Experience in Graz, Austria by Paige

What is it like to live in Graz? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Graz is now one of my favourite cities in the world. It is full of brightly coloured buildings with beautiful artistic features and red roofs, and the landscape is a gorgeous green full of trees and a big river. It makes you happy just walking around, especially if you are from a similar climate. I am from a very green place, so I always felt very at home. Cost of living is very cheap compared to where I am from as well. So it makes it easy to have a decent living arrangement while still being able to eat out and have fun. The food is incredible as well, although there aren't a whole lot of options if you have a food allergy like celiac. However, it is manageable.

What is the student lifestyle like in Graz?

Student life is great. The city is easy to get around by walking, bike, tram, or bus. A student pass for transit is around 90 euro (if I remember correctly), but is well worth the money. There are lots of fun bars and Elisabethstraße street has several clubs. The only thing I didn't like is that many bars and clubs still allow smoking, so it was hard to breath (second hand smoke - not good) and my eyes would burn.

How much does it cost to live in Graz?

Cost of living is cheap depending on where you are from. For me, it was much more affordable than where I come from. Food is especially cheap. Shared apartments range from 300-500 euro (generally on the lower end). Single between 600-700 euro from what I've heard. Unless your arrangement is super swanky of course.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Graz? Is there any advice you can give?

Not particularly. You can find accommodation with student housing, but for your information, it is not run through the school itself, but through private student housing companies. I stayed in WIST near the Hauptbahnhof. My room was large and the apartments themselves were nice and big. Although my roommates were rude and messy, so mine wasn't. However, my friends in the building had lovely roommates so I could see the potential for the apartments being rather nice. You can look online at housing sites for a room as well, but if you don't know German it may be a little more difficult.

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

I loved Martin Auer! I would go there to study a lot and would get quiche and a coffee. I also loved the Propeller near the University. Great gnocchi and some gluten free options. The food stands in the center are really yummy as well. Great for a midnight snack too as they are open late!

What places would you recommend visiting in Graz?

Anywhere and everywhere. The city is small enough that you could feasibly walk the whole place in a matter of a couple days. Definitely take advantage of the schools trips they put on. If you get your erasmus card when you first get there you can get great discounts on trips. Anything from wine tours, archery lessons, operas, etc.

Is it good to eat out in Graz? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Again, Martin Auer, The Propeller, and any of the places around campus. There's an awesome burger place across from the Hauptbahnhof that just looks like a cafe. Try and find it! So good.

Is the nightlife good in Graz? Where is good to go?

Kottulinsky is a fun club and is 21 and over. The Office Pub has a great trivial night every Thursday and has an erasmus regulars night every other Wednesday. There are plenty of places all over and especially around the uni.

What advice would you give future students heading to Graz?

If you don't know German now, at least take a German class or learn a few phrases before you go. Students will know English, but odds are anyone older either doesn't know English, or is too embarrassed to speak what little they know in front of a native speaker. I would be good to know how to politely ask for things (directions, food, help, etc), greetings, goodbyes, and general phrases. It will help you adapt quicker and people are more willing to help you if you are trying. Besides, you went to study there and be immersed. The least you can do is learn the language even if it is only a little!

More tips (and this goes for all travel, not just in Graz):

• 1. Every McDonald's anywhere in Europe will have wifi. No need to go trudging around looking for a cafe when you first get there.
• 2. If you have a tablet/smart phone with google maps, use the following tool to get around. Simply type in the city and zoom in/out to the area of the city you want (I generally do the whole city). Then, type "OK Maps" into the search bar and search again. It will save the map on your phone/tablet. Then if you are walking around with no service/wifi, simply open your saved map, turn the GPS on, and it will locate your position on the map. You won't be able to search for new places, but it makes it easier to find where you are and look for other streets you know to find your way around. Say goodbye to giant paper maps that scream "tourist! "

Source