Erasmus Experience in Graz, Austria by Phoebe

Why did you choose to go to Graz, Austria?

I had the choice between Vienna or Graz. I went with Graz because I felt that Vienna would be too big for me and that I would feel more at home in Graz. It is a bright and colourful city where everything is 20 minutes away. Vienna is always a bus away which is good for a day visit but I’m definitely glad I chose Graz.

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

I receive approximately 300 € a month in 3 instalments throughout the year. I have had to get a part time job as well.

What is the student lifestyle like in Graz?

Student lifestyle is good, there are few library spaces but the college itself is really beautiful and there are tons of cafes around the college that you can go to as well. There are always different nights out and events for Erasmus students and it’s easy to meet the other international students in the dorms.

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

I would highly recommend it! It’s easy to feel at home in Graz and it’s so lovely at Christmas time with the markets. The university is great, there are tons of options even if you only have English. The modules can be a bit confusing at the start as there are lectures, seminars, etc. The seminars are very strict on attendance.

What is the food like?

The food in Graz is great! There is a lot of choice and it is really cheap to eat out in restaurants. I have found that meat and vegetables are expensive in some shops however Hofer and some of the markets are really good value.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Graz?

I found my apartment from the people who went on Erasmus to Graz from my college in the previous year, they put me and my roommate in contact with their landlord.

How much does it cost to live in Graz?

Rent is relatively inexpensive, for me it is €350 a month, I spend about €20 - 30 a week on food, I walk every where so there are very few transport costs and there is tons of high street shops like H&M and a Penney’s in the shopping centre. It is possible to live very cheaply in Graz.

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

I do not speak German however this has never been a problem for me over here. Most people have fluent English so it hasn’t been an issue. There is a language course at the start of the semester, however it is quite expensive.

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

There is an airport in Graz however it is easier to get flights to Vienna airport. I get a flight to Vienna airport and then a Flixbus for approx. 17-22 € from there. Sometimes flights are cheap but it does depend on the time of the year. Another way of getting to Graz is to get a flight to Bratislava Airport and then get a Flixbus from there. This sometimes works out as cheaper but it does take more time.

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

I recommend some of the Irish pubs more so than nightclubs. There is a nightlife in Graz but I find the pubs can be better and a great way of meeting other people.

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

There are tons of great restaurants in Graz, personally I love Hathi, which is the best Indian restaurant, Kribys, Pousane is very close to the University and has really good pizza! Pizzaiolo is also a great pizza place but a bit further out. Area 5 is a rooftop bar and restaurant that’s really cheap and so nice in the evening! There are 3 apps you can use for food delivery, Lieferservice, Mjam, and Velo - Mjam deliver McDonalds which is really great!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is a great art museum in the city centre and an armoury museum that is really interesting. Schlossberg is a must as well. Hauptplatz is the main square in Graz and it’s great, there’s tons of food markets with all different kind of foods, and it’s where the majority of the christmas markets are as well!

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

Overall, Graz is a really safe city but if you live in the city centre it does get a lot busier when the Christmas markets start so you have to be more careful. When I arrived in September the weather was actually really hot which I didn’t prepare for at all! I expected it to be really cold all the time so pack for all kinds of weather! If you want to sign up for a gym while you’re here, Cleverfit is by the central train station, Hauptbahnhof, and has great deals for Erasmus students! Finally, everything closes down on a Sunday, including all the food shops, so make sure to get all you food in on a Saturday.