Study in Fulda

Facts

68,635 Inhabitants ¹

9,727 Students ²

2 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO FULDA

Fulda is a quiet and very pretty town with lots of half-timbered buildings. It’s not far from and . The town is named after the Fulda River and is surrounded by the Rhön Mountains and Vogelsberg.

Fulda benefits greatly from its proximity to the Rhine-Main region. There are many people who commute to work to Frankfurt or Würzburg every day because the Fulda train station is one of those at which the Intercity Express trains (ICE) stop.

There are numerous companies which operate in Fulda itself. One of the important employers in the region is “Fulda Reifen”, a well-known tyre company in Germany. The main headquarters of the food retailer “tegut” are also situated in Fulda.

The tourist attractions downtown include and the Baroque with its gorgeous . At the intersection at Kanalstrasse not far from the cathedral square, you’ll discover a fourteen-metre tower called the Hexenturm (Witch’s Tower). It once belonged to Fulda’s medieval city walls many centuries ago.

The atop the hill to the north is also worth a visit. Franciscan monks moved into the premises in 1623. Today the former monastery is used as a hotel.

Interview

RACHEL FROM THE UNITED STATES

INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL FROM THE UNITED STATES

Rachel Steinhaus is 25 years old and is enrolled in the master’s degree programme Intercultural Communication and European Studies (ICEUS) at the University of Applied Sciences in Fulda.

Why did you decide to study in Fulda?

The degree programme appealed to me. The chance to study both communication and political aspects is something you don’t find everywhere. The programme is also bilingual, which I liked.

How did you prepare for your stay in Germany?

I had already spent a semester abroad in Germany during my bachelor’s programme, so the culture shock wasn’t so big. But I did do a little research about Fulda and took care of all the paperwork in advance. I also joined a German “Stammtisch” in Baltimore (USA) to get some practice speaking.

How do you finance your studies and living expenses in Germany?

I pay for my studies myself. After I got my bachelor’s, I worked for a year and saved up to do my master’s. Here in Fulda I work two part-time jobs – as a tutor at the International Office here at the university and as a student assistant in the library.

What surprised you most about life in Fulda?

How many people I know in Fulda. I can hardly walk down the streets in town without running into someone I know! I also didn’t realise that there are so many international students in Fulda. Over ten percent of all students come from abroad.

Why is Fulda a good place to study?

Even though it’s a small city, it’s doesn’t get boring here. Some special events include the Honky Tonk Festival and the University Days. And there’s a lot going on here on campus – film evenings, parties and various events organised by the faculty council.

What’s the best way of coming in contact with other students?

It’s a bit difficult to make contact with students in other departments here. You have to make an effort. I got involved pretty intensively – I sing in the university chorus, work as a student representative in my faculty, and through my jobs, I’ve met international students who have recently arrived. Many German students come from the vicinity of Fulda, which is why the town empties out a bit during the semester breaks and holidays. The excursions offered by the International Office are not only a good way of getting to know Germany better, but other students as well!

LIVING IN FULDA

If you’re looking for a room in Fulda, we recommend checking out the Wohnbörse and speaking with the staff at the International Office. There are an abundance of offers available on the market. Fulda is relatively small which makes it easy to meet other students and become well-acquainted with your professors. Tandem language partners can help lessen your fear of speaking in German and are interested in getting practice in speaking your native language.

If you’re more into sports, the (partly open to all students in town) offers you plenty of ways to exercise at a low cost. Every semester, you have the chance to try out something new – acrobatics, functional training – you name it! The organisers are always looking for course instructors, so if you have expertise in a certain sport, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash.

Links

The outside of campus is where students in Fulda meet in the evenings. Additionally, you can enjoy an open-air summer cinema in the „Museumshof“.

How to find a room in Fulda

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 Fulda.