Experience in Münster, Germany by Alejandro S.

What is it like to live in Münster? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Living in Münster is an experience that can barely be compared with living in any other city in Germany. It is one of the safest and cleanest cities (if not the most) in Germany and probably in Europe. Also known as "The City of Bikes" since most of the people use their bicycle as a main means of transport. It provides a well-developed bicycle infrastructure that makes cycling comfortable and safe.

Münster has a long Catholic tradition, but it also has approximately 55. 000 students, which keeps the city’s atmosphere fresh. The city centre is one of the most beautiful centres in Germany since the city was reconstructed after World War II. Many features include the beautiful architecture, optimum population, cafés and bars, universities, a beautiful relaxing lakeside which is good for barbecue especially in sunny days, sports & cultural activities and a promenade and great environment which makes Münster an essential city that you should definitely visit.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Münster?

Münster has many different types of universities and a wide range of studies which might be one of the most convincing reasons to study in Münster for thousands of students. There are many events and parties offered in the city and you can communicate with new people. Furthermore, Erasmus and exchange students are in every organisation, hence the city becomes more international and attractive. Besides, students can use local transports for free with their student ID.

How much does it cost to live in Münster?

Living in Münster is quite affordable for students. The cost of student accommodation may vary between 250€ and 350€. Also, living in a shared flat (In German Wohngemeinschaft or WG) is very common and, may cost between 180-400€ with utilities included. Supermarkets are everywhere with good prices such as Lidl, Aldi or Netto and for more expensive, such as Rewe (closes at 24 am) or Edeka. Prices are sometimes even cheaper than prices in other countries, such as Spain. Besides, there are second-hand markets that provide very cheap furniture, clothes, bikes and so on. A second-hand bike may cost between 60€ and 200€. However, I recommend you to post your demand on any Facebook Erasmus group and talk with other students as they are always willing to do good and cheap business.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Münster? Is there any advice you can give?

In general, it is said that finding accommodation in Münster is pretty difficult. However, this is related to the length of term of the rental. If you are an exchange student and looking for 6-12 month accommodation; in my opinion, it may not be that difficult. The best you can do is apply for a residence. wg-gesucht.de (it is also in English) and look for WG’s (shared flats). As German people go abroad very often, it is very common to leave their room for a few months while renting it to someone else (Zwischenmiete). My advice is to go to that website, create a profile with an announcement (to make the announcement in German may ease the process, just in case), upload one or a few decent pictures and start messaging people. If you are abroad, you might talk on Skype with the lessor and visit the apartment when you arrive in Münster.

Usually, there are many people who are looking for a flat/room in Münster. In that case, you should try not to be late for starting the process. Also, you should consider that Münster is not that big and you can reach any place easily on a bike in about 15 minutes. Be friendly, open, and flexible.

Even though Germany is known as a safe country, some people might may take advantage of a foreigner and ask you to pay in order to send you the keys, without showing the flat. You should be careful about that.

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What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Eating at a Mensa(school cafeteria) and at any place in the city is quite affordable. You can find a range of dishes and vegetarian food as well. However, if you're looking for something typical, you may like to go to the market (open Wednesdays and Saturdays until 3 pm in Domplatz, the central square next to the cathedral), where you can find Flammkuchen, fried fish or sweets like Waffle. There are nice international restaurants like La Costanera (Perú), Tapa Tapa (Spanish), Vapiano (a nice chain of Italian-food restaurants), El Bodegón (Spanish) and other locals like Pinkus (very nice place, good food and very good beer), Cavete (modern atmosphere where you can drink and eat) or Biergarten next to the lake Aasee.

What places would you recommend visiting in Münster?

In the city centre you should definitely take a walk and visit the dom or cathedral, Lamberti Kirche, Überwasserkirche, Schlossplatz (the castle), as well as the park behind the castle. And of course take a walk through the promenade, at the lake Aasee and at Hafen (the industrial port), where there are several nice restaurants and cocktail bars. Also, visit the Kanal, where you can have a barbecue. Swimming is also allowed although it's not very clean.

Is the nightlife good in Münster? Where is good to go?

Nightlife is pretty good in Münster. It has many clubs and bars in the centre, as well as clubs in the area behind the station and next to Hafen which close long after than the bars in the centre (at 6 am, sometimes even later). To start I'd recommend you to go any bar in Kreuzstrasse, such as Blau Haus, Cavete, Pinkus, Himmel and Hölle. Also, good bars are in Judefelderstrasse, such as Gorilla Bar or Davidwache. If you like Schlager (typical German music for Karneval and Oktoberfest), there is a typical bar which is called Bullenkopp at the centre, next to Lamberti Kirche. And there is a famous club, it is called Schwarze Schaf, right next to Bullenkopp as well as Elephant Lounge (A tequila shot and Long Island is very cheap on Thursdays). Clubs, which close late at night are Eule, Cuba Nova, and at Hafen (a bit posh). If you like electronic music, Sputnik Halle, Fusion and Amp are a good choice.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Münster?

Plan accommodation a couple of months in advance, the sooner the better! Try to learn some German before you go there, it really helps to find a room and to integrate yourself better. Even though most of the students speak English very well, non-students might not, especially those who are working in administration position. Don't worry if you can’t find a flat in the city centre. Everyone has a bike and you can easily reach any place in max. 15 minutes with a bike. Forget about the bad weather, it is Münster! Buy an umbrella, a raincoat and enjoy Münster! By the way, if you are there in the Summer or during the Spring Semester, you'll have chance to enjoy some evenings at the Aasee or at the Kanal where you can swim and barbecue.