Erasmus Experience in Vienna, Austria by Lisa

Why did you choose to go to Vienna, Austria?

I had previously travelled to Vienna as a tourist and was eager to return and live there, as I was impressed by the high quality of life and enjoyed the atmosphere of the city.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I am working as a British Council Language Assistant at two secondary schools, for which I am paid approximately €1, 400 a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Vienna?

I am unsure, as I do not study at the university, but the campuses I have visited are very impressive and the students WGI are of a high quality.

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

Yes, I would reccommend Vienna to everyone.

What is the food like?

The food is very cosmopolitan with something to suit all dietary needs and cultural preferences. The traditional Austrian Beisls offer homely food in a cosy environment. There is also a great choice for vegetarians.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Vienna?

No, I found my flat on wg-gesucht.de which is free to join and you can contact landlords and roomates for free.

How much does it cost to live in Vienna?

The cost of groceries is approximately the same as the UK. Supermarkets like Hofer offer a cheaper option. Medicine and painkillers are very expensive, so I would advise bringing your own. The touristy first district is expensive but the districts outside the centre are considerably cheaper. Public transport has also a good price, as it is only €1 a day if you buy a yearly ticket.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

It can be hard to find native speakers to practice with, especially if you are not at the university. Language courses are available at the university and there are other courses available in the city, e. g. Deutsch Akademie which has good value for money.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Vienna from your city?

An Easyjet flight from Bristol to Vienna.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Vienna?

I would recommend a pub or a Beisl, e. g. Brezl Gwölb, Bermuda Bräu, Gösser Bierklinik.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Vienna?

Brezl Gwölb (Beisl), Schillinger's Swing Kitchen (vegan), Backwerk (bakery), Ücler Bäckerei (bakery), Pho 84 (Vietnamese), L'Osteria (Italian).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The 1st district has many sights, including the Rathaus, Hofburg, Stephansdom, many museums including Kunsthistorisches, Naturhistorisches. Hundertwasserhaus in the 3rd district, Karlskirche (4th district).

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Vienna in the future?

In my opinion, the best districts to live in are 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th or 18th.

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