Study in Göttingen

Facts

118,911 Inhabitants ¹

33,737 Students ²

2 Higher education institutions ²

WELCOME TO GÖTTINGEN

Busy, full of students and conscious of tradition – that would sum up Göttingen in a nutshell. In the winding streets of the historic city centre among half-timbered buildings, students meet in modern pubs or have barbecues together in public parks. This vibrant atmosphere is what makes Göttingen so popular with students. They receive excellent instruction at the higher education institutions and then go out with friends downtown.

Göttingen is a very green city. It contains three large parks, the best-known and most beautiful of which is the . After final exams, students like to go there to hang out and relax in nature. There’s also a lot to see downtown, such as the Göttingen Gänseliesel, the city’s famous landmark. Officially, it’s forbidden to kiss the lady’s statue, but the city makes an exception for newly qualified PhDs.

You can find many restaurants and pubs downtown. Or take a walk through Göttingen’s eastside and marvel at the magnificent old houses there. You should definitely see the Bismarck Tower! Many residents will tell you that you can only call yourself a “Göttinger” once you have climbed the tower.

Interview

EMMA FROM IRELAND

INTERVIEW WITH EMMA FROM IRELAND

Emma from Ireland is 21 years old and studies Law at the University of Göttingen.

Why did you decide to study in Göttingen?

I decided to study in Germany because I wanted to learn the language. As a country, I find Germany quite appealing and I was very much interested in its culture. I ended up in Göttingen because of my brother and fellow students. They raved about the town, the university, but also the pleasant lifestyle here.

Did you have problems getting accustomed to Göttingen in the beginning?

The language was the biggest difficulty for me. Göttingen is very international and lots of people can speak English. Sometimes people don’t even attempt to speak German with me, but go straight into English. But I just keep speaking German undeterred. That helps.

Was it hard for you to find a place to live?

I talked with my professor in Ireland. He helped me apply for a room in a student hall of residence.

Do you have any advice for international students who are looking for accommodation?

With what I know now, I’d recommend taking a private accommodation. You can find places on the Internet or here at the university on the “Schwarzes Brett” (notice board). If you live in a WG (flat-share) with Germans, you have to speak German. In an international student hall of residence, there’s no real incentive to speak German.

What surprised you most about living in Göttingen?

Göttingen is better than I expected. I thought life here would be very conservative and that people would be nerdy and boring. But I’m having so much fun here and especially love the nightlife. Not only are there unusual events for students like gay parties, but you can celebrate outdoors, barbecue and drink alcohol. Totally unimaginable in Ireland!

Would you like to return to Germany after your studies?

That would be my absolute dream! I haven’t really thought about whether I’d like to get my master’s or start working right away. But I’m quite open to Germany.

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

Definitely! The courses are amazing and professors take care of their students and get involved. I’ve never discussed so many and such interesting topics with my professors as I’ve done here. And Göttingen is fantastic in terms of location. You can go on many excursions and travel very easily to destinations all over Germany from here. A day trip to or ? No problem from Göttingen.

What advice do you have for international students who want to come in contact with Germans?

Definitely play sport, ideally a team sport like volleyball, football or basketball. You can quickly strike up conversation with the locals and make new friends. Of course, student parties are great for meeting people too.

How would you describe your stay in Germany?

Studying in Germany has been a fantastic experience which has allowed me to make friends with people from around the world.

LIVING IN GÖTTINGEN

Student residents of Göttingen know best how to combine academics with pleasure. You’ll often meet students on campus reading books in the sunshine or who, after passing a test, get out the grill and enjoy the rest of the day with their friends.

Cars are taboo with most students. The traffic is mainly comprised of bicycles. Sometimes people have problems finding a parking space for their bike! But then again, it’s the easiest way to get from Point A to Point B. What’s more, public transportation is expensive, which makes cycling an affordable and healthy alternative. Speaking of exercise, the inhabitants of Göttingen love sports. You see them jogging around the city walls, taking bike tours, hiking or skiing in the Harz Mountains.

Links

Culture is a “big deal” in Göttingen – in other words, it’s everywhere. Whether you like jazz or theatre, you’re sure to find it there. The „Deutsches Theater“ offers an extraordinary programme which is very popular among students. The „Göttingen Symphonic Orchestra“ is also visited by many students and offers an English programme. If you like non-mainstream films, then you ought to check out what’s showing at independent cinemas.

After the show, there are plenty of bars and pubs where you can meet up with friends, enjoy music or beer or experience a typical student party.

How to find a room in Göttingen

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 Göttingen.