Experience in Cologne, Germany by Erica

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

Cologne is a marvelous city, culturally rich and there is always something to do. The people are known to be the friendliest and most open in Germany and the Erasmus experience there is one of a kind.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Cologne?

Student lifestyle in Cologne is comfortable. The city is student friendly, certain areas are filled predominantly with students and you can eat, drink and party there very economically.

The university lifestyle is easygoing for an Erasmus student, it depends entirely on your workload from home.

How much does it cost to live in Cologne?

Cologne is very economical, but again it depends on what you are used to at home.

Rent can be between €250-500 all inclusive, food is cheap, and services tend to all be quite good value.

Accommodation aside you can live very comfortably on €100 per week.

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

Accommodation is very difficult to come by. The Studentenwerk assigns rooms and will generally be the first point of contact for international students. If you do not hear from them, get in touch, pestering them is the only way to get an answer and ensure you don't end up couch-surfing. Be persistent!

The Studentendorf in Efferen is a great place to live, even if it is further out of town than you might like!

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

The food is typically German, there is lots of pork, potatoes and veg.

Restaurants in the student areas are good, they offer a variety of different cuisines.

At the Mensa you can get a full meal and two sides for €2. 20.

My favourite foods in Cologne were Currywurst and Reibekuchen.

What places would you recommend visiting in Cologne?

The Cathedral is a must-see. Otherwise there are plenty of museums to suit all tastes, even a chocolate museum. The NS-Document Centre is fascinating. The Tower in Deutz gives a panoramic view of the city.

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

Yes, eating out in Cologne is great. There are typical beer halls like Gaffel where you can try the most German dishes. The Old Town also has lots of such restaurants. Around Zülpicher Platz you have lots of student restaurants where decent pizzas and pasta cost €4.

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

The nightlife in Cologne is very broad-ranging, you have something to suit everyone's tastes between the Rings, Rudolfplatz and Ehrenfeld there's many different clubs to try out. Erasmus parties with ESN are a must, if only to catch up with other Erasmus students.

What advice would you give future students heading to Cologne?

Make the most of every second on Erasmus, it's a fresh start for a year, you can be who you want and do what you like. Try everything, why not, never say never.

Keep track of all your experiences, take loads of photos, be open to everything and everyone and you're sure to have a marvelous time.

Be sure not to miss Karneval or Kölner Lichter, the two highlights of the Cologne Calendar.