Erasmus experience in Düsseldorf, Germany by Valentina

Why did you choose to go to Düsseldorf, Germany?

My university suggested many destinations in Germany, but let's say that Düsseldorf was the city that impressed me the most.

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

My university gave me a scholarship for 6 months and I also received an additional sum by my region, approximately 800€ per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Düsseldorf?

It's welcoming and multicultural. The university is well equipped and offers many comforts for the students (canteen, library, cafes, etc. ).

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

Yes absolutely, I immediately settled in and I found myself very well overall.

What is the food like?

The local cuisine of Düsseldorf is not very rich, but it is worth trying. Pork shank (Schweinhaxe), Alt beer and Killepitsch liqueur are Düsseldorf's traditional dishes.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Düsseldorf?

It wasn't easy. Usually, accommodations at the university dorms are offered for international students, but not always all the requests are accepted (as in my case). To find a private apartment you should definitely start looking a few months before your departure.

How much does it cost to live in Düsseldorf?

It depends on the area of the city and on your lifestyle. Rents are on an average of € 500 per month, university dorms are cheaper, but they don't always offer every comfort. Doing the shopping isn't neither expensive nor cheap, going out at night is very cheap and you are provided with a semester ticket for public transportation included in the university fees.

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

I study German at university, anyway it's possible to attend a language course at Heinrich-Heine based on your level of knowledge.

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

From Venice airport to Düsseldorf airport there are daily flights.

Otherwise, it is cheaper to fly from Treviso airport: there are two flights a week to Cologne, from Cologne to Düsseldorf it's only 40 minutes and with a season ticket you don't need to pay more tickets.

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

In Altstadt. There are more than 200 bars and clubs, you just have to go out and explore!

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

For the traditional cuisine I recommend the Füchschen and Schumacher breweries and Schweine Janes for pork shank. My favourite Alt brewery is Kürzer. The Pizzeria da Lupo is open until early morning, it's perfect after a night out.

Excellent burgers at Space Burger and sushi at Okinii.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The K20 and K21 museums, the Film Museum, Benrath castle, the Rhein tower, the House of Japanese Culture, the Paradiesstrand in summer and Volksgarten.

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

Have fun!