Erasmus Experience in Hamburg, Germany by Natasha

Why did you choose to go to Hamburg, Germany?

Always loved Germany and wanted to learn the language! Visited Hamburg once before and just really loved it.

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

I am doing an unpaid placement for 10 months. I get about £9000 from student finance and £4000 from Erasmus

What is the student lifestyle like in Hamburg?

I’m not a student at hamburg but the lifestyle is classic european. Everything is very chilled out, you so usual things a bit later. A lot of people always out and about despite bad weather.

What is the food like?

Good vegetarian options in more trendy areas such as Ottensen and Sternschanze. Some good traditional Bavarian beer houses with food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Hamburg?

Yes since i’m renting privately.

How much does it cost to live in Hamburg?

I live with my boyfriend in our own flat. It’s €600 a month each.

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

Difficult language to learn for sure. Younger germans love to speak and practice their english as much as possible which doesn’t help. Easy to enrol on a course in many different locations e.g Volkoschule do a 6 week course, 3 hours a week for £60

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

Daily ticket €6.50 or cycle

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

Waagenbau, Ubel and Gefarhlich, Pocca Bar, Golden Pudel

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

Vegetarian food: Lily of the Valley in Ottensen, Reise Bar in Ottensen, Asia Unique and MOMO Ramen both in Sternschanze

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Gänsemarkt is a cool alternative area. Blankenese is something very different to see. Willhelmsberg is another alternative cool area. Classic tourist stuff: Hafencity, Reeperbahn, Auster Lake, Elbetunnel.

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

Look for accommodation as soon as possible. It is very competitive and very expensive. WG-Gesucht is a very good app to use. Try to learn some German before hand! Get used to smoking inside bars and clubs