Erasmus Experience in Mannheim, Germany by Alessandro

Why did you choose to go to Mannheim, Germany?

I decided to go there due to the great university and to the wonderful position (center of Europe, close to Frankfurt and in the middle of all the most strategical infrastructures of Germany), that was allowing me to do great (and cheap) trips around Europe.

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

I got a one year Erasmus scholarship from my Italian home university, earning around 230€ per month.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Mannheim?

Amazing! The castle is a wonderful campus with canteen, cafeteria, libraries and a lot of facilities for students. On Tuesdays there is always an international party, Schneckenhof, the most amazing student party, directly inside the castle. Have you ever been to a party in a castle? :D

Would you recommend the city and the University of Mannheim to other students?

Yes. The city is not beautiful, a bit boring on weekends if you're not an ice hockey fan, but you can enjoy some times with your friends travelling around wonderful cities (Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Speyer, Mainz).

What is the food like?

Typical German food, fat/spicy, with great beer; )

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How much does it cost to live in Mannheim?

An apartment can cost around 300€, + 200€ per month for all the rest (food, services, parties etc. ).

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

German is really really hard, but language courses are provided by the University for a really low price (from 10 to 60€ pro semester). Good are the Summer and Winter Academy, before the beginning of the semester. Expensive (around 500€, no accommodation included) but good to increase your German level in a month, knowing a lot of future exchange students

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

By plane from Pescara to Frankfurt Hahn with Ryanair.

Shuttle from Hahn to Mannheim costs around 23€ one way and back.

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

Woah. Good question. If is a Thursday and you found a ticket, Schneckenhof.

Otherwise SOHO, Zimmer, SUITE or, if you want an elegant night, Tiffany.

Wants to predrink? Café Vienna is the best: cheap, full of young people and great music.

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

As already said, Cafè vienna is the best student place. German food for a low low price. Or if you want to try something ethnic, go to Istanbul, in Marktplatz, for some great Turkish food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Mannheim has not so much culture. The castle is of course great to visit, but if you want some culture, take tram n. 1 or a S-bahn from Mannheim Main Station, and travel to Heidelberg (20 km).

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Mannheim?

Enjoy your life there and try to join some Germans in order to have great insider tips!

Oh... and coffee.. ONLY in Café Sammo. The best.