Experience in Berlin, Germany by Lisa

What is it like to live in Berlin? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I really enjoy living in Berlin. We have a lot of culture to offer such as museums, theatres, fashion, and concerts. There are also a lot of good bars and clubs. You'll not get bored. But Berlin is not the cleanest city. The population is really diverse. You will hear many languages on the street next to German.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

Depending on the subject you study, it's casual. Students mainly live in shared flats, in their own flat, or with their parents. Often, lectures start at 10 or later. In the evening, you usually meet up with friends in bars/ clubs/ restaurants/ movie theatres as you like. On the weekends, you might go to a so-called Open Air, a concert/party that's outside or go to the many lakes surrounding Berlin.

How much does it cost to live in Berlin?

Berlin is poor but sexy. Berlin has the lowest living costs of Germany. But since it has some entertainment to offer, you'll surely need some money. Compared to Paris e. g. it's really cheap. The rent is about 250-600 €/month. Depends on what you're looking for.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Berlin? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, if you're looking for one in hip district such as Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte. But you might find a shared flat there. You might go to wg-gesucht.de or maybe exchange flats with a local that's also on exchange that time. The less hip and/or districts on the edge of Berlin are usually less expensive.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You can eat about everything: German, Austrian, Turkish, Iberian, Greek, Indian, French, Asian, Italian, American and so on. The most famous dishes are the Turkish Döner, the Arabian falafel, and the Berliner Currywurst which are dishes to-go. I really like to go get some burgers.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Berlin?

The Tempelhofer Feld (an abondoned airport in the middle of Berlin), The Berghain club, all the sightseeing stuff (the Brandenburg Gate e. g. ), the Philharmony, the Museumsinsel ("island of museums"), the Badeschiff (a swimming pool on the Spree), the Mauerpark flea market.

Is it good to eat out in Berlin? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is! There are so many! I love BBI (Berlin Burgers International) and about every restaurant in the Bergmannstraße.

Is the nightlife good in Berlin? Where is good to go?

Berghain Club, Watergate, Klunkerkranich (rooftop), Ritter Butzke, Magda, Grießmühle.

What advice would you give future students heading to Berlin?

The weather here is unpredictable. Sometimes it's really hot and the next day is really cold. Prepare for both.

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