Erasmus Experience in Tübingen, Germany, by Sandra

Why did you choose Tübingen, Germany?

Mostly because I wanted a destination in Germany since I had started learning the language and thought it would be a good opportunity to improve it. In the end I chose Tübingen because, in my personal case, it was close to other cities where people I know live at.

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How long is the exchange? How much money do you receive from the scholarship?

The exchange lasts approximately 9-10 months, although I know people whose stay lasted around 6. The scholarship was around 170 €/month (however, it's not really per month since you're given the whole amount of money at the end of your stay), although here in Tübingen they offer you economic support as well (apart from the grant received from the government), for example there's an economic aid to support the accommodation costs (Wohngeld), whose quantity varies depending on your rent and the amount you receive from the government. I get 164 €/month until the end of my stay.

How is the student environment in Tübingen?

The city is pretty much inhabited by students. It's what you see the most on the school months (when I first arrived in September there was barely half of the students). There is a library which is pretty big for studying and several spots to grab a coffee or a beer. If you are a science student you'll be sent to Morgenstelle Campus, which is situated "at the top of the hill", but it also has its own library and it's very well connected via bus.

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

Definitely yes.

How is the food in the country?

It's not bad. They have some nice stuff: during the Christmas season they serve sweet dishes like Germknödel, then of course you have the sausages, schnitzel, chucrut (which it's an "either you love it or you hate it"), Maultaschen (stuffed pasta)... but the best thing are the pastries.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Tübingen?

Not really. I search on the net of student housings in Tübingen (Studierendenwerk Tübingen-Hohenheim: http://www.my-stuwe.de/) On the webpage you click on Wohne and Tübingen and you will see a lot of offers. I was recommended to apply for Waldhäuser Ost (which is where I am now) because it's where the biggest amount of students are gathered and also a lot of Erasmus students, so it's very easy to meet people. There are some student housings in the city centre as well (Altstadt). I know some people who decided to go for a normal apartment, instead of a student housing, but those tend to be more expensive, specially the closer you are to the city centre.

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How much does it cost to live in Tübingen?

It depends on your rent and how much you spend on food. The people I know pay approximately from 225 to 300 €/month. The cheap supermarkets are Kaufland, Lidl and Aldi, if you don't want to spend a fortune everytime you go shopping. Also at the university canteen you can grab a menu for 2, 80€. Soup is for free. But one thing to keep in mind is that on the first days you will be spending a lot of money on deposits, transportation cards, etc. But it will get easier over time: transportation is payed at the beginning of each semester (Semesterticket: c. 78€) and you can take as many buses around the city as you want, as well as trains and buses to other cities inside the ticket's domain. I don't see many differences in prices compared to my hometown.

How about the language? Did you attend any course at university?

I had already learnt a bit, I had taken a couple of courses prior to my moving here, but some people came without knowing a single word and they had no trouble whatsoever. Also, here you can attend German language courses for 3 or 5 €/semester (yes, 3-5€ in total for 6 months). The best thing to do is probably to befriend some German people who are patient enough to let you practice with them, and if they are interested in learning your mother tongue, even better!

What is the most economic way to reach Tübingen from your city?

Flight to Stuttgart. It's the best option, Stuttgart is one hour away by train, half an hour by bus or taxi. There's a direct bus from Stuttgart's airport to the main bus station of Tübingen. It's true that there are cheaper flights to Memmingen, Baden-Baden or Frankfurt-Hahn, but the connections to Tübingen are much more confusing (you'll have to change trains many times).

What places would you recommend for going out in Tübingen?

Schwarze Shaft, Kuckuck (if you end up living in Waldhäuser Ost).

And for eating in Tübingen? Could you name your favourite places?

Neckarmüller, Unkel, and the noodle boxes next to the river.

And some cultural sites?

The old town is very beautiful.

Any advice you would give to future students going to Tübingen?

If you have already decided on coming here, you are going to have a great time. Take advantage of the fact that you are in the middle of Europe to travel, discover Germany. I would highly recommend visiting the villages around and not being afraid of meeting new people, although they don't speak your language (most of them will know English) because in the end it's what you will remember most.