Erasmus experience in Berlin, Germany

Why did you choose to go to Berlin, Germany?

I choose Berlin because it was Berlin. Berlin as a city came before Germany as a country. It's a place like no other that is constantly surprising you from its history and culture to its nightlife. Be aware though, most of the clubs play house (a lot of minimal house). This was not my preferred genre of music, but if you live here, you might as well immerse yourself in it!

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

This is dependent on how many students are Erasmus students as it is split evenly. I think I received around £2000.

What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

Cheap, fun and exciting. Rents within the city are extremely cheap compared to other capital cities (or cities in general). It is pretty relaxed, with the nightlife not kicking off until around midnight/1 am on Fridays and Saturdays!

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

I would definitely recommend Berlin and FU. Great city, good teachers, interesting seminars and great students!

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What is the food like?

Erm... Having lived in London (and then Birmingham for my bachelors) I was used to a wide-variety of food and cuisines that's easy and accessible. Although there are many restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, the local Aldi/Lidl/Netto do not, so if you want to cook Indian food instance, you would need to go to a local Indian supermarket and buy the food.

How did you find your accommodation?

Great - I lived in the city in my own apartment and it was cheap!

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

Cheap compared to other countries. Rooms and apartments can be found from €250 upwards, but prices are starting to increase to around €300

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

There are language courses, but one thing I was disappointed with at the university, was that if you a complete beginner, they do not offer classes. This then meant that I didn't learn the language as well as I could've done. I paid for a language course outside of the university, but the place I went to was terrible (Harnackschule Berlin for anyone interested - do not go there). So I ended unfortunately taking english classes and teaching myself german, which didn't go too well.

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

I lived in London, so plane! With regards to travelling within the city, you get a Semesterticket (which you have to pay for) but it is totally worth it!

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

Anywhere in Kruezberg, Neukölln (for bars) Friedrichshain. Prenzlauer Berg has some good clubs as well. So stick to East Berlin. There's nothing fun in west!

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

Erm... it's not a restaurant, but at Samariter Straße as you come out of the station, there is an amazing pizza place where they make fresh pizza in front of you. One of the big things i miss about Berlin.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Well all the traditional sites e. g. Brandenburger Tor, Bundestag, Topography of Terror, Checkpoint Charlie etc. There are free tours (alternative and regular) and if you search them in google you'd be able to find them.

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

Get to Berlin early so end of Aug-Beginning of sept!