Erasmus Experience in Wiener Neustadt, Austria by Gaia

Why did you choose to go to Wiener Neustadt, Austria?

I wanted to improve my German language, that I have started to learn two years ago, so I have decided to apply for an Erasmus period in a partner University of a German speaking country. Wiener Neustadt was the closest and cheapest option, and has an excellent Fachhochscule

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

The exchange semester lasted from the 27th of August to the 15th of December 2018, and the scolarship provided by my home University was of 250 euros per month

What is the student lifestyle like in Wiener Neustadt?

If you are an exchange student, it is more than likely that you'll end up living in the grey WIHAST dorm, 5 minutes by foot from the University. You'll meet all the regular students and you'll live with the other exhangers, who have always been very welcoming and open-minded, so there are good chances to have fantastic leisure time as well as parties

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

The Fachhochschule itself was very good and both the teachers and the International Office staff were very responsive and capable. Wiener Neustadt, on the other hand, is a little town with a few interesting spots, but it is poorly connected via public transport: I would suggest to bring your car to anyone who'll be coming here from other European countries

What is the food like?

As an Italian, the food in Austria did not impress me so much, and the cost of grocery shopping was definitely on the higher end for my pockets. However, I wouldn't say it was terrible, and by knowing where to shop you'll certainly find something that satisfies your taste

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Wiener Neustadt?

No, the International Office of the FHWN will do the job for you and put you through the WIHAST dorm manager

How much does it cost to live in Wiener Neustadt?

Considering accomodation expenses, food, school and free time activities, I would suggest to save up 800/900 euros per month. This amount is very personal, though, and I am sure it can be reduced to 500/600 euros a month with good budgeting

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

German is not an easy language to learn, but the University offers courses for every level of knowledge, from A1 to C1. There are also Conversation courses and the everyday life with Austrian people will make it easier for you to get a grip of the language

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

From Torino, the easiest and most economical way to reach Wiener Neustadt would be to reach the Milano Malpensa airport, fly to Vienna's airport, catch a RJ train to Wiener Neustadt from the Flughafen station and a taxi to the dorms. If you come here at the beginning of the semester, however, I would suggest to come by car, so that you can bring everything from home and also have the car here

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

The go spots for the exchange students are the Orange Bar, the Rockbar and the Cocktail Lounge in the centre

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Wiener Neustadt?

We went out to eat few times, mainly at Michita - Japanese Restaurant - or at Instanbul Kebap Haus. We mainly ordered takeout, so I would suggest to download Lieferservice.at on your phone

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The most notable cultural sites in Wiener Neustadt are the late-Romanesque Dom, the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt's Castle and the medieval walls

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

I would suggest to be open-minded, adaptable and use this opportunity to visit the neighbouring countries of Austria: you will have quite some free time as an exchange student at the Fachhochschule, so try to make time to visit München, Budapest, Prague and Graz or Salzburg! They'll be worth the visit