usually talkative and friendly, but I am not sure I can tell you the same about German students. They are much more concentrated on their studies and, of course, I understand their point of view. But not all are like that. There are obviously many of them who are actually interested in meeting foreigners.

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

Of course, I would recommend Bamberg and its university to everyone. The quality of the courses is very good, teachers are helpful and knowledgeable, the university is efficient and you can easily familiarize with Bamberg's surroundings.

What is the food like?

I like the food here, both the salty and the sweet one. My favourite is definitely the Schäuferla (you can eat the best in Schlenkerla), pig's shoulder meat. As anybody probably knows, this country is famous for the beer and you must know that in Bamberg there are several brands of beer. Moreover, in Bamberg they produce a particular kind called rauchbier (smoked beer), which you must try.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bamberg?

It was not difficult to find accommodation in Bamberg. As soon as you are nominated by your home university, the university of Bamberg sends you information about the students' dormitory. There are many of them in the city, some more expensive than others.

How much does it cost to live in Bamberg?

It does not cost too much, I would say that is in average. There are many supermarket not far from the city center where you can find great discounts for food. In general, around 500 euros per month (included the room rent) are enough.

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

The university offers many courses of German as a foreign language which are very good, starting from beginners level. German is difficult, but it is a beautiful language.

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

I took the plane from my home city to Muenchen airport, then I took the train to Bamberg. It costs about 200 euros back and forth.

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

Every Thursday night, Erasmus students meet in a pub in the city centre (Mondschein) to drink beer and talk. It is very nice. There is also the Live Club, where students usually go on Monday night, and many other places where you could spend a good time.

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

As I said, I love the Schlenkerla, the most ancient brewery of Bamberg, where you can also eat very tasty food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Bamberg is full of attractions and monuments, I cannot list them all. One of my favourite is the Schloss Seehof, in Memmelsdorf (10 minutes from the bus station). Altenburg castle, the Cathedral and the Residenz are also very beautiful.

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

Enjoy your time here, you will love this city! And spend as much time as you can abroad, I realized that six months for an Erasmus are not enough!