Leipzig: Erasmus city!

Source

Why did you decide to go to Leipzig in Germany?

I had the option of many different German cities, but my goal was to be as far as possible from France and to do a lot of travelling. Leipzig seemed to tick all the boxes: it's in the centre of Europe!

Did you receive a grant? How much did you receive?

I received an Erasmus grant which was paid by the year. I'd say it was about 2,250 euro, so 250 euro a month. I also received a grant from the city of Leipzig, which they give to each new citizen! (It takes a while though. You have to apply for it when you arrive and then it arrives 5/6 months after that).

How is student life in Leipzig?

Incredible! There's no other word for it! There areas so many parties, lots of activities organised by WILMA or Studentenwerk. But we also had an amazing campus: well-equipped libraries which were comfortable and magnificent to work in, with a café nearby. Interesting teachers and stimulating classes. And even if you prefer to spend time alone, the city has lots of parks and plenty of places to visit!

Would you recommend the city to other students?

Absolutely, I would recommend it 100%, go for it! Whether you speak German or not!

How is the food?

Super good! The food at the university cafeteria is super, and German food is really good (quite heavy, but you get used to it). There are also restaurants serving food from all over the world in the city!

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Leipzig?

You should organise it early on! I was lucky to have a place 10 mins from the university, bang in the middle of the city, thanks to Studentenwerk. A flat share with five people, but only three were really there. We learned a lot about co-living. I paid 235 euro a month for a 21m squared room, a bathroom, a communal kitchen and a wash room.

How much does it cost to live in Leipzig?

Rent included, I would say about 400 euro. I spent a good bit more because I went travelling practically every week.

Was it easy to learn the language? Were there language classes at the university?

When I first arrived I was at an A2 level of German, and I did the intensive course in September, so I was at B1 level in time for classes. But my classes were in English! German is very similar to English. There are classes, and also a tandem for oral improvement.

What is the easiest/ cheapest route from your home city to Leipzig?

When I was moving in and moving out I drove from Brittany. Then for Christmas, I got the train.

Where would you recommend for going out in Leipzig?

Karli! The biiiig street of all the parties, you are bound to find one! Some of the best parties I went to were the ones we came upon by accident!

And for going out to eat? Can you recommend any good restaurants in Leipzig?

Ratskeller and Bagel Brothers! The Bratwurst and Currywurst on the streets!

Which cultural attractions should one see?

ALL OF THEM! You should see and explore everything, the city itself is a museum! The Egyptian museum close to the uni is really cool, the Monument of the Battle of the Nations is unmissable, the opera, the town halls, even the Albertina library!

Do you have any advice for future students of Leipzig

Go out! I didn't have a bike, I walked and took advantage of the tram (I easily walked 15km a day). It can be tough at the beginning, Erasmus life isn't always as great as they say, but overall it's one of the most amazing experiences. Visit everything, travel, go out, dance, cry, laugh, go on adventures! You will come back a changed person and most importantly, you will never see cities in the same way. You will never have finished exploring Leipzig, even after a year of living there - and I've been on all the tram lines.