Erasmus Experience in Siegen, Germany by Yacine

Why did you chose to go to Siegen, Germany?

I chose to go to Siegen, first of all to improve my level of German, but also because it was one of the cities I was the most attracted to between the ones my university had exchange agreements with. Before leaving, I contacted the International Office in Siegen and I received a call from them giving me information about the city, the university and the activities that they organize every start of each semester for the foreign students ("orientation weeks"). Their call convinced me, so I made the final decision to do my Erasmus placement in Siegen.

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How long is your stay? How much money do you received from loans or grants?

At first, I went for 6 months and I had access to a regional grant of 400 euros per month as well as the European Commission grant of 150 euros a month. However, after the first few months of my arrival, I decided to extend my stay to a year so I am not sure yet if I will have any financial aid for the second semester.

How is the student atmosphere in Siegen?

The city of Siegen offers a vibrant atmosphere for students. There are many bars, cafes and clubs that many students go to. And, of course, the parties organized by the students! If you're ever bored there's always the option of going to the cities of Bundesland, Cologne, Dusseldorf and Aix-la-Chapelle with the help of the blessed Semesterticket which allows you to travel for free with local transport around the entire region.

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Would you recommend the city and the university of Siegen to other students?

Yes, I would strongly recommend it. It might be a rather small city, but it's filled with students and the cost of living is quite low in comparison to other cities or countries, especially in comparison to French cities!

The university offers multiple training possibilities with a broad choice of lessons in many different fields such as linguistics, economics, cultural, scientific...

The staff of the International Office is really nice.

How is the food in Germany?

The food here is good. I haven't had much chances to try the local specialties apart from a few types of bread that I find really good, as well as the famous schnitzel that you find in pretty much all the restaurants in the country. However, in Siegen, you can find restaurants with a very broad choice of international cuisines: Chinese, Japanese, Turkish, Italian, Arabic, Vietnamese as well as more "wordly" specialties such as burgers, fries, etc.

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The prices are very affordable!

Did you struggle finding accommodation in Siege?

No, I got in touch with a student accommodation centre (that was not part of the university) and I heard back from them 3 or 4 days later. This being said, I don’t know if all students got as lucky as I did.

What is the cost of living in Siegen?

Lower than in France, lower than in most German student cities. The rent varies between 200 and 240 euros. The food is quite cheap (3 euros for a kebab sandwich and the same price for a pot of Chinese noodles). To go food shopping, there is nothing better than going to LIDL!

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How is the learning of the language going? Have you attend any courses organised by the university?

I have been studying German since I was 7 and am still struggling to speak it well. I actually came here to get better at it. One advice, come alone or with someone who does not share the same native language as you. One thing that I think is a shame is that many students here speak English which goes against my goal of learning German.

Yes I’m actually going to some German courses organised by the language centre of the university.

What is the cheapest way to get to Siegen from your city?

I came by car. However, you can take the Thalys from Lille which goes to Cologne and then take a regional train or even a bus (use the company Meinfernbus.de) which will bring you to Siegen.

An even a cheaper way to get there for those who live close to the Belgian border, or even in Belgium itself, is by taking a train from any Belgian station to Aix-la-Chapelle, with the offer “To Aachen for people under 26” one way costs 7. 80€. Once you get to Aix-la-Chapelle, you can take a train directly to Siegen.

What places would you recommend going to to party in Siegen?

Plan B.

And for food in Siegen, what are you favourite places?

City Buffet (delicious), Big Potato, Mr King, Das. Naschwerk (their pastries are excellent), Culinasia, Sushi Bar, Bar Celona, ExtraBlatt, and a lot more restaurants of which I cannot remember the name but which you will find in the City Galérie.

And what cultural visits would you recommend?

The Apollo theatre, the Gegenwartkunst Museum. You can also use your Semesterticket to go to Cologne and any other city in the region. A lot of things are waiting for you!

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Any advice for future students in Siegen?

Was ist schlimmer als Verlieren? Siegen!