Erasmus experience in Mainz, Germany by Lise

Why did you choose to go to Mainz, Germany?

I wanted to go to Germany to learn the language, because I'm interested in the culture and because Mainz was the only place offering an exchange with my university.

How long did you stay there for? How much did you receive for your grant?

I stayed there for two semesters, from October to July. I received a grant of €1, 800.

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What was student life like in Mainz?

The campus is very dynamic, there are parties and organised events happening all the time: you'll never be bored. The Erasmus teams are very enthusiastic.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Mainz to other students

Of course!

What was the food like in this country?

I'm not going to talk about German specialities like currywurst, because I'm vegetarian, but there are always vege/vegan alternatives in restaurants and even in the University's cafés. I've also learned to enjoy beer, although Mainz is known more for its wine!

Did you have any difficulties finding accommodation in Mainz?

I didn't have any luck finding a flatshare with German people in the city, so I stayed in a flatshare in a university residence organised by studierendenwerk (the equivalent of CROUS), and it was very good.

What was the cost of living like in Mainz?

I would say roughly the same as where I was in France (Saint-Etienne)

How did you find learning the language? Did you attend language lessons organised by the University?

I had some difficulties with the language, and so I'm still not at the high level that I hoped I'd be when I got here. But the language lessons offered are of a really high quality, and the lecturers are friendly and pretty interesting.

What is the most cost-saving way to get to Mainz from where you live?

Either carsharing, or via buses that travel through Europe (e. g. : flixbus), but you need to make sure you leave plenty of time for this.

Where would you recommend going for a night out in Mainz?

Neustadt or on campus.

And eating out in Mainz? What are your favourite places?

"Burger Laden" near Höfchen, or "Hans im Glück" opposite the opera.

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And which cultural sites would you recommend visiting?

The Johannes Gutenberg museum, going for a walk along the Rhine or through the vineyards overlooking it (in season you can go wine tasting there), the church of St Etienne with Chagall's stained glass windows, the botanischer Garten, the very sweet old town, etc.

Any advice for future students wanting to go to Mainz?

To make German friends, you really need to make the effort to talk to them, they don't always appear very friendly but are always willing to help, funny and nice! If not, Erasmus students tend to stay with each other which is also really cool (but not the best for learning the language and getting to know the country).