Experience in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany by Shaazid

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What is it like to live in Frankfurt (Oder)? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The official name is Frankfurt (Oder) and the older Frankfurt an der Oder is used to distinguish it from the larger city of Frankfurt am Main.

Frankfurt Oder is a small and very organised city. You can visit the whole city within an hour. The total population 66. 000 and from them 10. 000 - 15. 000 are students. It's very close to border with Poland, where you can walk in 10-15 minutes - Polish city is called Sulbice and you can buy there some food or clothes at a cheap price. I recommend this city if you want study there, because the Viadrina University ranking is 5 the whole Germany so it's quite good.

It's very difficult to find a part time job there since it's a very small city. Also most of the people come from Poland and work in Frankfurt Oder. Some students are living in Berlin because of work and discovering the city. If you are student you have free transport from Berlin to Frankfurt Oder. So it's amazing. Well, the city is quite good but nightlife is almost dead over there.

What is the student lifestyle like in Frankfurt (Oder)?

Basically the city is perfect for students. All students dormitories are very close to university, you need 10-15 min to come to university, some time even in 5 min. There is some student bar and night club where student can get some discount. For example Wg-Bar, Movie bar, Kamea are one of the best clubs in Frankfurt Oder. People from Exchange programmes really enjoy their life there. If you are a student and you like to party don't forget to book you apartment in August- Bebel Strasse 41. This is a party dormitory.

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How much does it cost to live in Frankfurt (Oder)?

Well, it depends on the place. If you want to live in a student dormitory is costs 160-230 euro, depends where and how big your room is. If you stay in a house with other people it could be more or less expansive. Some people live in Poland because it's cheaper than Frankfurt Oder. I think 500 euro per month is good enough for living in Frankfurt Oder. You can also buy some food in Poland because it's very close and it's cheaper.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Frankfurt (Oder)? Is there any advice you can give?

No, besides the student dormitory there is some private agency that always offer you a place to stay. It's also at a good price like the dormitory. Or if you need a place to stay you can also write a post in a university student group on Facebook.

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

Well, I come from Bangladesh so I love spicy food, although they have all kinds of restaurants, like Mexican, Asia, Indian, Italian and popular Turkish Donner kebab. They have so many coffee shops. Or you can simple visit Poland by walking 10-15 min and enjoy the Polish food also.

What places would you recommend visiting in Frankfurt (Oder)?

Since this city is very small you can go everywhere but there are some nice places, like border between Germany and Poland, university area, river side... For shopping you will find everything in the city, but there is another shopping mall in Spitzkur.

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Are there any places to play some sports?

There are 2 gyms - most of the students choose Mcfit, it costs 19, 90€ euro for a month and you will get all the options there. I love to play football as well.

Is the nightlife good in Frankfurt (Oder)? Where is good to go?

Night life is not so good, 98% of shops are closed in the night. But you will find some bar or club that is open during the weekend. Anyway you can always easily go to Poland and there are many shops open for 24 hours. Some people also go to Berlin for party and techno nightlife.

What advice would you give future students heading to Frankfurt (Oder)?

I would say, Viadrina is one of the best universities in Germany. It's more international, you will find here students from all over the world. But if you are also looking for a part-time job it's better in weekend. There are many opportunities to have a job in Berlin for the weekends.