Erasmus Experience in Graz, Austria by Etrika

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Why did you choose to go to Graz, Austria?

Due to the culture, beauty, living cost and education system, the country is beautiful, clean, safe, its people are gentile, all speaks English (some not so good) but, in comparison to Italy, believe, it is much better. It is organised, and therefore, it is difficult to get lost. Besides, the Erasmus organisation is quite good, although I only went to one Erasmus party because I was busy at work. The food is great, you have to try the Austrian traditional cuisine or steiemarkische.

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

I was Erasmus placement from Greece, I spent 1 year at Medical University of Graz, I was taking 612euro/ month. As you know, I took the 80% the first month and now Im about to take the rest 20%. The money for the living costs are quite enough. (It depends on the life style that you choose) for me wasnt enough as I was travelling a lot.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Graz?

It depends on your taste or age. for all kind of people there is plenty ways to enjoy. There are parties in may dorms, bars, and so on. Personally, I loved spending evenings on the living room with my flatmates, around 10-15 people, playing games, drinking, eating, laughing loud.

There are some cheap restaurants you can choose for lunch or dinner, for drinks are also some ''serious'' bars, Irish pubs, many kinds of bars for all kind of taste. you will find all of this when you reach Graz.

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

Absolutely, with all my heart! I will just tell you this:

There was a time, in the middle of a lecture that a teacher smiled, asked us something, immediately laughed and told us " sorry guys, I'm not allowed to ask such things. " He told us that it was legally forbidden to ask students something that wasn't on the subject that he was teaching.... how awesome is that? Maybe for me, it is too much, as studying in Greece is quite a suffering experience.

The University is perfect, beautiful, organised and the campus... I love the campus.

You should visit the main Library of Karl Franzens Uni; it is just breathtaking.

And if you are not sure yet? Personally, I decided to learn German and do my Master at KF University of Graz.

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What is the food like?

There are all kinds of restaurants: Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Greek, MCDonalds, etc. The traditional one is also great, quite fatty for my taste but still yummy.

You can also cook, the super markets have everything. Also, there are many Turkish shops, Indians, Africans, etc. They are much cheaper, although not that healthy for my taste). The cheapest supermarkets are Hoffer, Lidl, and Spar.

After 9pm, all are closed with the exception of SPAR at Bahnnof (the main train station), which is open till 11pm, even during the weekends.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Graz?

As an Erasmus student, I made the mistake of applying through OEAD, giving the 750 euro as deposit. Later, I found a room by myself, which was much cheaper and less difficult to find. There are many sites from dorms or private flats promoted and they always provide an answer.

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How much does it cost to live in Graz?

It depends on your rent and your lifestyle. For example, rent 150 euro- 350 euro per month, eating costs 200 euro per month, drinks, cigarettes and so on is up to you. In sum, I would say that it costs, around 500-700 euro per month, but it depends on your lifestyle.

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

YES, there are courses provided by the University, you can easily ask your coordinator for it. the language is German, is up to you! for me, it was a big trouble at the beginning.

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

I go from Greece. I tried all the ways. from Thessaloniki there are Bus companies that go to Budapest for 60 euro, from Budapest-Vienna bus for 15 euro, Vienna-Graz 9-15 euro.

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

I was usually going on the theater, opera, cinema, for drinks. However, there are many clubs and bars for dancing and so on, most of them after midnight are at Univiertel.

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

I loved the one at the Jakominiplatz, Asian restaurants, with running sushi. and you pay 15 euro and eat as much as you can. we used to make Bets, who is going to eat most?! Does it seem crazy to you? Once a friend of mine ate 62 dishes, he ended up throwing up. That's basically an Erasmus experience.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Schlossberg, there you will find any piece of information that you may need. It is the cultural point of the whole city.

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

Guys, don't think about it: just go to Graz. I am going back to there in one month to continue my studies. Hope to see you there.