Erasmus Experience in Berlin, Germany by Claudia

Why did you choose to go to Berlin, Germany?

Because I needed new impulses to finish to write my thesis research and Berlin was the best choice.

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

I've stayed for one semester and I received 230 euro per month, exactly the price of the rent.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

It's quite the same of what it was in Italy.

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

Yes, absolutely I recommend it!

What is the food like?

Is not so good, but if you prepare the most part of your meals at home you can well survive and spend less money. There are a lot of bio shops where you can find a high quality of food or you can go to the weekly farmers markets - for example at Mauerpark on Sunday - where is possible to buy vegetables directly from the farmers that live around Berlin.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Berlin?

No, it was really simple and well-organized. I could found my accommodation through the Erasmus program thanks to the Studentenwerk Berlin before to leave Italy. I lived in a single room with bathroom and small kitchen in Lichtenberg, far away from the university - the TU is at the opposite part of Berlin! - but it was interesting to stay in the eastern part of the city. To find a room in a WG (a shared flat) is more difficult and generally more expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Berlin?

It costs not so much, but it hangs from your lifestyle. In general students have many facilities - for example to move with the tube and the buses - and go out in the evening is cheaper if compared to other European cities. You can listen to a really good concert for 5 euro. The live music scene in Berlin is really interesting!

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

I've studied German at school and I've practised it at work, so it was easy for me to use the language. I'm sure there are language courses in the university but I warmly recommend to study German before to move to Germany to reach at least a A2 level.

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

With plane or if you buy the tickets in advance with the train.

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

Kaffee Burger, Madame Claude and many little underground bars in Friedrichshein and Kreuzber districts.