Erasmus Experience in Berlin, Germany, by Raunaq

Why did you choose to go to Berlin, Germany?

Because is among the cheapest capitals in Europe, everyone speaks English, great startup culture and most importantly, great lab at the TU.

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

900 Euro a month for six months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

It's pretty chilled out. Stuff isn't expensive, the city is alive 24h x 7 and you can always find something fun to do. You get great discounts at museums, university cafes, and a lot of other places too.

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

I can recommend the TU, HU and FU for sure, don't know much about the other Universities. And yes, the city is pretty awesome.

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What is the food like?

If you're Indian, you probably won't like the food much. There's great Thai food and pizza, and very good Persian food and burgers as well. Stuff is usually a little bland, but not too expensive.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Berlin?

No, I found my place on WG-Gesucht.

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How much does it cost to live in Berlin?

600 a month including rent, insurance and food if you live frugally and cook a lot. Add money for meals, nights out on the town and whatever else catches your fancy.

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

I've heard there are reasonably prices language courses at the University for students. I strongly recommend learning German, but it isn't a necessarily as this is quite a cosmopolitan city.

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

You obviously have to fly from India. Buses or ride shares from BlaBlaCar or something (unless RyanAir etc. connect your city to Berlin) are the cheapest way to get around in Europe.

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

If you're a party person, there's no shortage of clubs. If you're more a bar/pub guy like me, Simon-Dach Str, or Schonhauser Allee are some great bars and lounges to chill at. Also, U-Warschauer Str. is fun in summer to listen to street musicians.

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

Piri's Chicken Burgers for your burger, Villa de Vow for pizza, Thai Window Asia for good Thai and Asian food, Shayan for Persian and Bares for European/Mediterranean food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There's enough on most blogs about Berlin that I don't need to get into. Try to hit up C-Base, it's pretty cool. Not cultural though.

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

Don't think too much about it, Berlin is brilliant.