Experience in Berlin, Germany by Trixi

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

The city is very diverse in every aspect: lifestyle, art, kinds of people, activities and nightlife. Each and every part of Berlin has its own special characteristics which are very fun to explore!

Don't miss to spend some nights in Neukölln in the area around the Schlesischen Tor and Friedrichshain at Warschauer Straße! If you're in Berlin when it's good weather you could go do one of the Berlin Sightseeing Tours by bus which passes e. g. the Berlin Dome, the Brandenburg Gate and Schloss Bellevue. Another cool spot is the East Side Gallery at Warschauer Straße!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Berlin?

If you study at a university you have to organize your subjects on your own and therefore be quite flexible. Meeting new people from your university is easiest if you join them during a bar evening drinking a beer.

How much does it cost to live in Berlin?

If you share an apartment the price range is 250€- 400€ depending on the place the apartment is located. The closer you get to Berlin Mitte the higher the rents become.

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

It is very difficult if you come and don't know anyone in Berlin. The market is usually overcrowded with people moving to the city and therefore the rents have been raised during the last 2 years up to an additional 30%. The best way to find accommodation is to apply for student apartments run by the Studentenwerk or asking people knowing someone in Berlin.

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

I personally love the Indian/Pakistani cuisine in Berlin! German traditional food is quite heavy but you should, of course, give it a try.

What places would you recommend visiting in Berlin?

• East Side Gallery.

  

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• Top of the Berlin Dome (there you have a really good view of the middle of the city without having to wait for hours at the Fernsehturm).
• Mauerpark (or every other park in Berlin).
• Gendarmenmarkt.

  

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• KaDeWe and Ku'Damm area for shopping.

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

My favorite spots are the Oranienstraße near U Görlitzer Bahnhof.

There is also a very good sushi restaurant near U Nollendorfplatz.

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

I can recommend RAW area at Warschauer Straße, Magdalena near S Treptower Park or the bars in Orainenstraße and Oranienburger Straße.

What advice would you give future students heading to Berlin?

Except for the case that you're a huge group of people do not go to the Matrix...

In general, you should ask around which dress code different clubs have before going there because there is quite a few that will not let you in if you do not fit into their picture of the wanted crew. That also counts for being too drunk or on drugs.

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