Experience in Erfurt, Germany by Kathi

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

It is undoubtedly a very nice city to live in especially if you appreciate the business of larger cities but still want a full student experience and culture. It is a city with amazing architectural sites and plenty of nice parks to relax in.

What is the student lifestyle like in Erfurt?

Very varied. You have a lot of options depending on what you are in you can go to a variety of museums and there are a theatre and an opera house but there are also Pubs,Bars and clubs for almost every musical taste. There are also regular events organised by the different faculties especially in summer. The University of Erfurt only has one Campus that is relatively small and there are a lot of student groups and available extracurricular activities as well as just generally nice people that make it easy to find friends. At the end of the semester, you will at least somewhat know most faces on Campus.

How much does it cost to live in Erfurt?

Compared to other cities it is relatively cheap. The biggest expense will surely be for accommodation but I estimate that you can easily get by with 600€ a month for accommodation, food, etc.

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

It definitely a challenge to find accommodation tho from what I've heard a lot easier than If you are a student apply for the dormitory as soon as possible if that doesn't work out do check websites like immobilienscout24.de regularly and try to send out requests.

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

Again very diverse although due to the nature of traditional Thuringian cuisine somewhat heavy in meat. But you will still get a lot of good food as a non-meat eater. What I would recommend every meat eater to try is the traditional Thuringian sausage (Thüringer Rostbratwurst) that you will find in many places around the city.

What places would you recommend visiting in Erfurt?

One of the most beautiful places in the city is definitely the Krämerbrücke and the cathedral. Other than that if you happen to get a Semesterticket you should visit Weimar, Jena the Wartburg or one of the many other culturally rich and fascinating places you will find all over Thuringia.

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

You can eat out for cheap relatively easily and there are plenty of fast food spots available. My biggest recommendation for that is Ibras(I was told you aren't truly a student in Erfurt until you've eaten there so I would put it up there on your bucket list ;) ) and if you would like to eat in a restaurant the Cafe and Restaurant Nüsslein and the Molly Malone Pub are among my favourite places to go to.

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

The club I have been to the most is the Engelsburg where you have a bunch of different dance floors with different music styles. Be warned tho it is underground so with the number of people that are usually there it can get somewhat hot. The Presseklub is also a nice place to go Other than that I again can recommend one of the many Bars but especially Patrick's Pub and Molly Malone.

What advice would you give future students heading to Erfurt?

Be prepared for the type of people you meet here. They are very helpful and well-intentioned but they sometimes come across a little bit harsh and eager to complain especially older people. But they will help you with anything you need and find a solution to almost any problem as they are quite inventive in my experience. Other than that just ket it all come to you you will find everything will go its course.