Patricia's Erasmus Experience in Düsseldorf, Germany

Why did you choose to go to Düsseldorf, Germany?

Well, truthfully, my university in Spain offered fewer Erasmus destinations for my degree course than I had hoped, and almost all of them where cities that I had never even heard of... but, after searching for information about them, Düsseldorf seemed like a good option to me; I put it down as my first choice, and now here I am!

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How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

My grant is for the winter semester (first semester, from October to the end of February/beginning of March), although I intend to extend it. I receive 350€ per month (for 5 months) from the Secretary of State on the basis of having more than a B2 level in the language that the classes are taught in (despite being in Germany, I take classes in English, and, in my case, I had a C1 level before applying for my Erasmus placement), and 218€ per month (for the duration of my stay) from the Andalusian Government.

What is student life like in Düsseldorf?

In Düsseldorf, there are two universities: HHU (Heinrich Heine Universität), and FH (Fachhochschule Düsseldorf). The universities are spread across two campuses: the South, which is the biggest and belongs to HHU, although there are some FH buildings located there too; and, the North, which I think is for FH only.

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

The city is quite modern and has a big commercial and leisure scene. Personally, I fell in love with everything about the city, and for those who prefer a historic city, Cologne is located only a short train journey away. By paying the 'Social Fee' at the beginning of the semester, transport is free in the whole of the state, which means you can visit places as many times as you would like!

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With regards to HHU, which is the university that I am attending, yes, I would recommend it: the professors are really nice, and there are some modules available in English for those who haven't mastered German, although I would really recommend putting a lot of effort into the Learning Agreement and completing as much of it as possible before leaving Spain.

What is the food like in Germany?

There is so much variety when it comes to beer and sausages. Although, in Germany, lots of vegetables are eaten - cabbage is pretty much incorporated into every dish, and spices are quite often used too. Fish isn't that good here, and is quite expensive anyway.

Also, it's very common to eat meals that are not typical of Germany, but instead those of other close-by European countries that they have "adopted" here, for lack of a better way to phrase it (for example, Goulash from Hungary).

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Düsseldorf?

It wasn't difficult for me to find accommodation here because I applied for a place in the university residence and they were quick to allocate me one. I was also lucky that it was a room/apartment where I didn't have to share a kitchen, nor a bathroom, although the process of searching for a flat can definitely be quite a complicated one.

In the case that you have to search for a flat, I would always recommend searching with whom you would be sharing and renting a flat that is empty, as moving into a flat that already has people living in it is quite complicated (they usually hold interviews for people who want to move into the flat, making their way through the potential candidates one by one... it's a load of unnecessary trouble).

How much does it cost to live in Düsseldorf?

Well, in my case, the university residence cost me 310€ a month, with Internet bills paid separately (around 15€ a month if you choose the package offered by the residence). Eating in the Mensa (university dining halls) is quite cheap - you can eat for around 2€-3€ if you are not too much of a big or fussy eater. Public transport can be used for free once the Social Fee has been paid at the start of the semester (at a cost of 250€).

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

German is really difficult, or at least it seemed to be in my opinion... I came here with essentially zero knowledge of the language (with the exception of a couple of clases that I took whilst in high school). And yes, there are free German language classes once a week at the university, I am in the A1 level class and I am learning slowly, but surely!

What is the cheapest way of getting to Düsseldorf from your city?

I am from Cordoba, and the cheapest way to get to Düsseldorf is to travel from Malaga to Weeze Düsseldorf with Ryanair, and, from there, catch a direct bus or an urban bus and train to Düsseldorf Central station.

Flights with Ryanair are quite cheap. For your first time travelling to Düsseldorf, I recommend paying for the private bus to get you to the city centre (it costs 15€ during the day, 17€ at night, one way) because it's a lot easier and costs almost the same price as the bus and train combination. However, once you have the 'Semester Ticket', travelling to and from Weeze is free, which means you would save 30€ each time. The application, VRR (North-Westphalia State Transport), can inform you of timetables, platforms, trains, where to alight, journey times, etc. - it's great and makes the task of travelling a lot easier!

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Düsseldorf?

Without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite nightclub is Schlösser Quartier Boheme, which also opens as a restaurant/beer house during the day.

Entry to certain parties is free with a valid ESN card, or, if not, it is usually 6€ without a drink included, but it is very reasonable.

Papagayo is also very good - it has free entry during the week and costs 3€ at weekend, and always has Spanish music.

Ufer 8 is also pretty cool, and you also have to pay entry there.

Kuhstall in Aldstadt's main street is also really cool, it's free to enter, and has a very German atmosphere. Although, to my knowledge, there have been occasions when they will refuse entry if you are not German (this generally only applies to guys), but I have never personally found myself in that situation.

And eating out in Düsseldorf? Can you name your favourite places?

Pizzeria Lupo in Altstadt, and a takeaway (although I can't remember its name) that sells bratwurst, hog roast, and pizzas, amongst other things, also located in Altstadt (it is situated at the intersection with the street that Papagayo is also on).

And cultural hotspots?

• Altstadt
• Rheinturm
• The port
• K20 and K21 (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen), the art collections of the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia
• Schlosser Benrath
• Japanese Gardens in North Park
• Wild Park

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