Juan's Erasmus Experience in Stuttgart, Germany

Why did you choose to go to Stuttgart, Germany?

It was actually my third option. The idea was that a group of four of us would all go from Tenerife together. Berlin only offered one place, Munich two but Stuttgart (Universität Hohenheim) offered all four of us a place so we went there.

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How long was your scholarship for? How much money did you receive to help with living costs?

We were granted a scholarship for the winter semester which lasted from the beginning of September to the end of March. In our case, we received the money in three instalments, one in October, one in December and then during the last week of our Erasmus. It was a bit chaotic to be honest. The money covered the cost of halls with around €100 extra per month.

How is the student life in Stuttgart?

In terms of the University of Hohenheim campus there is a good atmosphere during term time, like living in a town populated by students. There's also a lot of young people to be found having a good time in the centre of Stuttgart (when we're allowed to haha), especially at night.

Would you recommend Stuttgart as a city and university to other students?

Of course. As a city Stuttgart is very quiet, it's not crazy busy like in Madrid or Barcelona but there's plenty of things to do to keep yourself entertained and have a good time.

How is the food?

Be prepared, it's nothing like in Spain. At the mensa (cafeteria at the university) you'll find food you like to begin with like the traditional 'maultaschen' or 'kartoffeln salat', but eventually you'll be dreaming of your mum's or granny's home-cooked food. The centre of Stuttgart is full of fast food places (Kebab shops, McDonalds etc…) if you want anything other than this you'll have to splash out. The most exquisite food to be found is at the Markthalle, a delicatessen market where you can find foods from across the world (including Spanish ham) to cook at home.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Stuttgart?

Not at all. In my case, I arrived a month before classes started so I could do an intensive German course and I had my accommodation organised three weeks beforehand.

What is the cost of living in Stuttgart?

My halls cost €210 a month including water, electricity and internet and you got a small individual room. I shared a bathroom with one other person and a kitchen between five. I had my own space in the fridge and a shelf for my things, both of which were lockable so that my stuff didn't get stolen (which happens a lot in some halls). It was quite expensive to live in Stuttgart so sometimes you have to tighten your belt. While you wait for your grant look for some good deals on Ryanair and go travelling!

How did you get on the language? Did you attend a course at the university?

We were all quite scared to begin with. I had a basic level of German and average English when I arrived but you'll find the courses you need at the university. When you start the German course in September you'll meet loads of people from different countries so you end up speaking English so that everyone can be understood and German is impossible (but give it a go at least). In the end though you'll end up hanging out with the other Spaniards and South Americans since you'll miss speaking Spanish.

What's the most cost-effective way to get to Stuttgart from your hometown?

I took a low-cost flight from Tenerife to Madrid and from there I caught a Germanwings flight to Stuttgart, which was the cheapest and most convenient way to get there.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Stuttgart?

Each campus has its own party areas, at Hohenheim these were TMS and Gilb and then the kitchens in halls haha. There's plenty places in Stuttgart to have a quiet beer in the evening, for example Mata-hari near to Rathaus. There's also clubs on Theodor-Heuss-Strasse like 7 grad, L'Oasis... there's also Paris Club which holds Erasmus parties and Aer Club. Some places actually treat the Erasmus students better than the Germans but some places they won't let you in unless there are girls with you.

What about eating out in Stuttgart? Can you tell us your favourite places?

It's hard to find anything other than fast food. Somewhere that is expensive but does good deals is La Hacienda, a Mexican restaurant where you can eat well if you know when to go (there's a happy hour at a specific time). It's full at the weekends and many people will sing karaoke (come on don't be shy! ). There's also restaurant which serves CANARIAN FOOD in Bopserstrasse known as La Despensa Canaria. Pretty much everything else is fast food like hamburgers, kebabs and Asian food which can found along the huuuge Königstrasse (main shopping street) and in the building in Schlossplatz square.

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What is there terms of cultural places to visit?

There's loads of places to visit. I'm not crazy about cars but the Mercedes Museum is awesome! Seven floors which take you through the history of Merecedes from the first car to the present day. There's also the Porsche Museum. There's a street which is 1km long, the Königstrasse, which is full of loads of shops. Anyone who likes shopping will love it (I counted 4 separate H&Ms on this street). There's also the famous TV tower, the Fernsehturm, from which you can see the whole city, the Wilhelma (a botanical garden and zoo which is highly recommended). For the football fanatics there's a Real Madrid fan club where they put on matches of the league (not just Madrid) and the Barcelona fans can go too haha, watching the 5-0 match Madrid vs. Barça was great fun. There's some beautiful towns in the outskirts like Esslingen (which has a medieval Christmas market) and Ludwisburg. Remember, ALWAYS take your student card with you since everywhere has student discounts.

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Do you have any advice for students going to Stuttgart in the future?

Enjoy it! Erasmus is a once in a lifetime experience and is to be enjoyed not suffered. Make the most of the time you have. Study and pass your courses but also enjoy the opportunity of being in a great city like Stuttgart in the centre of Europe. P. S. I forgot to mention the Cannstatter Volksfest (like Oktoberfest in Munich) which goes on for a few weeks between September and October and there's also the Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest (Spring Festival) which is held between April and May, they are OBLIGATORY for anyone living in Stuttgart, enjoy the beer!

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