Study in Braunschweig

Facts

249,406 Inhabitants ¹

19,593 Students ²

2 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO BRAUNSCHWEIG

The residents of Braunschweig are proud of their city. With its medieval-style downtown, it is widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in Germany. But Braunschweig is also home to international, cutting-edge companies. The city is full of contrasts. One example is the castle which has a shopping centre integrated inside. This combination of modernity and tradition attracts an increasing number of students to the city. Having so many young people makes Braunschweig extremely vibrant.

There are many places worth visiting downtown. For instance, Burg Dankwerode and the Braunschweig cathedral are two impressive buildings situated right next to modern stores and shops. On the Kohlmarkt, you can see why residents of Braunschweig are so proud of their city – classy cafés and well-known chain stores are integrated in the medieval half-timbered houses. The oldest parts of the city date back to the early ninth century.

The Oker River makes a detour around the downtown in the truest sense of the word. Boats constantly take tourists up and down the river so they can enjoy a view of the city from the water. The residents of Braunschweig take advantage of the quiet river for one of their favourite pastimes – canoeing.

But students aren’t only attracted to Braunschweig because of its interesting architecture. The TU Braunschweig is the oldest technical university in Germany. A number of well-known corporations operate in Braunschweig and the surrounding region, e.g. Volkswagen, Siemens and the fashion company New Yorker.

Interview

SAMI FROM THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

INTERVIEW WITH SAMI FROM THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

Sami Mustafa is 20 years old and is studying for his State Examination in Pharmacy at the TU Braunschweig.

What made you decide to study in Braunschweig?

I’ve always dreamt of studying in Germany. I’m fascinated by this country, and even when I was small, I was sure that I’d live and study here someday. The degree programme is top-rate and the quality is recognised around the world. And it’s only a four-and-a-half-hour flight away from home, which is important for my parents and me. I would have been interested in the United States, but the continent is simply too far away and the cost of education is too expensive.

What do you like best about Braunschweig?

It’s very easy to enjoy your free time. I like playing sports and going to the gym or playing football in the park. Sometimes I go swimming. And if I want to relax, I take a walk around the lakes around Braunschweig. The nature here is truly fantastic.

Do you think that Braunschweig is a good place for international students to study?

Braunschweig is neither too big nor too small. Within just a few days, you can discover the city – it doesn’t overwhelm you like or . The courses here are excellent and the professors show a great deal of understanding toward international students. They support you and help you if you need them.

Did you experience any trouble preparing for your visit in the beginning?

Yes, applying for the visa was a difficult process. First I had to provide proof I had the necessary financial resources, and then I had to take a 140-hour language course. That took me about seven to eight months even before I could come to Germany.

Did you have any problems getting started in Braunschweig?

I think the language barrier was my biggest problem. Sure, the language course I had to take helped me a lot. But it’s a totally different thing speaking a foreign language in class or in real life. And not everyone speaks English here, which meant I really had to improve my German. But now the difficulties are passing.

What surprised you most about living in Braunschweig?

For me, the traffic here is really unusual. I had never taken a tram before! It’s a great way of getting from point A to B. I also discovered the benefits of bike-riding. Braunschweig is a flat city with no hills, so it’s relaxing and really fun to ride your bike.

What do you plan to do after you’ve finished studying? Would you like to stay in Germany?

Absolutely! I’d like to start working in Germany after my studies and stay for a few years. I really like it here and the education is great!

How would you describe your stay in Germany so far?

Studying in Germany is wonderful for me, but also difficult. If you want to succeed here, you have to work hard. And if you do, it’s possible. And the Germans are much nicer than they’re reputed to be!

LIVING IN BRAUNSCHWEIG

With its medieval downtown district, Braunschweig is keenly aware of its history and tradition, but that doesn’t mean the city is quiet. Student life in Braunschweig is very diverse and international.

The city has a rich cultural scene. The is the oldest museum in Germany and is known for its extensive art-historical collection of works by Vermeer and Rubens. You should also pay a visit to the , where you can learn more about the history of the city. Theatre lovers especially enjoy the performances at the , which provides a venue for young, talented actors from the region.

During the summer, you can go on an outing to the “Südsee” (South Sea). You can relax in the park and cool off in the lake.

There’s an active nightlife in Braunschweig which will take your mind off the everyday stress your higher education institutions. There are three places in town where lots of bars and clubs are packed together. You can start your evening in the Magni district.

Links

After that, head over to what they call the “Cult Quarter” where legendary parties regularly take place for no or just a small entrance fee. If you want to have a drink with friends after a lecture, you might want to check out the Eastern Ring District where you’ll find a number of pubs on Blütenweg.

How to find a room in Braunschweig

Many university and college towns have dormitories or student halls, and a room there is often the most affordable accommodation. To obtain a room in a dormitory or student hall, you have to apply to your college or university’s student union (). Our ‘Find Student Hall’ function can be of practical help. You only need to make a few mouse clicks to get to the online application form. Find a room and more information about dormitories and student halls in Braunschweig.