Erasmus Experience in Cottbus, Germany by Lea

Why did you choose to go to Cottbus, Germany?

It was a case

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

I was Erasmus from Italy...we recived money for just 4 months even if we stand for 9 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cottbus?

It's pretty multi-cultural

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

yes, becouse it's very multi-cultural, becouse is very near to Berlin, becouse the university it's full of activities you can do (Sport for 10 euro, Language school very cheap, if u want you can teach your language with the TANDEM programm, the swimming pool costs just 3 euro for students in the evening, as an Architectural student u have an Atelier where u can work even at night with your friends etc.)

What is the food like?

the mensa was always killing my stomach even if I took just a salad...

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Cottbus?

I lived in the Studentenwerk it was crazy small but I was with other nice students and it was cheap

How much does it cost to live in Cottbus?

for me it was around 200 euro a month for living and 187 for the rent

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

I'm half german I didn't do the courses...but I know there are some in the university for free

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

the plane from Rom to Leipzig (Ryanair somethimes makes prices under 80 euro) and than taking a Mitfahrgelegenheit to Cottbus for ca. 15 euro

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

There is not much to do an see in Cottbus there are just a few places like BEBEL, SKANDAL, the University it's often organizing many partys...the most happens id the Dorms actually.

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

I really cannot help for food it was everything to heavy for me and my stomach I always felt bad after eating...I loved the Market at the Stadthalle I bought there fresh mushrooms and other nice stuff

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Branitzer Park, going around with the bike it's so nice...not that far there are also some lakes

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

Keep calm at hte beginning the burocraty and the language may scare you...but than when u get everything you will enjoy (expecially the semester ticket which makes you travelling for free to cityies like Dresden and Berlin!)