Erasmus Experience in Hamburg, Germany

Why did you choose to go to Hamburg, Germany?

I was studying German and it was either Germany or Italy. It was a great opportunity to finish my course and to improve my German.

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

They told me that it was for ten months in the beginning, then due to the ministerial order, it was for eight months, but they told me that when I was already there. It was a real low blow, I suppose that the cut was caused by the financial crisis.

What is the student lifestyle like in Hamburg?

It was incredible, at least it was for me.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Hamburg to other students?

Yes, absolutely.

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What is the food like there?

Apart from a couple of weird things, such the white cheese, seeds, etc. The food is good and the sausages are amazing.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Hamburg?

For me, the coordinator of the faculty found me the student residence. They send you an email which tells you where you're staying and it has the contract.

How much does it cost to live in Hamburg?

The student residence costs €250 a month. The price of a flat, like everything, depends, but it's around €300 or more a month for a room. The food is cheaper than it is in Spain, yes, it's incredible. Clothes cost the same or a bit more. A single ticket for public transport is a lot more expensive, but students can pay around €200 for transport for 6 months (semestertiket), you only have to pay once and then you can forget about it. If you're staying for another semestre, you'll have to pay another €200 when it starts and then you'll have it for another 6 months.

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

They give courses for Erasmus students at the university, at least they do at my university: the University of Hamburg. They give you a level test, they put you in the right class and they give you 8 ECTS (credits) which are useful to count towards your studies however you want.

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

I live in Madrid and I go to and from Hamburg with Ryanair via Milan, but they don't check you in and you can only take 10kgs for hand luggage. I ended up taking 4 planes to get there and back in January for €38, but getting here with all of luggage, which weighed a lot, I flew with Lufthansa and it cost me €200 for a return ticket.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Hamburg?

Reeperbahn, which is a place to go for clubs and pubs, etc. and Sternchanze for a quieter drink.

And to eat in Hamburg? What are some of your favourite places to go?

The kebab shops there are out of this world and there are loads them or else you have typical currywurst, etc.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Almost everything there is new because a lot was destroyed in the war, there's the Rathaus and everything in that area.

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Hamburg in the future?

It's the second largest city in Germany, but the richest one, there's an incredible night life at the reeperbahn. Don't be afraid to come here! I actually got a job here and I stayed, there's nothing to do in Spain. It will be one of the best years of your life and you'll be sad when it's over.