My Erasmus Experience in Bremen, Germany - by Isabel

Why did you choose to go to Bremen, Germany?

To relearn a language I forgot years ago.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

In theory, I should be getting 1, 750 euros in total, though neither I nor anyone that I know has received anything yet. It's ridiculous that you get all or some of it at the end of your placement. Again, in theory, if your exchange is six months in duration, they should give you money to cover half the costs, but as I've already said, I still haven't received anything yet and my Erasmus is almost over.

What's the student life like in Bremen?

It's incredible. There are loads of young people, loads of parties and events on every day... if you're Spanish though and want to learn the language, I wouldn't choose Bremen as it's honestly full of other Spaniards.

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

As I've already said, if the student wants to learn the language then no, but if they're more set on going somewhere with a good nightlife and with good leisure activities, then I'd recommend it completely.

What's the food like in Bremen?

Traditional Bremen food is typical German food... sausages and Kartoffelsalat (potato salad). The gastronomy here is also influenced by the Turkish population, and there are cheap kebab shops everywhere, although the kebabs are smaller than in Spain. I recommend one in the Viertel district called 'Arabic'.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Bremen?

Not at all, since the university put me in contact with a girl at the same university who was leaving her room at the end of the previous academic year, so that we could organise me taking over her room when she left.

How expensive is everyday life in Bremen?

It really depends on the supermarket that you choose. I always go to one called Penny and it's very cheap there, cheaper than Mercadona, for example. The cost of alcohol is the same as in Spain, tobacco is more expensive and so is rent in comparison with Spain, but Bremen is one of the cheaper German cities. With 800 euros per month, you can pay your rent, pay for your food and afford to go out and have fun, too.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language course at the university?

I got on well with German, though I barely spoke any since my flatmates all spoke to each other in English and the classes at the university were in English, too. I've been going to a university language course for three hours per week, and this cost 160 euros. It didn't feel like enough to me, and the classes seemed to progress very slowly, but that all depends on the teacher you have.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Bremen from your home city?

You can get there by train, but it takes around 20 hours, so I wouldn't recommend doing that. Another option is to fly from Barcelona, Alicante, Madrid or Girona directly to Bremen, or to Hamburg or Hannover, which are nearby cities. Don't just look at flights to Bremen, check out flights to other places too, as the train from Hamburg or Hannover to Bremen is only 23 euros and this might still save you money.

What are the best places for partying in Bremen?

It depends on the day of the week and if the university organises its own events, but the best nights out I had were always at LaViva. LaViva is open on Fridays and offers free entry for students. You can also go out in Hamburg to this former bunker turned club. It costs 15 euros to get in but is definitely worth it. There are thousands of options, it all depends on what kind of music and scene you're into. There are as many clubs as there are kebab shops. Eurobar is also worth a mention, situated at the side of a street full of clubs. They sell shots and small mixers for 1 euro and shisha for 7 euros.

What about eating out in Bremen? What are your favourite places?

As I've already mentioned, Arabic in Viertel district is a must for kebab lovers. There's also Vapiano for pasta lovers and Burger House for those with a more American taste.

What does Bremen have to offer in terms of culture?

You can explore the whole city in under five days. It's a beautiful place and is quite charming, above all when the sun shines on the facades of the buildings, though the often bad weather sometimes spoils this view. You can travel to neighbouring cities such as Hannover and Hamburg (the latter is really incredible) for free with your student pass, as well as to the nearby towns. You can travel to Holland for 11 euros in two and a half hours and visit Groningen, a pretty city with 200, 000 inhabitants. There is lots on in Bremen's parks in the summertime, but in the wintertime there are more markets and festivals. If you are able to choose in which half of the year you can do your exchange, definitely choose the summer semester.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Bremen?

I recommend going to Bremen with an open mind and worry-free. The university organises loads of activities in the first few weeks, which allows you to get to know all the other Erasmus students (when I say activities, I mostly mean food and parties, they even get you free shots... they really do go out of their way, haha). They really try and make sure you feel welcome and at home. I really recommend living in a student hall rather than in a shared flat, because that way you're in constant contact with other students and can pre-drink together before you go out... you'll never get bored or feel lonely that way. I'm in a pretty central one, ten minutes walk away from the Hochschule. If anyone wants any more information, feel free to contact me! :)