Erasmus experience in Vienna, Austria

Why did you choose Vienna, Austria?

I wanted to improve my German, but the universities in Germany were too northern, so I decided on Austria.

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How long was your scholarship? How much grant money did you receive?

I receive 5 monthly instalments of €300 each. This is not enough as Vienna is a very, very expensive city. With the grant I can only pay for a little more than half of my rent.

How's student life in Vienna?

Bearing in mind that the majority of Austrians who live in the suburbs go to Vienna to study, and normally students from neighbouring countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia etc. ) decide to come study there too, so the student life in Vienna is unbeatable.

Besides, if you're there on exchange or not, you'll always find a bunch of events for students which you can sign up for every week.

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

It's very recommendable! I don't study at the university campuses in the city centre, but I live in this area and the public transport connections are incomparable. It's a lovely city, full of museums for all tastes (modern art, palaces, art history etc. ). Also, it's a relaxing city, it's not overwhelming living in the centre. It's easy to travel to neighbouring countries by bus or train.

That being said, I do think it's quite expensive to live there.

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What’s the food like in Austria?

Considering the prices, I didn't go out to each much at local restaurants. "Schnitzel" is quite common here, it's battered meat, and "Goulash" which is a kind of stew.

The cafes are quite traditional, especially if you get some kind of muffin with your coffee or hot chocolate, "Sachertorte" is quite typical here.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Vienna?

Not at all. As my Erasmus was only going to be 5 months I knew for certain that I wanted to live in halls. My university suggested searching with the company WIHAST, but they did not give me the rooms I wanted (the others were too far from my university). So I used another company called OeAD, the rooms are more expensive but you don't have to buy anything, the kitchens are all equipped and the rooms furnished. You choose by order of reference, you pay a deposit and you have a room three days later.

What's the cost of living in Vienna?

More than €800 a month... this allows for your monthly rent, groceries, travelling, emergencies, etc.

How was the language? Did you attend any courses at the university?

I took a German course for international students at my university, which was definitely not enough to learn the language, as it was only 2 hours a week.

When I first arrived in Vienna my German level was already B1, so I wasn't starting from scratch. However, I suggest, if you don't take any courses at the university, or if you have my experience and find that the course is insufficient, going on Facebook where there are many "Tandem" pages for language exchange with other people. It's a cheap and fun way to learn languages and also meet new people.

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What’s the cheapest way to get to Vienna from your city?

I'm from Mallorca, so I had to go by plane, there's no other option.

Where are the best places to go out in Vienna?

I usually go out when there's an event organised for Erasmus students, normally at "The Loft" or "Ride Club".

When we went out by ourselves, we used to look for new clubs such as "Lutz", "Volksgarten", "Prater Dom" etc.

Regardless of my opinion, it really depends on the music and vibe you prefer. Although, if you go to Vienna and you like to party, you should try all the clubs.

And eating out in Vienna? What are your favourite places?

As I've already said, I haven't gone to many restaurants due to the prices. Although, based on quality and quantity a place I'd recommend is "Schnitzelwirt". You should definitely go there at least once if you want to sample the traditional Schnitzel or any kind of platter. Click here for their website.

And for a cultural visit?

Everything. The Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces, the art history and natural history museums, the National Library, the Schnapsmuseum, the opera houses and theatres. Go to Salzburg, Prague, Bratislava etc.

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Any advice you want to give to future students going to Vienna?

Some knowledge of German is useful, everyone speaks English there, but they'll treat you better if you speak to them in the official language.

Visit and enjoy everything you can, Vienna is a wonderful city, especially in Spring! Sign up for everything that catches your interest, so you don't have any regrets later! Speak with the people, learn, party and travel! Travel a lot!