Erasmus Experience in Berlin, Germany by Ahmad

Why did you choose to go to Berlin, Germany?

Because it's modern and well-developed and also a good choice if you want to get a job in Germany after graduation.

What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

It's very good, there's lots of parties and people from all corners of the globe.

There is, however, a lot of bureaucracy in Germany so expect a lot of paperwork to settle your documents with your university and most offices are only open for students 2 or 3 hours 2 times per week!

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

I don't study at the University of Berlin. I study at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt Oder, which is about 1 hour east of Berlin.

Berlin is definitely a good city to study for international students. It's very modern, organized, and there are lots of things to see and do.

Photo

What is the food like?

Very international, you will find anything from Indian or Chinese to Mexican or American style.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Berlin?

I live in Frankfurt Oder, but I know renting a room in Berlin is cheaper than most other capital cities in Europe. The cost of living is also less compared to many other big cities in the world.

How much does it cost to live in Berlin?

It depends on every person and what they do. For example, if you don't smoke or drink I would recommend budgeting for 20-40 euros per week for groceries (milk, bread, fruits, pasta, beef, etc. ).

Going to clubs in Berlin cost around 5-15 euros to enter depending on the club. Usually, you get 1 or 2 free drinks with that.

Transportation is free once you have the student ID from your university which includes the semester ticket on it (Berlin and Brandenburg state, trams, buses, trains, underground, etc. ).

Cheapest rooms in Berlin begin from 200-250 depending on the area.

The rest depends on whether you eat outside or not, travel, shop, buy alcohol, etc.

Joining a gym starts at around 20 euros per month but expect to pay extra 20 euros for admin fees and 20 euros for the card only for the first month.

There's lots of discounts for students if you are under age 26 or if you have an ISIC card (also very helpful).

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

German is fairly easy if you understand English, Dutch, Danish, or Norwegian as all these languages belong to the Germanic family group of languages. As an English speaker, I find a lot of similar words between German and English and even without similarity it's not difficult to learn German. The grammar is mostly logical and straightforward.

Anyway, in Germany, most people speak very good or fluent English especially young people and students.

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

I live in Frankfurt Oder, about one hour by train from Berlin so the best option for me is definitely the train as it is convenient, fast, and its tickets are included in my semester student ticket.

From Berlin, it's very easy to travel anywhere whether in or outside of Europe. It's a major destination for all airlines, buses, and trains coming from Europe and outside it.

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

There's lots of clubs and bars all around Berlin. It really depends on what you're into, the best option is to go online as every area in Berlin caters to different types of clubs and audiences.

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

I actually prefer the Turkish restaurants where I can eat the delicious Turkish doner which is similar to the Middle-Eastern or Lebanese Shawerma. It usually only costs about 3. 5 euros and it really fills you up even if you're a big eater.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The "Museuminsel" is full of museums. Otherwise, take a train to Alexanderplatz and walk 15-20 minutes to see the Brandenburg gate, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Cathedral Dome, Humboldt University-there's quite a few interesting buildings to see in Berlin.

Take a walk down the street of the Lust Garden area. You will feel like you're in Paris or another European city.

There are also free walking tours available in Berlin, just google it and you'll find it.

Photo

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

Berlin is a great place to study for international students, it's very multicultural you will see people from all nationalities, Black, Asian, Hispanic, Latino, Middle Eastern, European, and of course Germans. You will not feel that you're away from home as all languages are practically heard on its streets even Russian, Indian, and Arabic.