Erasmus Experience in Graz, Austria by Manca

Why did you choose to go to Graz, Austria?

I wanted to choose german speaking country so at first I had Germany, Austria and Swtitzerland in my mind. Things in Switzerland did not work out so I started to search the web for microbiology, biotechnology or biochemistry internships offers in Austria. I guess I got lucky because I wrote to the Institute of Biochemistry at TU Graz and they replied my instantly and I got the traineeship there. I also wrote lots of mails to companies all over Germany but they were not interested or I simply did not get a reply.

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

I received scolarship for 6 months. The total amount for 6 months is around 3700 € and I got 80% of the money in advance so sth around 3000€ which means that you are left with 500€ for each month. After completed erasmus inetrnship you also get the remaining 20% of the scolarship.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Graz?

Students in Graz are not bored :) there are a lot of different activities, also lots of parties, and get together events for Erasmus students, there are also trips organized for them and some (cooking,... ) workshops. There are also boardgame events for foreing and local students, English Stand Up events and a lot of music events you can find by yourself and just join :) you can also start a german language course or try yourself at brazil dancing.. a lot of things to do i think :)

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

Yes, I would recommend both of them.

What is the food like?

Uu when you're here you have to try traditional Austrian schnitzel with raspberry marmelade. Delicious. (Zu den 3 Goldenen Kugeln) Otherwise here you can find all kinds of food; kebap, burgers ( i recommend Freigeist), italian, thai, chinese food and also some vegan restaurants (Ginko) and also famous Bausatzlokale where you can choose which ingredients you would like to have in your pizza, salad, pfandl and so on.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Graz?

If found my accomodation quite quickly ( STUWO StudentCity Graz). I am paying 320€ per month. And it is not so far from the city centre.

How much does it cost to live in Graz?

I spend around 200-300€ per month for grocery shoping, some drinks in bars, restaurants and occasional shopping (clothes, shoes).

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

I found it hard because of the dialect. But if you knew some german before coming here it would have been easier for you to undesrtand more.

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

I come from Slovenia, from Kranj so I am actually quite close to Graz and the easiest way for me is to get a drive with a car. It takes you 2 - 2 and a half hours to come to Ljubljana. I could also take flixbus or train, but they are quite slow to travel with.

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

Flann O'Brien Irish Pub, The Office pub, Farbenfrei, Stockwerk jazz cafe - more like couple of drinks night out.

There are also clubs, but I've tried only Muusefalle( which I dont find so amuzing) and Postgarage.

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

Already mentioned above.

You have to try Frankowitzsch for desserts! They have the best apple pies :)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Famous Schlossberg with clock tower, Kunsthaus, Armoury museum, take a walk in Stadtpark, you can also visit Carthedral and Mausoleum, Hauptpkatz and the main street - Herrengasse and also Jakominiplatz.