Erasmus experience in Berlin, Germany

Why did you choose to go to Berlin, Germany?

Because I had heard a lot about this city, that it was really dynamic and bustling and big and that I would never get bored there.

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

I stayed there for 1 semester, from October til end of January. I received around 1,250£ for 1 semester.

What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

There are many Erasmus students from all over the world. I had a big group of friends from Spain, Italy, the UK, France, Turkey, Australia, Canada, etc. There are always Erasmus parties organised, about once a week. As for other students, I didn't meet many Germans, but they also like to party a lot.

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

I would definitely recommend Berlin as a place to study on your Erasmus year, it's so unique and full of history and culture and the night life is incredible with over 100 clubs there, especially if you are an electro fan. The university I was in wasn't quite adapted to my studies, as I study languages and culture and was in the Technische Universität, but it was a great uni for other subjects!

What is the food like?

The least I can say is that the main ingredients in German food are meat and potatoes. Between the famous Currywurst (curry sausage), the widespread Kebab, Schnitzels, Boulette, Frikadellen, etc.

How did you find your accommodation?

I looked on the website www.wg-gesucht.de and before I arrived, I arranged meetings with landlords to go see a few flats. I stayed with a friend of my family for the first few weeks while I was sorting things out. It can be quite hard to find somewhere, I have a few friends who spent about a month or more looking for somewhere. But you mustn't despair, something will eventually turn up, and I found mine within the 1st week I was there. I'd say the best area to live is around Warschauerstrasse or in Charlottenburg.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

Rents are usually quite cheap, between 200-400€/month. I paid 350€/month. It was really new, near Nordbahnhof Station, not far from the centre. It depends what area you live in but as a general rule, it's cheaper than most capital city.

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

I looked for a grammar course at the University (Technische Universität) but they didn't have anything adapted for Erasmus students so I had to take a grammar course at the Humbolt Universität, which, even then, was destined to German students and didn't really help me. The best I could suggest is to pay for a language course

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

I had to fly from Paris because I didn't find anything else near to my hometown in Angers. So I flew with Airfrance, but even though it's expensive, it will come to about the same as any other company if you have a big case with you, as luggage is included whereas you will have to pay a lot extra with the other companies. From the UK, there are cheaper flights with Ryanair from Bristol for example.

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

The places I liked best were around Warschauerstrasse: Raw, Matrix, Suicide circus; or around Eberswalderstrasse: Alte Kantine, the Weinerei, the Absynth bar; or near Ostbahnof: Maria, Fritzclub, Berghain.

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

There are nice places around Eberswalderstrasse and 2 traditional German restaurants where you will have a LOT of food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I recommend you do the free guided tour of the city every sunday (in English or Spanish). They start at 11am on Sundays by the Brandenburger Tor. I went on it when friends came to visit and although I'd been living in Berlin for a while, I learnt a lot of things on that tour and saw things I had no idea where there.
I also recommend you do the Museun der DDR, go in the Berliner Dom, do a few of the museums in Museuminsel, and check out any temporary exhitbitions in the Deutsches Historisches Museum.

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

Bring warm clothes! In the winter, temperatures can go down to -10°C and be prepared to see snow around you for at least 2 or 3 months straight.
Even though it's a big city, it's relatively safe and the S- and U-Bahn work regularly and through most of the night so you can get to places quite quickly.
Relax, don't panic about going there, and enjoy it, you'll have a really great time there and will not want to leave ever again!