Hans' Erasmus Experience in Mainz, Germany

Why did you choose to go to Mainz, Germany?

I didn't know anything about the city before coming here. However, its close proximity to Frankfurt and the good travel links with Ryanair made me more inclined to choose it.

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How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

My grant lasts for 10 months and, in total, I will have received 6000€.

What is student life like in Mainz?

Mainz is a university city, with a student population of around 60, 000. There are lots of cultural activities on offer to suit all tastes.

Would you recommend the city and the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to other students?

Yes, I would recommend it without a shadow of a doubt.

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What is the food like in Germany?

There is a lot of variety. You can eat typical German food, or cuisine from pretty much any corner of the world: Turkish, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Thai, Mexican, fast food, etc.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Mainz?

I secured my first flat whilst I was still in Spain, where I lived for 6 months, and then I had to search for another one for the second semester. The search was an interesting experience to say the least; I had more than 20 interviews and not a single one called me back. There are loads of students in the city, with insufficient accommodation to house them all. But, if you apply for an Erasmus exchange from Spain, you can apply for a place in the different university residences in the city, which are very well priced and usually have facilities for foreign students within them. I recommend this latter option above any other.

How much does it cost to live in Mainz?

With 6000€, you could live problem-free for 12 months. Accommodation can cost between 250€ and 300€ a month (you always have to pay a deposit of the value of 2-3 months' rent). Transport is cheap if you study at the universities in the city; for 200€, they give you a ticket for valid in Mainz, the metropolitan area of Frankfurt, and for trains travelling up to 100km away. You will get your money's worth of this 200€ in the space of just a couple of weeks because public transport is very expensive here. Buying groceries in the supermarkets costs around the same as it would do in Spain, excluding a couple of items. Going out at night is relatively cheap, as there are always places to go that have free entry, and, even if you do have to pay, entrance to nightclubs usually does not cost more than 5€. In summary, with a budget of around 600€ a month, you can live comfortably.

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

Being a university city, almost everyone speaks English, meaning that you can survive in Mainz without knowing German (obviously depending on the degree that you are studying for). Some degree programmes, like Business, are taught in English, and, in my case, Architecture has professors that speak Spanish perfectly. There are free German language classes and a large number of private language courses. I would recommend that you make friends with Germans, as this is how you will best learn the language.

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What is the cheapest way of getting to Mainz from your city?

By plane. Ryanair has flights from several cities to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, and, from there, there is a good bus service to Mainz city centre. Frankfurt International Airport is 15 minutes away by train, but the flights to this airport are usually much more expensive.

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Mainz?

There are university parties every single week. University residences usually have bars and social areas designed for parties. The university also has its own nightclubs and pubs, and each campus has a large quota of parties. In terms of the privately-owned nightclubs, there are lots of them, like Kuz, Schon Schön, 50Grad, Kulturcafe, etc. You can go out at night in any neighbouring city, like Wiesbaden or Frankfurt, where there is a huge variety of places that you can go to; in other words, you can go out partying 365 days a year... there is always something. And, there are not only nightclubs; if you like music, there are almost always concerts for world-famous artists held in Frankfurt. And, when it gets to summertime, there are also all kinds of music festivals. The city never rests!

And eating out? Can you name your favourite places?

In the city centre, you have every kind of restaurant at your disposition; from kebabs for 2, 50€ to hot dogs for 20€. Where you might choose to go depends on your own personal preferences.

And cultural hotspots?

Simply walking around the city itself is a cultural must-see. There are lots of museums, like the Gutemberg Museum (the printing press was invented in Mainz), wine museums, architectural museums, and history museums. But, without a doubt, the best cultural visit comes when you escape the city to the north, following the Rhine. This area is considered a UNESCO Heritage Site, and has dozens of castles, each one with its own history. The good thing is that, with the university public transport ticket/pass, getting to these places costs absolutely nothing. You can also visit Frankfurt, where culture literally flourishes in every little corner of the city.

Any advice that you want to give to future students in Mainz?

Don't doubt choosing this city. And don't think about going home at Christmas: the atmosphere that there is with all the little Christmas markets is really special, and it would be a good time for your families to visit you instead.

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If you want an unforgettable experience, Mainz is the city for you; it's a city that is as much for those who enjoy a more energetic pace of life (with lots of parties) as it is for those who enjoy a more peaceful day-to-day existence. Here, you have everything that you could need, and, if not, you can catch a train to another city in 10 minutes to find what you are looking for.

And my final piece of advice: make your way around the city by bike. Despite having few inhabitants, the city is very vast, so it's pretty normal that everyone gets from one place to another by bike. And, if you get bored of this, you can always take it with you on buses, trains, and trams without any problems.