Erasmus Experience in Graz, Austria by Elvira

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Why did you choose to go to Graz, Austria?

I never heard of this incredible city until my university teacher suggested me to take it into account when deciding where to spend a year as an exchange student. He was born there and another student who went there a couple of years ago told me I would never regret if I would pick Graz.

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

I went for 2 full semesters starting from the winter semester, so I was there from September until July and it still felt like time flew by. I was receiving a scholarship from the Spanish government and it also covered the University tuition.

What is the student lifestyle like in Graz?

There are events everyday, literally. Everytime I passed through the main square (Hauptplatz), there was a concert, stands or some event going on. There are many pubs and nice bars and restaurants open every day where you can enjoy a nice beer or drink with your friends. And, of course, I really suggest joining all the Facebook and Whatsapp groups to be updated about all the things which are going on in the city. Besides, the ESN also organizes a lot of events, trips and parties, specially for Erasmus students where you will definitely meet people from all over the world!

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

I believe Graz is a very complete city. It is not too big but also not too small. You can go nearly everywhere walking but it is actually very common to buy your own bike (it is very cheap) and then sell it. The cultural offer is wide, it is very beautiful full of architecture and monuments but at the same time a lot of nature. There is a river which divides the city (the Mur) and it is gorgeous. Graz is surrounded by mountains where there are many paths and routes for hiking and bike rides.

What is the food like?

The food is very good! Austrian people really like to meet up for lunch or just eat out so there are a lot of different restaurants and even stands with good quality food (of course the higher the price, the better the quality). Their gastronomy is well-known but if you are not a big fan of "Schnitzel", there are a lot of restaurants with food from other parts of the world: Italian, Etiopian, Indian... There are also a lot of cafés which are very cosy and they have a big variety of coffees and teas. In the supermarkets, you can find everything. The cheapest ones are Lidl and Hofer. Spar also has a lot of good offers everyday for different products.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Graz?

Actually not. I decided to stay in a dorm which was very well located and I was very happy with my room. I stayed at the dorm Neutorgasse which was 3 minutes walk from the Hauptplatz, the Mur was just behind the building and 15 minutes walking to Uni (with my bike it was around 7 minutes). I never had any problems there. It is true I had to share the kitchen but it was very big so it was not that big of a problem, it was always warm there and I met so many people as it included a gym, 2 music rooms and of course a common room and a party room. I found it through the website "Home4students".

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How much does it cost to live in Graz?

Compared to Spain I would say it doesn't really vary a lot. I would say is very similar, maybe going out is a bit more expensive as you have to pay the entry almost always at the big clubs (Dom im Berg, Kulturhauskeller, Postgarage... ) and it does not include a drink. Also, a normal beer or drink is more expensive on average. But in general, it is very similar if we talk about products at the supermarket, eating out and so on.

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

Obviously, in Austria they speak their own dialect which differs from "Hochdeutsch". You have to get used to it but at the University the teachers always speak and teach you Hochdeutsch so that is not a big problem. However, almost everyone speaks English fluently.

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

I always flew to Vienna and then I took a bus to Graz which is just 2 and a half from the airport. The bus connection is very good and you can find a ticket for just 8 €.

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

I highly recommend the Office Pub for a chill evening. Every Wednesday, it is the international day and all the Erasmus students go. You can get beer with discounts if you show your ESN card and their nachos are yummy. They also do quizzes in English which is always super fun to do as it is in teams. Great places are also: Brot und Spiele, Rox, Stern, Coco Bar...

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

A must in Graz are the "Bausatz Lokale". They are restaurants in Graz where you can eat a full meal for 4 eu. They have everything: hamburgers, pizza, pasta, salads, their famous baked potatoes which melted cheese on top... The best thing is that they have sheets of paper where you decide what ingredients you want so its perfect for vegetarians, vegans or anyone with an intolerance. Also, Rox is very good place to eat on Wednesdays (they also have a karaoke). And after a night out, it is a tradition to have a kebab at 4 am at Jakomini platz.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Schlossberg, Hauptplatz, the University itself is very beautiful, walk along the Mur, all the churches...

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

Austria is not a very big country and this is actually an advantage. Within the country there are many beautiful places to visit: Salsburg, Vienna, Grüner see, Hallstadt... but it shares borders with 9 countries, therefore, it is very easy to visit other countries and also to find cheap flights or trains to places such as Budapest, Rome, Prague, Kraków, Croatia, Berlin and many more!

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